Continuing the fan-favorite and award-winning series — and as part of the upcoming 100th anniversary of Columbia Pictures — Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is proud to debut six more beloved films from its library on 4K Ultra HD™ disc for the first time ever, exclusively within the “Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD™ Collection Volume 4.”
Columbia Classics presents six enduring motion pictures for the first time on 4K Ultra HD™, including “His Girl Friday,” “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” “Kramer vs. Kramer,” “Starman,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” and “Punch-Drunk Love.” With production dates spanning 70 years, this ensemble’s range of romance and drama is extensive.
Starting with the 1940 release of “His Girl Friday,” the classic film stars Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell in a screwball comedy based on the 1928 play by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur and directed by Howard Hawks. Initially, the plot centered around two men trying to save the life of a man scheduled to be executed the next day, made possible by the machinations of a crooked mayor and sheriff. Hawks proposed changing the second lead character to a woman instead of a man, which gives the proceedings a kick it wouldn’t otherwise possess.
“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” marked the ninth and final onscreen pairing of Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn. Principal photography was completed only 17 days before Tracy’s death. The plot focuses on the recent engagement of Matt and Christina Drayton’s daughter Joanna (Katherine Houghton) to a black widower named John Prentice (Sidney Poitier). John’s parents, played by Roy Glenn and Beah Richards, are initially among the least supportive of the prospective union when the families first meet for dinner. Somewhat controversial because of state laws still on the books banning interracial marriage, the Supreme Court struck them down just months prior to its release. Directed and produced by Stanley Kramer, the motion picture makes no bones about where it stands on the issues raised, most of which are now firmly ensconced into mainstream culture.
Arriving at theaters in 1979, “Kramer vs. Kramer” stars Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Jane Alexander, and Justin Henry, becoming the year’s top-grossing movie. Directed and adapted to the screen by Robert Benton, the film is based on the novel by Avery Corman and won Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Hoffman), Best Supporting Actress (Streep), and Best Adapted Screenplay. The strongest aspects of the narrative concern male parental rights and their evolving nature. Facing legal battles over custody, Hoffman’s character is unexpectedly fired and must land a new job in less than a day to have any hope of prevailing in court – making for one of the more memorable scenes in the picture. A powerful drama that frequently tugs at the heartstrings, “Kramer vs. Kramer” represents a fine piece of social commentary in America.
“Starman” takes romance with an alien in a fresh direction. Starring Jeff Bridges – who garnered his first Best Actor nomination – and Karen Allen, the movie deals with a stranded alien confronting a widow still grieving the recent death of her husband. Bridges’ title character is able to use the dead husband’s DNA to create a perfect replica, though childlike in demeanor. Directed by John Carpenter, “Starman” successfully combines science fiction, romance, and action into a compelling feature.
Loosely based on 1957’s “An Affair to Remember,” “Sleepless in Seattle” displays the formidable chemistry between Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, even though the pair share only two scenes together for about two minutes of screen time. The film is one of the most successful and beloved romantic comedies in box office history. For viewers who might wish to see Hanks and Ryan onscreen together longer, “You’ve Got Mail”—also co-written and directed by Nora Ephron—offers a loose remake of sorts.
“Punch-Drunk Love,” starring Adam Sandler as Barry Egan, constitutes the most offbeat of the six selections. Written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the film retains the quirky nature of his previous outings. From the business that Egan runs selling themed toilet plungers to the quest for airline miles from pudding purchases to his travails with a phone-sex service – all framed around a budding romance with Lena Leonard (Emily Watson), the plot meanders agreeably enough across its 90-minute runtime. “Punch-Drunk Love” offered Sandler a breakout role, enabling him to take on parts significantly different from his more conventional comedies.
The video and sound quality of the collection are impressive. The package includes an 80-page full-color book that boasts rare photos and insightful histories for each movie. With 30 hours of special features that include a mix of archival materials and new content, “Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD™ Collection Volume 4” continues to provide high-quality content that movie lovers will undoubtedly appreciate.
Now available in a 100th Anniversary 4K Ultra HD™ Box Set
