FTFT is being released on an official Blu-ray at last

[Derek McGovern]

I was thrilled to learn today that Warner Classics will be releasing what should be a stunning Blu-ray version of Lanza's swansong, For the First Time, on January 27th. I'm confident that it will be superior both visually and soundwise to the unofficial (and slightly incomplete) German Blu-ray that was released some years back.

This is hot on the heels of Warners' brilliantly remastered Blu-ray of That Midnight Kiss, so I have high hopes that more of Lanza's films will be released in this format at long last.

Below are the specs (and a 6K scan sounds most promising!), and the Blu-ray can now be pre-ordered from Amazon and other outlets.

Warner Classics 

Coming to Blu-ray from the Warner Archive Collection on January 27th!

New 2026 1080p HD master from 6K scan of the original Technirama Negative!

FOR THE FIRST TIME (1959)

BD-50

Running Time: 97 Minutes

COLOR

Aspect Ratio: 16x9 2.35:1 Letterbox

Audio: DTS-HD MA 2.0 MONO

Subtitles: ENGLISH SDH

NOT RATED

Cast: Mario Lanza, Johanna Von Koczian, Kurt Kasznar, Zsa Zsa Gabor

Special features: Classic Bugs Bunny cartoon "LONG-HAIRED HARE" and the Original Theatrical Trailer.

The brilliance of one of the world's most beloved tenors and the exciting world of opera highlights this delightful romantic adventure set in the most beautiful cities of Europe. Tonio Costa (Mario Lanza), the temperamental darling of the opera world, is forever missing performances because of impromptu street concerts and endless parties. But Tonio's carefree ways change when he falls in love with Christa, a beautiful deaf girl. Christa refuses to marry him until she can hear his sublime voice. So, they embark upon a whirlwind concert tour of Europe where Christa consults with specialists while Tonio sings his heart out. Their love grows stronger, and they realize that as long as they are together, they can face whatever the future holds. Lush, exotic locations, fabulous operatic performances, and the magic of Mario Lanza give this sparkling love story the look and sound of enchantment. Filmed in the spectacular Technirama® format taking full advantage of the lush European location photography, combined with the great Lanza’s vocal brilliance (in what would be his final film appearance) make For the First Time an entertainment experience to treasure.