The Band Wagon Blu-ray Review

The Band Wagon’s Blu-ray presentation, mastered using Warner's patented Ultra Resolution process, is a visual triumph. The 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer is nothing short of stupendous, faithfully capturing the complex and colorful imagery of this Technicolor classic. Minnelli's elaborate sequences, including Fred Astaire's Times Square frolic and the climactic Faust rehearsal meltdown, are rendered with exceptional sharpness, detail, and clarity. The Triplets routine benefits from outstanding black levels, and Cyd Charisse's vibrant wardrobe, particularly her red dress in the Girl Hunt Ballet, shines with vivid intensity. The hefty average bitrate of 27.93 Mbps likens this release to a possible new standard for Warner Home Video.

The Blu-ray's visuals excel thanks to the ultramodern restoration techniques applied. The image is distinguished by exceptional contrast and a hint of grain that lends an authentic filmic texture. Technicolor hues are immaculately well-saturated, breathing new life into the costumes and set details. Reds, yellows, and pastels display boldness and vibrancy, while background elements appear marvelously crisp. Avoiding common pitfalls, patterns and sequins resist shimmering, and inky blacks add remarkable depth to nighttime scenes. Fleshtones are natural and steady throughout the film, and the pristine source material shows no signs of nicks, scratches, noise, or pixelation. This Blu-ray release redefines visual splendor for classic film enthusiasts.

The Blu-ray release of "The Band Wagon" features a 5.1 remix in lossless DTS-HD Master Audio, offering a significant upgrade from its original mono format. This conservative remix is predominantly front-oriented but does manage to open up the front soundstage considerably. The dialogue and lyrics are delivered with exceptional clarity, and the orchestrations by Conrad Salinger, Skip Martin, and Alexander Courage are preserved beautifully. Highlights, such as the strings in "Dancing in the Dark," exhibit a sweet tonal quality, underscoring the meticulous attention given to this audio presentation.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track triumphs over its lossy DVD counterpart by providing crystal clear sound that enhances the overall experience of this classic musical. While surround activity remains subtle and generally limited to the song and score, the front channel stereo separation is impressively pronounced, creating a wide, expansive soundscape. The high-end frequencies are bright and articulate, while the low-end frequencies possess a satisfying weight, maintaining a wide dynamic range that prevents distortion and highlights the swelling strings and brass sections. The absence of age-related imperfections, such as hiss, pops, and crackles, further ensures that the purity of the track is preserved. Musical aficionados will undoubtedly appreciate this superior audio mix, as it faithfully captures the essence and nostalgia of "The Band Wagon."

The Blu-ray release of "The Band Wagon" retains most of the extras from the 2005 DVD edition, with some notable additions and exclusions. Missing are the Fred Astaire trailer gallery and the outtake musical number "Two-Faced Woman." However, the package includes a vintage cartoon "The Three Little Pups," which may not directly relate to the film but adds a unique touch. The standout features include a lively audio commentary with Liza Minnelli and Michael Feinstein, a comprehensive retrospective featurette, and a PBS documentary on Vincente Minnelli's directorial career, providing rich insights into the film and its creative minds. Despite the omissions, this remains a stellar supplemental package for enthusiasts of classic cinema.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Liza Minnelli and Michael Feinstein: Entertaining and informative chat filled with personal anecdotes and production details.
• Get Aboard! The Band Wagon: 2005 retrospective featuring interviews with key figures related to the film.
• The Men Who Made the Movies: Vincente Minnelli: PBS documentary focusing on Minnelli's career.
• Jack Buchanan with the Glee Quartet: Comedy short featuring Buchanan in a capella hijinks.
• The Three Little Pups: Tex Avery's animated short based on The Three Little Pigs.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original preview of the film’s musical numbers.

The Band Wagon is a testament to Vincente Minnelli's mastery of the movie musical genre. While its plot may be considered thin by today's standards, Minnelli's exceptional command of cinematic style and attention to detail ensure that the narrative gaps scarcely detract from the overall experience. He transforms the film into a vibrant tapestry of song, dance, and visual artistry, turning what could have been a standard backstage story into a dazzling showcase. Minnelli's direction, combined with the talents of Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse, brings every musical number to life with palpable energy. Notably, the "Dancing in the Dark" sequence in Central Park is a sublime example of cinematic elegance, epitomizing Astaire and Charisse's brilliance.

The film’s charm is vastly enhanced by the witty and insightful screenplay by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Their clever integration of real-life experiences into the script adds layers of authenticity and humor, making the dynamics between characters relatable and enduring. Fred Astaire's portrayal of Tony Hunter, a character reflective of his own career nuances, adds an extra dimension to his performance. Astaire's advanced age and concerns over height juxtaposed with Charisse's classical ballet training add a touching realism to their on-screen partnership. Jack Buchanan’s performance as the highbrow Jeffrey Cordova adds a humorous contrast, particularly when his grandiose vision for the show derails with spectacular flair.

The film's latter half is essentially a series of impeccably staged musical numbers that climax with an array of unforgettable scenes. "Shine on My Shoes," set against a lively Times Square backdrop, showcases Astaire's signature style, while “That’s Entertainment!” exemplifies the film’s core message with an exuberant performance. The "Girl Hunt" ballet stands out as a satirical masterpiece within the film, blending Michael Kidd’s dynamic choreography with Minnelli’s visionary direction. Despite any narrative shortcomings, The Band Wagon remains an enthralling musical that captures the ephemeral magic of entertainment through its splendid visual and auditory feast.

The Band Wagon, directed by Vincente Minnelli, is a brilliant showcase of classic musical cinema, combining the talents of Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse with vibrant style and old-fashioned fun. This Blu-ray release is a testament to Warner's commitment to preserving cinematic history, offering an impeccable video transfer that truly brings the color and choreography to life. The visual presentation is consistently excellent, capturing the film’s iconic dance sequences with remarkable clarity and detail, and maintaining the integrity of the original Technicolor palette.

The audio quality on the Blu-ray is similarly top-notch, delivering a lively and immersive soundtrack that enhances the musical experience. The restoration work ensures that every note and nuance is faithfully reproduced, providing an enriched listening experience that complements the stunning visuals. Additionally, the disc is loaded with substantive supplementary content, including insightful commentaries and behind-the-scenes featurettes that offer a deeper appreciation of the film's production history and legacy.

As both a sterling example of what a great studio, producer, cast, and director could create in an earlier era, and of what a first-rate technical crew can reproduce in the digital domain today, the Blu-ray of The Band Wagon is great entertainment. It just requires a different set of viewing sensibilities than today's effects extravaganzas. With that caveat, highly recommended.