Viva Las Vegas Blu-ray Review

"Viva Las Vegas" shines in 1080p high definition on Blu-ray, masterfully presented in its original 2.40:1 Panavision aspect ratio, a testament to Warner's commitment to quality transfers. Capturing the essence of early 1960s Metrocolor vibrancy, this release boasts an abundance of solid, bright primary colors, from the neon lights of the Vegas strip to the vivacious wardrobe choices of Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret. Despite this palette choice aiming more for spectacle than naturalism, the transition to high definition enhances these choices, providing a visual feast that harkens back to the film's original showcase of color cinema bravado.

Detail in the image is impressive, especially given the film's age, with Warner's meticulous remastering process ensuring that grain and imperfections are minimized without succumbing to overt digital manipulation. However, some issues persist; edge enhancement and occasional softness in distance shots hint at the challenges of balancing film authenticity with contemporary expectations for HD clarity. Close-ups reveal fine details and textures with excellent depth, while wider shots occasionally lose some of this sharpness. Notably, the special effects sequences exhibit some inconsistency in quality, likely due to the integration of original film elements, which might betray their age more than the otherwise pristine transfer.

Despite minor imperfections, such as a digital sheen that may not sit well with purists and some noticeable halos from edge enhancement, "Viva Las Vegas" stands as a benchmark for how vintage films can be revitalized for the high-definition era. Warner Bros. has outdone itself, presenting a Blu-ray that honors the film's original aesthetic while offering a viewing experience that arguably surpasses that of its initial release. The rich blacks, vibrant colors, and overall clarity make this Blu-ray an essential addition to any classic film enthusiast’s collection, demonstrating what meticulous care in the remastering process can achieve.

Warner has once again raised the bar by offering a meticulously remastered audio experience for the Blu-ray release of the Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret classic, "Viva Las Vegas." The centerpiece of this audio presentation is the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack, complemented by Dolby Digital 5.1 and the original mono tracks in both English and French/Spanish Dolby 1.0. This array of options not only honors the original mono configuration but also brings the film's sound into the modern era with a high definition lossless mix, showcasing Warner's commitment to audio excellence and respect for historical authenticity.

The TrueHD 5.1 mix, while primarily utilizing the front channels to distribute the film's iconic musical performances and dialogue, cleverly adds ambient sounds to the rear channels, creating an enveloping soundscape that, although not discrete, effectively captures the essence of the Las Vegas vibe. The remastering process has greatly benefited the dynamic range, breathing new life into the highs and lows, making every song and line delivery crisp and clear. However, it's worth noting that purists may find the slight emphasis on upper frequencies during musical numbers a departure from their expectations. Despite this, the mix maintains a well-balanced and spacious soundstage, ensuring that nothing detracts from the enjoyment of this vibrant soundtrack.

Switching between the modern TrueHD track and the original mono recordings provides an insightful contrast. The mono tracks, despite their age and inherent limitations due to Dolby encoding, still manage to deliver a robust and engaging audio experience. Listening to iconic numbers like "Viva Las Vegas" in mono is not only a treat but also a testament to the care taken in preserving the film's original auditory charm. It’s evident that Warner's approach to this release – providing both an updated surround sound experience and the mono tracks – is geared towards satisfying both audiophiles seeking a modernized listening experience and purists devoted to historical fidelity.

The Blu-ray release of "Viva Las Vegas" notably enhances the viewing experience with a set of extras that delve into the historical and cultural impact of Elvis in Las Vegas. Central to these special features is an audio commentary by Steve Pond, author of "Elvis in Hollywood," who provides an expert, engaging, and broad context surrounding Elvis's cinematic journey, with keen insights into his relationship with Las Vegas. Additionally, the featurette "Kingdom: Elvis in Vegas" offers a succinct yet informative exploration of Elvis’s fluctuating fortunes and performances in Las Vegas, marking an essential watch for fans. Despite the limitations in video quality (480i/MPEG-2), these extras, including the original theatrical trailer in high definition, enrich the classic film's Blu-ray presentation. The included subtitles offer accessibility in multiple languages, catering to a wider audience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Steve Pond: Insightful commentary from the author of "Elvis in Hollywood."
• Kingdom: Elvis in Vegas: A featurette presenting a brief historical background of Elvis's connection to Las Vegas.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original movie trailer in high definition.

"Viva Las Vegas," released in 1964 amidst the burgeoning Beatlemania, stars the charismatic Elvis Presley and the vibrant Ann-Margret, under the adept direction of George Sidney. This film captures the essence of Las Vegas during its golden era through brilliant cinematography, showcasing the phenomenal chemistry between Presley and Ann-Margret, both in their prime. Fresh off her success in "Bye Bye Birdie," Ann-Margret proves to be a formidable on-screen partner for Elvis, contributing to the movie's longstanding popularity. Together, they deliver memorable performances, including the iconic title song "Viva Las Vegas," that are central to the film's appeal.

Despite its thin plot revolving around a Grand Prix race, a talent competition, and a love triangle, the movie transcends its storyline through its musical performances and electric on-screen dynamism. Elvis shines as Lucky Jackson, a Grand Prix driver navigating love and rivalry in Las Vegas, with his magnetic presence elevating the film far beyond its simple narrative. The film is a testament to director George Sidney's ability to maintain a captivating pace and visual flair, making "Viva Las Vegas" not just a movie but a celebration of Elvis's indomitable charm.

Ann-Margret, often underrated, steals the show with her multifaceted talent and undeniable chemistry with Elvis, reinforcing her title as the female Elvis. Their partnership is the heartbeat of the film, delivering a vibrant, energetic spectacle that stands out in Elvis's cinematic portfolio. While "Viva Las Vegas" might not be a narrative masterpiece, it's an indispensable showcase of Elvis's star power and an essential piece of entertainment that has stood the test of time, captivating not just fans of Elvis but also new audiences exploring his filmography.

"Viva Las Vegas," while devoid of cinematic grandeur, serves as an exhilarating 85-minute ride filled with not only delightful musical performances but also showcases the radiant Ann-Margret, whose presence is magnificently preserved in Warner's fine VC-1 encoding. This Blu-ray edition is an essential acquisition for Elvis aficionados, capturing a period when the icon was at the peak of his allure before the eventual decline. The release boasts an exceptional picture quality and a nearly flawless Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack, complemented by enlightening commentary and an engaging featurette. Despite its inherent campiness, this title's high-definition presentation may convert even the most indifferent viewers into potential buyers, especially after experiencing the auditory and visual feast it provides.

The film may be recognized as a cheesy escapade centered around Elvis Presley, yet it manages to transcend such labels through its infectious joy and the undeniable chemistry between Presley and the splendid Ann-Margret. The Blu-ray edition impresses with its excellent transfer and auditory experience provided by the Dolby TrueHD track, alongside a selection of engaging extras. These technical merits elevate the release, making it a standout catalog title that is highly recommended not only for Elvis's legion of fans but also for those seeking a piece of engagingly fun cinema history.

Conclusively, "Viva Las Vegas" on Blu-ray is a testament to the enduring appeal of Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret's electric on-screen partnership. Its remarkable preservation efforts — from the pristine VC-1 video codec to the immersive Dolby TrueHD audio – coupled with indispensable extras, make this title a compelling purchase or rental. Whether as a delightful indulgence for fans or as an introduction to newcomers, this release encapsulates an unforgettable slice of entertainment history, marking it as an exemplary addition to any film collection.