The Slipper and the Rose: The Story of Cinderella Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Slipper and the Rose: The Story of Cinderella" is nothing short of exceptional. Restored at Pinewood Studios and presented in 1080p AVC/MPEG-4, the film showcases an immaculate transfer that highlights the exquisite work of cinematographer Tony Imi. The image quality is both clear and sharp, featuring no noise or distortion and maintaining a natural grain pattern that imparts an authentic film-like texture. The average bitrate of 26.20 Mbps ensures that even the most elaborate dance routines display fluidity and clarity, free from artifacts—a particularly impressive feat given the wide aspect ratio's black bars.

Colors are remarkably vibrant and well-rendered, reflecting Julie Harris's extensive costume design palette. Whether capturing the grandeur of the ball sequences or the quaint charm of Cinderella's coach, the presentation handles a wide spectrum of hues with finesse. Black levels are robust and inky, contributing to a high contrast that enriches the overall visual depth, while white balance remains consistently stable. There are occasional instances of supersaturated colors, such as the stepmother’s lipstick or especially vivid table settings, but these choices appear intentional, enhancing the film’s fairytale atmosphere.

Despite a minor issue with occasional image flickering likely due to source limitations such as element shrinkage or stretching, this flaw is fleeting and barely detracts from the overall high quality of the restoration. The outdoor cinematography's warm, silvery glow and the detailed matte paintings evoke a fairytale feeling that complements the narrative beautifully. This Blu-ray release by specialty publisher B2MP, through Inception Media, achieves a visual presentation that not only respects but elevates the film's original aesthetic, ensuring it remains as captivating for contemporary viewers as it was upon its initial release.

The audio presentation of "The Slipper and the Rose: The Story of Cinderella" on Blu-ray is notably adept, with a lossless DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix that meticulously balances dialogue, music, and atmosphere. Dialogue is clear and intelligible, ensuring that character interactions are never lost amidst the sonic landscape. This clarity extends to the pre-recorded songs and orchestral accompaniment, scored by Angela Morley. The music is precisely integrated into the mix, matching the dialogue levels and enhancing the viewing experience without overshadowing the on-screen action.

Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix boasts a rich, layered sound, delivering a dynamic range that makes you feel as if you're attending a live performance. The center channel effectively handles dialogue, while the rear channels subtly contribute to the atmospheric elements, enhancing the overall auditory experience. Despite the limited use of ambient noise, which some might find renders certain non-musical scenes slightly flat, this is a minor trade-off for an exceptional musical presentation.

For those seeking a different auditory experience, a two-channel PCM mix is available, along with an alternate DTS-HD MA 5.1 track which, upon sampling, seems nearly indistinguishable from the primary mix. Overall, the audio quality of this release ensures that every musical number and line of dialogue is delivered with exceptional clarity and precision, making it an exemplary addition to any home collection.

The Blu-Ray extras for "The Slipper and the Rose: The Story of Cinderella" offer a richly detailed glimpse into the production of this classic film. The commentary by Director Bryan Forbes, recorded in 1999, provides insightful reflections on the filming techniques, production design, and casting, including a heartfelt appreciation for the full-length version now available. The included trailer is unusually long, given the familiarity of the story. "A Cinderella Story: The Making of The Slipper and the Rose" is an engaging documentary capturing the behind-the-scenes efforts to bring the story to life, including casting and set design. "I Can't Forget the Melody: The Sherman Brothers on the Making of The Slipper and the Rose" delves into the songwriting process for this musical adaptation, offering valuable anecdotes from the iconic composers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Bryan Forbes: Insight into filming techniques and production design with personal reflections.
• Trailer: An extended preview despite the well-known story.
• A Cinderella Story: The Making of The Slipper and the Rose: Documentary on casting, rehearsal, and set construction.
• I Can't Forget the Melody: The Sherman Brothers on the Making of The Slipper and the Rose: Featurette on the songwriting process.

"The Slipper and the Rose: The Story of Cinderella" is a 1976 British musical film directed by Bryan Forbes, featuring songs by the esteemed Sherman Brothers, known for their work on "Mary Poppins" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." The film departs from traditional presentations of the Cinderella story by placing equal narrative weight on Prince Edward, portrayed by Richard Chamberlain. This choice adds depth to what might otherwise be considered a well-trodden tale. The production values are impressive, with bold, vibrant costumes and elaborate sets that evoke the grandeur of a stage musical while benefiting from the expansive possibilities of film.

Gemma Craven stars as Cinderella, selected from hundreds of aspirants, giving a performance marked by tenacity and grace. The ensemble cast features distinguished British actors, including Michael Hordern as the whimsical King and Annette Crosbie as a uniquely pragmatic Fairy Godmother. Crosbie's grounded portrayal contrasts delightfully with the magical elements, bringing an engaging freshness to familiar scenes. The film’s musical numbers are richly varied, combining elements of humor, melancholia, and romance. For instance, "Protocoligorically Correct," performed by Hordern, showcases the Shermans' characteristic flair for clever wordplay reminiscent of "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious."

Shot primarily in Austria, with a penchant for authenticity in its winter scenes, Forbes’ direction pulls no punches in aiming for visual and emotional impact. Despite this historical and geographical setting, the narrative remains accessible and engaging for contemporary audiences. An important note is that the Blu-ray version reinstates the film to its full 146-minute runtime, including omitted musical numbers in past U.S. releases. This version allows for a fuller appreciation of the movie's scope and ambition. For families and musical enthusiasts alike, “The Slipper and the Rose” remains a richly crafted retelling of a classic fairy tale.

The Blu-ray release of 'The Slipper and the Rose: The Story of Cinderella' is an outstanding and commendable restoration of this underappreciated classic. The picture quality is nothing short of stunning, with a vibrancy and clarity that breathes new life into the visuals. Colors are richly saturated, while detail resolution is excellent, capturing the intricate costumes and set designs beautifully. The audio presentation is likewise superb, providing a clean and immersive soundstage that perfectly complements the film's musical elements.

The film itself is a charming retelling of the classic Cinderella story, elevated by engaging songs, clever lyrics, and amusing performances. It's an effective combination of whimsy and elegance, which caters to children and adults alike. Although its pacing might be considered leisurely by today's standards, this should be viewed as an opportunity to slow down and savor the movie's rich storytelling and heartfelt performances. The enduring appeal of the narrative and its wholesome content make it a solid choice for family viewing.

Moreover, this Blu-ray edition comes packed with insightful supplements that offer additional context to the production and its impact. Featurettes and interviews further enrich the viewing experience, providing fans with deeper appreciation of the craftsmanship behind the film.

The Slipper and the Rose has engaging songs, clever lyrics and amusing performances. Its only drawback is that, by contemporary standards, it may be considered a bit slow. Nevertheless, it is solidly wholesome family entertainment that should appeal to all ages. B2MP has done their typically commendable job in bringing this under-seen classic to Blu-ray. Recommended.