Hairspray Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Hairspray" in its 1080p/VC-1 encoding not only meets but surpasses expectations, showcasing New Line's commitment to high-quality video standards. With an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 to 2.40:1, the movie's vivid and dynamic visual style blooms into life, from the drab streets of 1962 Baltimore to the color-saturated TV studios and pastel-adorned dancers. The detail is meticulous, bringing out textures in wet roads, skin tones, and clothing patterns with precision, thanks to an almost grainless transfer from a Super-35 negative. However, this pristine clarity carries nuances, such as a slightly decreased solidity in the image and minor anomalies when viewed on larger screens or at closer distances, suggesting a balancing act between sharpness and maintaining a film-like smoothness.

Color reproduction is one of the disc's standout features; it's both bright and natural without succumbing to oversaturation. This finesse lets the movie's vibrant palette and subtle hues shine, rendering everything from Baltimore crab blues to Tracy's tartan skirts with no bleed. However, the transfer is not without its critiques. For larger screens or those seeking cinema-like viewing experiences, the image may lack a bit of detail and feature occasional 'video-like' appearance, possibly attributable to the encoding bitrate and grain management. Moreover, some rare compression artifacts and examples of interlaced content were noted, although these issues are hardly dealbreakers given the overall excellence of the presentation.

Despite minor issues with contrast levels that might affect the sense of depth in certain scenes, 'Hairspray' triumphs as a nearly flawless Blu-ray release. Its portrayal of stout blacks and well-balanced shadows complements the detailed and colorful world of the film. Even with some viewers possibly needing to adjust settings for an optimal viewing experience, 'Hairspray' on Blu-ray stands as a commendable high-definition debut from New Line, heralding exciting prospects for future releases.

The audio presentation of "Hairspray" on Blu Ray is a standout achievement, merging New Line's adventurous dive into DTS-HD Master Audio with the inherently musical spirit of the film. While the choice of 7.1 over the more commonly used 5.1 format might initially seem overzealous given the current limitations of mainstream equipment, such as many PlayStation 3 units downmixing to a still-respectable 1.5 Mbps DTS track, the soundtrack impressively holds its own. This fidelity ensures that every note, from the boisterous opening numbers to the nuanced soundscape of quieter moments, is rendered with clarity and depth. The prioritization of musical elements across the front soundstage, with vocals distinctly separated and not confined to the center channel, allows for a natural and wide-open listening experience that respects the musical genre's demands for vocal clarity alongside instrumental vibrancy.

Listeners will find themselves enveloped by an effectively used rear soundfield that adds dimensionality without overwhelming, enhancing rather than distracting from the music and dialogue. This delicate balance showcases the technological capability to produce a full, immersive soundstage that captures the essence of live performance. Occasional directional effects and subtle movements of sound add layers of realism, making the transition between dialogue and music seamless and engaging. Despite this expansive setup, the mix remains refined, with low bass notes complementing rather than competing, ensuring a harmonious audio experience that’s neither too harsh nor brittle.

For those limited to a 5.1 setup or even downmixed stereo, 'Hairspray' maintains its aural charm though understandably sacrifices some of its immersive and panoramic qualities. The essential essence of the soundtrack's dynamic range and its meticulous layering of sounds remains perceptible, offering an appreciable experience across various listening arrangements. Even in a non-ideal setup, nuances like instrumental separation and vocal warmth provide a testament to the mix’s quality. As technology progresses and more listeners gain access to full DTS-HD Master Audio capability, the true depth and detail of 'Hairspray’s' audio track promise even greater rewards, setting a high standard for home theater musical presentations.

The Hairspray Blu-ray extras provide a comprehensive and immersive experience, celebrating the film's legacy and production with an abundance of material across two discs. The first disc boasts a rich selection of deleted and alternate scenes, including a captivating unused song, presented with optional directorial commentary for deeper insight. It also features 'Hairspray Extensions' offering alternative views of the musical numbers in high definition, alongside step-by-step dance tutorials for enthusiasts to learn choreographies from the film. The highlight is the 'Behind the Beat' PiP commentary, combining insights from the director, choreographers, and producers with behind-the-scenes footage, enriching the viewing experience substantially. Disc two transcends with documentaries like 'The Roots of Hairspray' and 'You Can't Stop The Beat', diving into the film's origins, Broadway adaptation, and meticulous production process. Each documentary is meticulously crafted, offering HD clarity that brings to life interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and reflections on the film. Such a collection not only pays tribute to Hairspray's enduring charm but sets a high standard for Blu-ray extras, thoroughly deserving of its acclaim.

