Funny Girl 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Criterion's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Funny Girl" is a visual treat that leverages a meticulous restoration process, courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Culminating in a stunning 4K transfer, the film effortlessly achieves a vibrant, stable, and organic appearance. The complex restoration entailed a 4K scan from the 35mm original camera negative, aided by companies like Cineric, Inc., MTI Film, and Chace Audio. Color grading and conformation were precisely handled by Sony Pictures Colorworks and Roundabout Entertainment, with colorist David Bernstein’s expertise ensuring that all primary colors and nuances remain rich and beautifully balanced.

The native 4K presentation can be experienced with Dolby Vision and HDR, providing rich visuals characterized by enhanced black levels and detail, particularly noticeable in the grand stage production scenes. While both the 4K and 1080p versions offer commendable presentations, the 4K visuals come across as richer and more vibrant. This distinction is most evident during dynamic sequences like the stage acts but also enhances more subtle scenes such as the shipboard card game. Despite minor fluctuations tied to the original cinematography, image stability remains consistently excellent throughout.

Presented in its original 2.35:1 Panavision aspect ratio, the film benefits from the technical capabilities of HEVC/AVC codecs and the use of HDR/Dolby Vision. The tactile richness extends to fine costume details and impressively realistic flesh tones, collectively furnishing the film with a rejuvenated look that belies its age. This release's attention to consistency—free from any concerning anomalies—ensures that both longstanding fans and new viewers experience "Funny Girl" as an audiovisually refined classic.

The audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "Funny Girl" is remarkable, characterized by a single English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. This track offers exceptional clarity, with all dialogue and song lyrics rendered crystal clear. The audio's dynamic range is commendable, meticulously adapted from the film's original six-track stereo masters to ensure vibrant sound reproduction on both UHD and Blu-Ray discs. The absence of any age-related distortions such as hiss, crackle, or pops highlights the meticulous restoration work that has been achieved.

This lossless track excels in its orchestration, effectively separating instruments across various channels to enhance the listening experience. Notably, the big stage acts maintain an impressive quality, free from any detectable age-related anomalies. The bass, though present, might be perceived as lighter than some enthusiasts would desire, yet it does not detract from the overall sonic presentation. Optional English SDH subtitles are also available for the main feature and are discreetly placed within the image frame, ensuring accessibility without distraction.

The extras included with the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Funny Girl" expertly delve into the film's iconic legacy and the creative prowess behind its making, anchored by a vibrant array of programs. Barbra Streisand contributes an insightful program discussing her titular role and her approach to acting, produced exclusively for this release. Complementing this, David Wyler and Alicia Malone offer a touching exploration of William Wyler's directorial impact, enriched with historical context through archival documentaries and interviews featuring luminaries like Bette Davis and Omar Sharif. The compilation provides an in-depth narrative of the movie's backstage and onset phenomena, supported by vintage featurettes showcasing production footage and promotional content from 1968, adding both nostalgia and depth.

Extras included in this disc:

• Barbra Streisand: Insightful discussion on Fanny Brice's portrayal.
• David Wyler & Alicia Malone: Examination of William Wyler's legacy.
• Directed by William Wyler: 1986 documentary on Wyler's career.
• Omar Sharif: Archival interview with humorous anecdotes.
• Original Featurette: 1968 promotional clips and featurettes.
• Deleted Scenes: A scene with Barbra Streisand and Omar Sharif.
• Leaflet: Includes Michael Koresky's essay and technical credits.

William Wyler's "Funny Girl" on 4K UHD presents an impressive yet conflicted cinematic adaptation of the iconic Broadway musical. Barbra Streisand, in her stunning screen debut, dominates the narrative both as the star and as Fanny Brice, delivering a complex blend of humor and emotional depth. The film's dual identity seeks to balance Streisand's portrayal as both a traditional musical star and a sincere character—an ambitious task that sometimes overwhelms the script. Streisand’s performance oscillates between the exuberantly silly and genuinely heartfelt, yet it remains compelling throughout. Her transformation of Brice, along with memorable numbers like "People" and "My Man," showcase her versatility, though some stage show elements like "Cornet Man" are replaced, potentially compromising narrative cohesion.

Technically, Wyler's direction ensures that "Funny Girl" visually impresses, with meticulously choreographed sequences and period-specific details that capture a bygone era. However, the film struggles with its pacing and tone. Herbert Ross’s direction of the musical numbers is noteworthy, particularly in scenes like the climactic “Don’t Rain on My Parade.” Unfortunately, the second act's replacement of impactful stage numbers with less resonant alternatives, such as the new slapstick “The Swan,” detracts from its narrative strength, although these do offer Streisand platforms to shine.

The film's overall execution feels underwhelming when weighed against Wyler’s esteemed directorial legacy. While "Funny Girl" launched Streisand’s cinematic career, culminating in an Oscar win for Best Actress, it remains a one-woman spectacle rather than a fully realized biographical narrative. Despite its shortcomings, Wyler's directorial finesse coupled with Streisand's grandeur contribute to making "Funny Girl" a vividly engaging yet imperfect reflection of its stage origins.

"Funny Girl" on 4K UHD Blu-ray offers an engaging experience primarily for Barbra Streisand aficionados. The film makes an ambitious attempt at being a multi-faceted, glamorous spectacle. However, it suffers from an imbalanced focus on Streisand's character transformations, overshadowing the essence of Fanny Brice. This uneven narrative delivers sporadic humor overshadowed by silliness, potentially alienating those not enamored with Streisand’s approach. Despite these scripting challenges, Criterion's combo pack features a pristine 4K restoration that visually elevates the film's opulent production values, providing fans with an exquisite viewing experience.

William Wyler’s direction highlights Streisand's triumphant screen debut, underscoring her prodigious talent in song and dance. The film’s rags-to-riches storyline layered with domestic financial disputes is executed with bittersweet charm, capturing the era’s essence while remaining relatable. The new 4K presentation enhances these elements, rendering vibrant colors and intricate details that bolster the film’s visual allure. This high-definition makeover transforms the viewing experience, securing its position as the definitive home release for musical enthusiasts and Streisand devotees alike.

In conclusion, "Funny Girl" on 4K UHD caters specifically to diehard Streisand fans, who will revel in the lavish remastering efforts. Though the narrative may falter due to its excessive focus on Streisand, the technical presentation through Criterion’s meticulous restoration compensates for these shortcomings. Thus, the UHD Blu-ray emerges as an essential addition to any collection dedicated to classic musicals, delivering a visually stunning homage to a beloved screen legend.