By james art 
White Xmas packaging artwork by Irving Berlin. Courtesy of Paramount.
Paramount celebrates 70th anniversary of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas with the release of the classic in 4K Ultra HD for the first time.
When it was first released in 1954, it was the first film Paramount had ever released in the VistaVision format. VistaVision, using a horizontal film format, would later pave the way for the likes of IMAX and OMNIMAX.
In addition to the home entertainment release, the film will also return to theaters for a special two-day celebration on December 15 and 16 as part of Fathom’s Big Screen Classics. Irving Berlin’s family will attend an evening screening of the film on December 15 at the AMC Empire in New York City and take part in a post-screening Q&A hosted by Ted Chapin that will explore the incredible life and career of one of America’s most prolific authors of songs. For a complete list of theater locations or to purchase tickets, fans can visit www.FathomEvents.com.
Synopsis
Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye play war veterans who become some of the hottest entertainers in show business. When they meet a sister performer (Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen), they head to Vermont for a holiday celebration unlike any other. By Irving Berlin WHITE CHRISTMAS is directed by Michael Curtiz (Casablanca) and features a host of memorable songs including ‘Snow’, ‘Sisters’, ‘The Old Man’, ‘The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing’ and, of course, the immortal classic ‘White Xmas’.
Bonus features
- Commentary by Rosemary Clooney
- WHITE CHRISTMAS Sing along
- Classic holiday moments
- Assignment Children
- Behind-the-scenes stories from WHITE CHRISTMAS
- Bing Crosby: The Christmas Carol
- Danny Kaye: Joy to the world
- By Irving Berlin WHITE CHRISTMAS
- Rosemary’s old home in Kentucky
- WHITE CHRISTMAS: From page to stage
- WHITE CHRISTMAS: A look back with Rosemary Clooney
- Photo galleries
- Theatrical trailers
DIRECTOR: Michael Curtiz
SCREENWRITERS: Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank
STARRING: Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera-Ellen, with Dean Jagger
Paramount released Irving Berlin’s White Xmas in theaters on October 14, 1954.
Please subscribe to Dugout Dirt and Solzy on Buttondown.