Jumbo is a mighty talented elephant. It’s also the ideal word to describe this big-time, big-top extravaganza bursting with laughter and love, sang and dance, circus stunts and star power. Radiant Doris Day sings beloved Rodgers and Hart tunes and does her own horseback riding tricks in a razzle-dazzle musical based on Billy Rose’s stage spectacular and featuring circus sequences directed by Busby Berkeley. The story revolves around a circus owner (Jimmy Durante, star of the 1935 Broadway original) with only two real attractions: his daughter (Day) and popular pachyderm Jumbo. Three-ring pandemonium breaks out when a handsome rival (Stephen Boyd) infiltrates the circus, and father, daughter and Dad’s wise-cracking fiance (Martha Raye) are suddenly at risk of losing the greatest show on earth!

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Video Quality

Warner Archive brought Jumbo to Blu-Ray with a fetching 1080p master transfer in 2.35:1 when it was released in 2013 remastered from unknown origins. Even near the beginning of its Blu-Ray output, Warner Archive always put the utmost care into what it brought to consumers. The film delights in dazzling colors with vivid costumes and circus production design that beams off the screen. Even when you judge by modern standards, this transfer still earns top marks.

Compression artifacts, banding, and other such issues do not emerge as an issue in this transfer. This is a transfer that delivers great detail and clarity. This is thanks in part to the preservation of the natural film grain which allows the picture to thrive. Highlights stay firm during the runtime and black levels are largely deep and stable. The film is virtually flawless with no serious instances of damage or dirt detected here. Any brief instances of softness such as optical transitions appear to be source-related rather than anything deficient in the transfer itself. Warner Archive can always be counted on to deliver something first-rate for fans.

Audio Quality

The Blu-Ray comes with a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track that is lush and free of major shortcomings. There is no notable age-related wear and tear to the track such as hissing, dropouts, or popping. Dialogue and background noises remain balanced alongside the music. Dialogue comes through crisp and clear with no elements stealing focus from the exchanges. The more bustling moments during the act are handled well and give the track a bit of excitement. Music is a signature element of this feature, and any songs hold up with enviable fidelity even in the higher registers. Warner Archive has provided a disc that delivers on all fronts. Optional English (SDH) subtitles are included for the feature film.

Special Features

Jerry & Jumbo: A seven-minute Tom & Jerry cartoon that finds a baby elephant accidentally in the house of the titular duo to the bewilderment of Tom.

Yours Sincerely: A 20-minute Vitaphone short that takes a look at the mishap of wanting to marry off your daughter to a wealthy benefactor.

Trailer (3:19)

Final Thoughts

Jumbo is a somewhat familiar narrative set in a larger-than-life venue that provides numerous opportunities to witness something spectacular. Doris Day is always a ray of sunshine, bringing the necessary energy to the role. Her romantic counterpart is not the most charismatic figure, but he does the trick. It is a treat to see Jimmy Durante in his vibrant role, as well. This is a fun ride! Warner Archive has released a Blu-Ray featuring a great A/V presentation and some cool special features. Recommended

Jumbo can be purchased directly through MovieZyng or various other online retailers.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Warner Archive has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.