Frank Capra’s Columbia films restored in 4K for a new generation

Sony revives Frank Capra’s early films with a 4K collection celebrating his cinematic legacy.

Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert in a publicity still for It Happened One Night, directed by Frank Capra in 1934. © Silver Screen/Getty Images

By Novanka Laras and Sarah Oktaviany

Frank Capra, a Sicilian immigrant whose family arrived in America in the early 20th century, became one of Hollywood’s most influential filmmakers. By the late 1930s, he had established himself as a director capable of crafting some of the most defining films of the decade. His work, including It Happened One Night (1934), Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936), and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), shaped America’s self-image through Hollywood’s lens. Capra’s films championed the idea that integrity triumphs over corruption, that ordinary individuals could make a difference, and that women—portrayed by stars such as Barbara Stanwyck, Claudette Colbert, and Jean Arthur—were as sharp and determined as their male counterparts.

However, Capra’s influence waned after World War II. By the time he released It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), initial reactions were lukewarm, with critics dismissing it as “Capra-corn.” Despite this, television gave the film a second life, eventually turning it into a beloved classic. Yet, much of Capra’s broader filmography has faded from public consciousness—until now.

The Frank Capra at Columbia collection

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has revitalized Capra’s early career with Frank Capra at Columbia, a meticulously restored collection of 20 films. Released in late 2024 to commemorate Columbia Pictures’ centennial, the set features remastered versions of Capra’s work from 1928 to 1939, offering fresh insight into one of America’s most visionary directors.

From left to right: Frank Capra, Claudette Colbert, and Clark Gable seated on November 16, 1933. Photo by Battmann/Getty Images

Restored in 4K and released on Blu-ray—with nine titles also available in 4K UHD—the collection brings Capra’s craftsmanship to modern audiences. While some of his films are lost to time, and The Matinee Idol (1928) was excluded despite a previous DVD release, the remaining selections provide a comprehensive view of Capra’s evolution as a filmmaker.

From silent films to Hollywood’s golden age

Watching these films chronologically reveals Capra’s artistic journey, from a skilled silent-era director to a trailblazer in the transition to sound, and ultimately to a storyteller who helped shape Hollywood’s golden age. However, for those not looking to embark on a full retrospective, the collection allows viewers to rediscover individual classics, such as Lost Horizon (1937) and the Oscar-winning You Can’t Take It with You (1938).

One of the earliest films in the set, So This Is Love (1928), tells the story of a love triangle between a deli worker, a brutish boxer, and a sensitive artist. Running just 55 minutes, the film exemplifies Capra’s early storytelling ability. His later silent-to-sound transition films, including Submarine (1928), Flight (1929), and Dirigible (1931), showcased his growing technical prowess. These films, featuring military themes and romantic rivalries, displayed state-of-the-art special effects for their time.

The rise of Capra’s defining style

Capra’s greatest success came in the 1930s when his films began blending comedy, romance, and social commentary. The director’s collaboration with Jean Arthur in Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, You Can’t Take It with You, and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington solidified her status as one of Hollywood’s most beloved actresses. However, it was his partnership with Barbara Stanwyck that played a crucial role in shaping both of their careers.

The collection features four of Capra’s five films with Stanwyck, highlighting her dynamic performances in Ladies of Leisure (1930), The Miracle Woman (1931), The Bitter Tea of General Yen (1932), and Forbidden (1932). These films tackle themes of redemption, morality, and sacrifice, showcasing Capra’s ability to blend entertainment with deeper social messages. The Miracle Woman, in particular, stands out for its depiction of a corrupt evangelist who undergoes a moral transformation. Meanwhile, The Bitter Tea of General Yen remains notable for its striking visuals and controversial themes.

Why this restoration matters

Writer Irvin S. Cobb presents Frank Capra with the Best Director Oscar for It Happened One Night at the Academy Awards on March 1, 1935. The film’s stars, Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable, also received Oscars. © Battmann/Getty Images

While Capra’s most famous works are still celebrated, many of his earlier films have been largely inaccessible to modern audiences. Sony’s 4K restoration not only revives these films but also ensures their preservation for future generations. The collection’s high cost may limit accessibility, but its availability in libraries and potential inclusion on streaming platforms could introduce Capra’s artistry to a broader audience.

The significance of this release extends beyond nostalgia. Capra’s films remain relevant because they embody timeless themes—justice, perseverance, and the resilience of the human spirit. The absence of these works from mainstream discussions has been a loss for cinema lovers, but this collection offers a long-overdue tribute to a director who helped define American storytelling.