Hans Christian Andersen Blu-ray Review

Warner's Blu-ray presentation of "Hans Christian Andersen", shot by the renowned Harry Stradling and delivered in a 1080p, AVC-encoded format, succeeds in capturing much of the lush Technicolor vibrancy characteristic of Stradling's work. The original aspect ratio of 1.37:1 is maintained, providing audiences with a faithful cinematic experience. The bold and vivid palette is immediately striking—especially in scenes like the one where Hans interacts with children by a river, where the blues and greens leap off the screen. However, fine detail resolution does fall short of what could have been expected from a well-preserved 35mm Technicolor source; certain long shots reveal video noise, likely attributable to irremediable defects in the original materials.

Despite these shortcomings, the Blu-ray image remains richly detailed and colorful, ensuring that the high-definition quality is unmistakable. The transfer showcases an undisturbed grain pattern, lending it an authentic filmic quality without inappropriate filtering or manipulation. While there are slight coloring errors due to the three-strip Technicolor process, contributing to unexpected softness around clothing hems and eye irises, the overall impact on viewing is minimal. No compression artifacts were detected, and the extended ballet sequence stands out as visually captivating. This Blu-ray may not reach technical perfection, but it certainly provides a satisfactory and engaging visual experience for viewers.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Hans Christian Andersen" utilizes the film's original mono track preserved in lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0. Given the film's age, the audio quality is impressively clear, providing an authentic listening experience. Voices, whether speaking or singing, are rendered with clarity, which ensures that dialogue and musical performances are easily comprehensible. The orchestral score, while lacking the expansive range one would find in contemporary stereo or 5.1 recordings, maintains enough presence to underscore the grandeur inherent in Andersen's storytelling and the elegance of the ballet sequences.

Warner has made a commendable choice in retaining the original audio mix without attempting to artificially enhance it for modern home theater systems. Such alterations often result in a track that feels disjointed from the film it accompanies. Here, the balance between music and voices is maintained with precision, avoiding any distortion or hissing. While the mono track naturally limits audio imaging and does not utilize surround channels, it preserves the integrity and historical authenticity of the film's soundscape. This approach provides a fitting auditory accompaniment to the onscreen action, delivering exactly what is needed for this classic film.

The Blu-ray release of the classic film "Hans Christian Andersen" presents a modest yet charming collection of extras that, while limited in scope, offer valuable insights into the film's production and legacy. The primary feature is a standard definition theatrical trailer, which intriguingly mentions the producer's name multiple times, adding to its vintage appeal. The package is further enhanced by a beautifully crafted DigiBook that includes an array of production photos, lobby cards, and posters. The book also provides an informative look into the film's lengthy development and detailed biographies of notable individuals involved in the film, including Samuel Goldwyn and Danny Kaye. Although not exhaustive, these features provide a nostalgic glimpse into the film's history, leaving audiences yearning for a more comprehensive retrospective documentary.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: A vintage trailer with unique voiceover emphasis on the producer's name.
• DigiBook: Contains production photos, lobby cards, one sheets, drawings, and informative text about the film's development and key contributors.

"Hans Christian Andersen" is a cinematic gem crowned with pedigree, featuring the legendary production efforts of Samuel Goldwyn, the writing prowess of Pulitzer Prize winner Moss Hart, and the musical genius of Frank Loesser. Directed by Charles Vidor and starring the immensely charming Danny Kaye, this 1952 film reimagines the life of the Danish storyteller as a whimsical fairy tale. Unlike a traditional biopic, the movie liberates itself from historical accuracy as evidenced by an opening disclaimer, allowing creativity to flourish. The fictional Hans, portrayed wonderfully by Kaye, resides in the quaint town of Odense as a cobbler who enthralls local children with imaginative tales despite objections from the schoolmaster and concerned parents.

The narrative splits into two distinct halves. The first part retains its original allure with Kaye's character transitioning through amusing predicaments and charming interactions, especially with his apprentice Peter, played earnestly by Joseph Walsh. Their departure to Copenhagen introduces a series of delightful adventures; once there, Hans' storytelling continues even in less-than-ideal circumstances, delivering touching moments like spinning the story of Thumbelina to a child from his jail cell. The dialogue is vibrant with life and humor, and the Technicolor visuals are enriched by the spirited set designs, enhancing the nostalgic charm.

The second half takes a dramatic turn, focusing on a love triangle involving Hans, the prima ballerina Doro (Zizi Jeanmaire), and her domineering husband Niels (Farley Granger). While the ballet sequences are mesmerising and supplemented by Franz Liszt's compositions, they somewhat derail the film’s momentum. Kaye’s displacement during these segments is noticeable and nearly shifts the film's tone towards adult melodrama. The inclusion of an extended ballet based on "The Little Mermaid," choreographed by Roland Petit, although beautifully executed, may seem lengthy for viewers expecting the light-heartedness of the first half. However, captivating songs by Loesser and Kaye’s spirited performance reaffirm its place as a timeless classic suitable for family enjoyment despite its occasional tonal inconsistencies.

"Hans Christian Andersen," featuring a stellar performance by Danny Kaye, is highly lauded for its charming musical numbers composed by Frank Loesser. The Blu-ray presentation from Warner offers a mixed bag; the image quality is generally vibrant yet marred by some imperfections that could detract from the viewing experience for the most discerning eyes. The audio track, though in mono, remains robust, effectively complementing an excellent score that enhances the film’s nostalgic value.

From a packaging perspective, the Blu-ray edition disappoints slightly as it comes in a digibook casing without any significant special features, apart from a solitary theatrical trailer. Collectors may find this lackluster, especially when compared to other classic releases that often include behind-the-scenes features or restored content. Nonetheless, the core content—the film and its music—retains its sentimental charm, making it a worthwhile watch for those fond of Kaye's charismatic performance and Loesser's memorable tunes.

Overall, "Hans Christian Andersen" on Blu-ray is a delightful, albeit somewhat imperfect, gem. The film's heartwarming narrative and enchanting songs resonate through time, rewarding viewers with a sense of nostalgia. However, potential buyers should weigh the pros and cons of the disc’s technical aspects. The film stands recommended with appropriate caveats; it is endearing and historically significant but may benefit from selective engagement rather than frequent re-watching.