Extras included in this disc:

Deleted/Alternate Scenes: Scenes omitted from the final cut, with an optional commentary.

Hairspray Extensions: Alternative views of musical numbers in high-definition.

Step By Step - The Dances Of Hairspray: Dance tutorials for learning the film's choreography.

Feature Commentaries: Insightful discussions from the director, choreographer, producers, and cast.

Jump To A Song: Direct access to any of the 21 songs featured in the movie.

Behind The Beat: A Picture in Picture commentary that enhances the viewing experience with additional insights.

The Roots Of Hairspray: A documentary exploring the original inspiration behind Hairspray.

You Can't Stop The Beat: An extensive making-of documentary covering every aspect of the film's production.

Theatrical Trailer: The film's original trailer in high-definition.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Hairspray" signifies a high-definition triumph nearly two years post its launch, bringing a resplendent depiction of the adapted Broadway musical and John Waters' original cinematic gem to screens with unanticipated brilliance. Adam Shankman's directorial finesse, in amalgamation with a cast led by Nikki Blonsky, John Travolta, and an ensemble of dynamic talents, constitutes this version as a standout: a visually lush, sonic boom of the '60s spirit coupled with a poignant commentary on societal norms, inclusivity, and the transformative power of youth and music. Unlike its counterparts, this rendition eschews the pitfalls of redundancy or diminishing the grit of its predecessor, instead presenting a polished yet authentically spirited narrative—bolstered by CinemaScope expansiveness and stereophonic sound—that dances its way into the audience's heart without sacrificing the core messages of acceptance and change.

The casting is impeccable, fostering a seamless transition from familiar faces to new portrayals without losing the essence of beloved characters. Michele Pfeiffer's performance, alongside newcomers like Blonsky and seasoned talents such as Queen Latifah and Christopher Walken, harmonizes the film's thematic undertones with its grand musical ambitions. Shankman's choreography and direction inject vitality into every scene, ensuring the dance numbers not only accentuate but elevate the storyline. The music, embodying the vibrant '60s ethos while integrating seamlessly into Broadway-style expressions, complements the film's vibrant visuals and narrative depth, making it a feast for both eyes and ears. Such a confluence of period-appropriate tunes, remarkable performances, and adept storytelling redefines "Hairspray" as not merely an entertainment piece but a compelling reflection on society's evolving norms, all while encapsulating the jubilant and transformative essence of musical cinema.

This reimagining transcends mere adaptation; it serves as a vivid, exuberant celebration of the original film’s spirit, catered to both aficionados of musicals and skeptics alike, ensuring its place amongst the pantheon of classic movie musicals. Shankman’s vision, combined with Shaiman's musical genius and a cast that embodies their roles with infectious enthusiasm, positions "Hairspray" as a cinematic beacon of joy and inclusivity. It’s a persuasive testament to the genre’s capacity to mingle entertainment with impactful social commentary—a colorful, compelling escapade that invites viewers into its embrace with open arms and catchy tunes, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of movie musicals.

The Blu-ray release of "Hairspray" proves to be an exceptional example of New Line Cinema's dedication to enhancing the home viewing experience. The inclusion of a plethora of extras, such as the praised Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature, exemplifies the studio's commitment to extending the enjoyment beyond the film's 117-minute runtime. While the picture quality may not set the standard for reference material, it competently brings the vibrant world of the 1960s into viewers' homes, standing shoulder to shoulder with prestigious releases like the "Spider-Man" discs. Despite the notable absence of an LPCM lossless audio track, the available downmixed soundtrack remains sufficiently engaging, promising an even richer auditory experience with future technology updates.

Critique aside, the high definition release shines in its ability to bring forth the essence and energy of the musical genre, captivating both aficionados and newcomers alike. The visual presentation, despite minor shortcomings in ultimate detail at higher magnifications, does not detract from an overall superb display of color, contrast, and cinematography, which remains free of grain and blemishes. Furthermore, Nikki Blonsky's breakout performance, alongside a faithful adaptation of John Waters' original work, underscores the film's heartfelt and uplifting message, making it a standout musical feature that resonates with optimism and joy.

In conclusion, "Hairspray" on Blu-ray emerges as a highly recommended addition to any collection, effectively appealing to a wide audience with its dynamic blend of exceptional video and audio quality, extensive special features, and a universally positive narrative. New Line Cinema's meticulous attention to detail and dedication to quality suggests promising potential for their future high-definition releases, positioning them as a formidable contender in the realm of home entertainment. This Blu-ray not only celebrates the enduring spirit of musicals but also reaffirms the genre's relevance in contemporary cinema, ensuring that viewers can't help but "stop the beat."