Good News Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive Collection's new 1080p transfer of "Good News," sourced from a recent 4K scan of the original Technicolor negatives, offers an exceptionally rich and vivid viewing experience. The 1.37:1 aspect ratio is meticulously preserved, bringing out an image that is both bold and stable. Colors, particularly the reds, are deeply saturated and bring the film's Technicolor-infused clothing and backgrounds to life with incredible detail. There's a striking balance of contrast and clarity, highlighted by fine details such as the varied textures of school paraphernalia and the lush settings, whether indoors or outdoors. Importantly, natural film grain is consistently evident without any intrusive noise reduction or compression artifacts, ensuring a filmic quality.

This 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer excels in reproducing color fidelity and depth, especially with green, yellow, and pastel shades adding vibrancy. Black levels are uniformly deep and bright whites avoid any hint of blooming. The fine detail retention and the clarity of the image underscore the glamorous close-ups typical of MGM productions. Furthermore, the transfer eliminates previously visible colored debris and reel change cues from older DVD releases, delivering a pristine image devoid of nicks, marks, or digital anomalies. Purists will certainly appreciate the painstaking efforts to maintain a celluloid feel while providing an eye-popping home viewing experience that rivals recently-shot footage.

In conclusion, Warner Archive not only raises the bar for catalog releases but provides an immersive visual experience that showcases the film's era with undeniable elegance. This presentation will captivate both casual viewers and videophiles alike, reaffirming Warner Archive's reputation for outstanding Technicolor digital transfers.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix for "Good News" offers a commendable audio presentation that remains faithful to the film's original one-channel sound. The dialogue is crystal clear, maintaining precision even during rapid exchanges like Peter Lawford's French Lesson. Musical numbers such as "Lucky in Love" and "Pass That Peace Pipe" exhibit strong bass frequencies and dynamic room-filling crowd noises that elevate the overall experience. Although the upper ranges of the music could use more brightness to fully capture the vibrant orchestrations by Lennie Hayton and Conrad Salinger, the sound mix still manages to keep vocals distinct and sound effects well-prioritized.

The mix does exhibit some minor issues, such as slightly less vibrant musical numbers compared to other MGM releases and occasional difficulty in comprehending the lyrics, particularly in the opening title track. Optional English (SDH) subtitles are included, formatted nicely but sometimes off-mark with song lyrics. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall fidelity is solid and mostly dynamic, almost akin to a genuine stereo presentation. The track is remarkably free of age-related hiss, pops, or crackles, presenting a clean and immersive experience that belies the film’s 77-year-old vintage. Warner Archive succeeds in delivering a quality audio experience despite some limitations inherent to the source material.

Overall, "Good News" receives a technically solid audio treatment, offering a satisfying sonic capture of its lively college setting and dynamic musical pieces. The soundtrack preserves the film’s nostalgic charm while providing clear dialogue and robust background details, making it an enjoyable and immersive listen for fans and audiophiles alike.

The Blu-ray release of "Good News" retains all the cherished vintage extras from previous editions, offering a nostalgic journey for fans. These features, although not newly restored in high definition, provide an engaging and comprehensive look into the film's rich history and production nuances. The deleted musical number "An Easier Way," performed by June Allyson and Patricia Marshall, stands out for its witty lyrics and lively performance. Additionally, clips from the original 1930 MGM version offer an interesting comparison to the 1947 remake, showcasing early cinematic styles. The MGM Radio Promo with June Allyson provides personal insights that enhance the viewer's connection to the era. Lastly, the original theatrical trailer rounds out the extras with its vibrant preview of the film's highlights.

Extras included in this disc:

• Song Selection: Instant access to primary song breaks with optional English (SDH) subtitles.
• Deleted Musical Number: An Easier Way: An unused song performed by June Allyson and Patricia Marshall.
• Excerpts From the Original 1930 MGM Version: Black-and-white clips including "Varsity Drag" and "Good News".
• MGM Radio Promo with June Allyson: A vintage broadcast featuring Allyson's reflections on her life and career.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original preview in high definition promoting the film's songs and stars.

Charles Walters' directorial debut "Good News" is a vibrant yet dated musical tableau, capturing a sprightly teenage romance at fictional Tait College circa 1927. The story hinges on football captain Tommy Marlowe (Peter Lawford) and his academic and romantic pursuits involving assistant librarian Connie Lane (June Allyson). While the narrative surrounding amorous coeds and football antics feels formulaic and sanitized due to the rigid Production Code, it is bolstered significantly by spirited musical numbers. The film showcases an impressive choreography by MGM dance director Robert Alton, with standout performances in "Pass That Peace Pipe" and "The Varsity Drag," ensuring the movie's charm despite its largely predictable storyline.

The screenplay, penned by Broadway stalwarts Betty Comden and Adolph Green, while lacking the sharpness of their later works like "Singin' in the Rain," introduces memorable sequences like "The French Lesson" which cleverly develops the film’s central romance. June Allyson embodies the perfect girl-next-door charm, although at 30, she appears a bit mature for the college coed role. Surprisingly competent in dance, Peter Lawford's vocal performance falls short, yet his affable presence marginally compensates. Supporting cast members like Patricia Marshall, Joan McCracken, and Ray McDonald add zest with notable performances that deserved more cinematic recognition.

In terms of technical presentation, Warner Archive's Blu-ray release delivers a formidable audiovisual experience. The 1080p transfer is exceptionally crisp, juxtaposing the nearly century-old dialogue with visuals that appear remarkably contemporary. The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix heightens the musical sequences, maintaining the nostalgic allure of Technicolor while providing a modern clarity that modern audiences will appreciate. Although "Good News" may not stand among MGM’s most revered musicals, its effervescent musical segments and hearty performances secure it as a delightful excursion into Hollywood’s Golden Age, worthy of a revisit.

Charles Walters’ "Good News" is a vibrant remake of an earlier black-and-white production, characterized by its lively atmosphere, stunning Technicolor visuals, and captivating musical numbers. While the plot may come off as dated and simplistic, it’s the exuberant performances by June Allyson and Peter Lawford that infuse the film with charm. Warner Archive’s Blu-ray release significantly enhances the viewing experience, offering a flawless 1080p transfer and impeccable lossless audio that bring out the film’s visual and auditory appeal.

Despite not achieving the same iconic status as musical masterpieces like "Singin’ in the Rain," "Good News" stands out with its ebullient musical sequences, directed with high energy and flair by Walters. The film's engaging musical numbers make it an entertaining watch, even if the storyline is somewhat predictable. Warner Archive’s meticulous restoration work is evident in the transfer quality, making this Golden Age Hollywood musical look as fresh as ever, accompanied by a solid selection of vintage bonus features from the DVD era.

In conclusion, "Good News" may not hold the top spot in the pantheon of classic musicals, but it certainly has its own unique charm and exuberance that will appeal to lovers of the genre. Warner Archive’s Blu-ray release elevates the film to a must-have status for hardcore fans with its pristine audiovisual presentation and well-curated extras. Highly recommended for both newcomers and dedicated musical aficionados.