NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Kino Blu-ray (February 2023): Kino have transferred Frank Lloyd's If I Were King to Blu-ray. It is cited as being from a "Brand New 2K Master". Aside from a vertical scratches down the left edge - that loses prominence as the film rolls but does surface occasionally - the 1080P image quality is quite good with visible , consistent grain textures and decently layered contrast with a few fluctuations. I enjoyed my HD presentation.

NOTE: We have added 58 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Kino use a DTS-HD Master dual-mono track (24bit) in the original English language. If I Were King has some physical conflicts - swords, battle scenes (900 extras!) etc. The score was by Richard Hageman (John Ford's She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, Wagon Master, 3 Godfathers, Fort Apache etc.) was nominated for an Academy Award - sounding clean and supportive in the lossless transfer. Dialogue can be moderately hollow - a function of the production limitations. Kino offer optional English subtitles on their Region 'A' Blu-ray.

The Kino Blu-ray offers a new commentary by Film Historian and Writer Julie Kirgo. She discusses Frank Lloyd - favorite director of Preston Sturges, who wrote this screenplay, Ronald Colman and his wonderful voice / accent, the history of the medieval poet François Villon, Basil Rathbone, Frances Dee (I Walked With A Zombie), Ellen Drew, Alma Lloyd (director's daughter), Sidney Toler, the many character actors involved with If I Were King, costume designer Edith Head and much more regarding the production, era etc. It is worth indulging - I love to hear her talk about film with such keen passion. There are also trailers plus one for If I Were King.

Frank Lloyd's If I Were King is an extremely well made film - notably the screenplay adaptation by Preston Sturges from Justin Huntly McCarthy's 1901 play and novel (first adapted in 1920 as a silent film.) Dialogue is brilliant and Sturges' final screenplay included his own original translations (yes, he spoke fluent French) of some of medieval poet François Villon's poems. If I Were King is a delightful film with a strong cast, strong production values and gorgeous sets - the French government cooperated by allowing a replica to be made of the Louvre Palace throne. The Kino Blu-ray offers the film in a pleasing 1080P presentation of a superb vintage effort with a rewarding optional commentary. Absolutely recommended!

Gary Tooze