James Stewart 4-Film Collection

“The legendary James Stewart takes the spotlight here with four of his best performances. In Ernst Lubitsch’s charming THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER, Stewart co-stars with Margaret Sullavan in the comedic love story that was later remade as YOU’VE GOT MAIL. Director Frank Borzage’s THE MORTAL STORM once again co-stars Stewart and Sullavan, in a dark drama reflecting the growing Nazi threat in Europe. In Anthony Mann’s THE NAKED SPUR, Stewart plays a bounty hunter in pursuit of a killer (Robert Ryan) in this taut Western thriller. Finally, Stewart is part of the all-star cast in HOW THE WEST WAS WON, the epic Western saga from John Ford, Henry Hathaway and George Marshall.”

Warner Archive’s James Stewart 4-Film Collection Blu-ray set is a fantastic value for fans of the iconic actor, bundling four previously released titles into one affordable package that showcases Stewart’s incredible range, from romantic comedy to wartime drama, gritty Western, and epic saga. Released on January 13, 2026, this collection highlights why Stewart remains one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars, with performances that blend charm, moral complexity, and quiet intensity. While the specs and extras are ported over from individual releases without anything new, the set’s price point makes it an easy recommendation for upgrading or discovering these classics.

The Shop Around the Corner (1940)

In this delightful romantic comedy directed by Ernst Lubitsch, James Stewart stars as Alfred Kralik, a Budapest gift shop clerk who clashes with his new co-worker Klara Novak (Margaret Sullavan) while unknowingly falling in love with her through anonymous letters. The film excels in its witty banter and mistaken identities, culminating in a heartwarming reveal that’s as clever as it is endearing. Stewart’s affable everyman charm shines here, perfectly complemented by Sullavan’s spirited performance. Their chemistry is electric, making this a timeless feel-good tale that influenced rom-coms for decades. Lubitsch’s “touch” elevates the material with sophisticated humor and subtle emotion, making it one of Stewart’s most joyful performances.

The Mortal Storm (1940)

Directed by Frank Borzage, this poignant drama follows a German family torn apart by the rise of Nazism in the 1930s. James Stewart plays Martin Breitner, a compassionate veterinarian and friend to Freya Roth (Margaret Sullavan), whose family fractures under ideological pressures. As anti-Semitism and fascism grip the nation, Martin risks everything to help those he loves escape. Stewart delivers a nuanced, heartfelt performance that captures quiet heroism and moral outrage, while the film’s timely message about intolerance and division feels eerily relevant today. Borzage’s sensitive direction and the strong ensemble make this a powerful, underrated gem that got MGM banned in Nazi Germany for its bold stance. One of the few Nazi films that was made before the United States entered the war, this film was in many ways my favorite of the set, just for the mere fact of how clearly presented the Nazi agenda was portrayed, even before the world knew the extent of the atrocities. It’s interesting the parallels to today’s political climate, and how easy it was to look back and view something as so entirely wrong, but that those messages get lost in mundane double-talk and misdirection close to a century later.

The Naked Spur (1953)

In Anthony Mann’s taut Western thriller, James Stewart portrays Howard Kemp, a bitter bounty hunter tracking outlaw Ben Vandergroat (Robert Ryan) across the Colorado Rockies. Accompanied by a ragtag group of opportunists, Kemp’s quest for reward money exposes his inner turmoil and the moral costs of vengeance. Stewart subverts his “nice guy” image with a raw, intense portrayal of a man haunted by his past, delivering one of his most psychologically complex roles. The film’s stunning location shooting and tense cat-and-mouse dynamics make it a standout in the Stewart-Mann collaborations, blending action with deep character study for a gripping, character-driven Western.

How the West Was Won (1962)

This sprawling epic Western, directed by John Ford, Henry Hathaway, and George Marshall, chronicles three generations of a pioneer family as they settle the American frontier, facing Native American conflicts, the Civil War, outlaws, and the railroad boom. James Stewart stars as mountain man Linus Rawlings, whose romance with Eve Prescott (Carroll Baker) kicks off the saga amid a star-studded cast including Henry Fonda, Gregory Peck, and Debbie Reynolds. The film is a grand celebration of Manifest Destiny with thrilling set pieces like river rapids and buffalo stampedes. Notably, it was one of the few narrative features filmed in the innovative Cinerama process, a three-strip widescreen format using synchronized projectors on a curved screen to create an immersive, panoramic experience that enveloped audiences in the 1960s. On Blu-ray, it’s presented in the “SmileBox” format, which simulates the original curved projection with a bowed top and bottom edge, preserving the epic scope and making home viewing feel closer to the theatrical intent. Stewart’s rugged charisma anchors the early segments, making this a must-see for Western fans despite its episodic structure. If you’re not familiar with Cinerama, it’s definitely an interesting dive reading about the technology, its advantages, and its limitations, such as not being able to do any close-ups of actors, shooting everyone from waist up.

Video

The Blu-ray set presents each film in 1080p High Definition with AVC encodes, sourced from high-quality restorations. The Shop Around the Corner and The Mortal Storm shine in crisp black-and-white with strong contrast and fine detail. The Naked Spur boasts vibrant Technicolor landscapes with sharp textures and natural grain. How the West Was Won looks stunning in its SmileBox format, with rich colors, deep blacks, and enhanced detail in the expansive vistas. No compression artifacts noted, making these the best these classics have looked on home video. While I probably enjoyed How the West Was Won the least story-wise, the video presentation was mesmerizing. If possible, this one would make a superb 4k transfer and for me would definitely be a double-dip for the sprawling landscaped presentations alone.

Audio

Audio tracks are faithful to the originals: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono for The Shop Around the Corner, The Mortal Storm, and The Naked Spur (48kHz, 24-bit), delivering clear dialogue, robust scores, and subtle effects without distortion. How the West Was Won features DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, expanding the original stereo for immersive surrounds in action sequences and the sweeping score. Bass is solid, and the mix balances everything beautifully.

Special Features

Extras are carried over from prior releases:

• The Shop Around the Corner:
  • The Miracle of Sound documentary short, Greer Garson screen test, trailers, radio adaptations (Screen Guild Players and Lux Radio Theater).
• The Mortal Storm:
  • Peace on Earth Oscar-nominated cartoon, Meet the Fleet short, theatrical trailer.
• The Naked Spur:
  • Things We Can Do Without short, Little Johnny Jet Tex Avery cartoon, theatrical trailer.
• How the West Was Won:
  • Audio commentary by filmmaker John Carpenter, film historian Rudy Behlmer, musicologist Jon Burlingame, stuntman Loren James, and screenwriter James R. Webb; vintage featurette Cinerama Adventure; theatrical trailer.

The James Stewart 4-Film Collection Blu-ray is a must-have for Stewart enthusiasts, offering four diverse classics with excellent presentations at a budget-friendly price. From rom-com charm to epic Western scope, it’s a testament to his versatility, pick this one up today!

AV Entertainment provided us with a copy of this disc for review, which if interested, you can purchase here.