The African Queen (1951) RESTORATION UPDATE

The greatest adventure a man ever lived…with a woman!

We know everyone is excited about the upcoming release of The African Queen on Tuesday, March 23. Widely acclaimed as one of the greater films of all time, it remains (at least until Tuesday) as the only title in AFI’s top 100 films of all time not to be available on DVD, much less bluray. And Tuesday we get both.

Below is a short eight minute piece direct from Paramount detailing the restoration efforts and some explanation on the delay of the release of this title. It includes some great commentary from Martin Scorsese as well plus some fairly dramatic before and after clips of both the video and audio sides of the restoration.

Now isn’t the place for a detailed review of the release, but all even casual fans should rush to purchase this title. There is more than enough time to discuss this great film later. The release includes a nice package of extras including several newly produced materials. Also included is a reproduction of Katharine Hepburn’s out-of-print published memoir: The Making of The African Queen or How I Went to Africa with Bogart, Bacall and Huston and Almost Lost My Mind.

EXTREMELY highly recommended.