Sweet Charity Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of Sweet Charity boasts a meticulously crafted 1080p AVC encoded transfer in its original Panavision 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Noteworthy is the claim of a brand new 4K restoration of the Roadshow Edition and an alternate version, though some viewers suggest this set may originate from an earlier French master. Nevertheless, the transfer presents a breathtaking visual experience with vibrant colors, particularly in hues of red, purple, and blue, which are faithfully represented and occasionally burst off the screen.

Grain structure is well-managed, maintaining high detail levels without overwhelming the viewer. The transfer's clarity is evident through its lack of dust and dirt, offering an almost pristine look as if the film was shot recently. Black levels are consistently deep and inky, adding to the overall dynamic range of the picture. A few minor inconsistencies occur, specifically during interstitial sequences involving still photographs and notable transitions in club scenes where optical titles add a slightly dupey appearance. These instances are minor and do not significantly detract from the viewing experience, especially when compared to previous DVD versions.

There are no noticeable signs of aged wear or compression artifacts, indicating a high-quality transfer process. The film is divided into 8 chapters for seamless navigation. Overall, Kino Lorber's presentation stands out for its color accuracy, strong contrast, and exceptional clarity, making it a visually compelling upgrade for Sweet Charity fans and new viewers alike.

"Sweet Charity" offers a notable audio experience with both DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 tracks. The surround track, in particular, enhances the film with robust sonics and sterling fidelity. Dialogue and music are clear, though there is a noticeable contrast between the wetter sound of the music and drier dialogue, which might be slightly jarring. The surround sound opens up orchestrations adeptly and provides engaging ambient audio effects, particularly during urban scenes. Some minor sync issues are detectable, likely due to post-dubbing or lip-syncing, but overall clarity remains high.

However, there is a slight hiss in the 5.1 mix during solo guitar segments accompanying photo montages, though this does not significantly detract from the overall experience. Volume levels, while a bit underwhelming in some areas, strike a harmonious balance, ensuring dialogue and song lyrics are never overshadowed by the musical score or sound effects. Notably absent are the Entr’Act and Exit Music on both discs, which may disappoint purists looking for a complete theatrical audio experience.

Overall, the audio presentation on this Blu-ray release is robust and engaging, successfully capturing the vibrant essence of Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields' compositions, despite the minor technical hiccups.

The Blu-ray release of "Sweet Charity" includes a wealth of extras, highlighting the film’s transition from stage to screen and its detailed production design. The Roadshow Edition (1080p; 2:31:11) presents a slightly truncated version of the film missing some key musical cues. The Alternate Edition (1080p; 2:24:51) features a modified ending and comes with an audio commentary by film historian Kat Ellinger, which is informative but occasionally meandering and contains a few factual inaccuracies. One standout feature is the archival piece on Edith Head's Costume Design, where Head discusses her Oscar-nominated designs in detail. Another highlight is the segment titled Sweet Charity: From the Stage to the Screen, which provides fascinating behind-the-scenes footage of Bob Fosse. The disc also includes the original Sweet Charity Trailer and a booklet featuring an insightful essay by Julie Kirgo.

Extras included in this disc:

• Roadshow Edition: Slightly truncated version missing some musical cues.
• Alternate Edition: Features modified “happy ending” and comes with audio commentary.
• Audio Commentary by Kat Ellinger: Informative but occasionally meandering.
• Edith Head's Costume Design: Archival piece discussing Head's Oscar-nominated designs.
• Sweet Charity: From the Stage to the Screen: Behind-the-scenes footage of Bob Fosse.
• Sweet Charity Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Booklet with Essay by Julie Kirgo: Contains photos and analysis.

Bob Fosse’s "Sweet Charity" transforms the 1966 Broadway musical into a vibrant film adaptation, preserving the stage's vaudeville-inspired structure. Shirley MacLaine stars as Charity Hope Valentine, a dance hall hostess with a storybook-like name and an irrepressible quest for true love. Filtered through Fosse’s unique visual and choreographic flair, the film takes viewers through episodic adventures where Charity’s unflagging optimism leads her into encounters that swing between heartwarming and devastating. Notable among these scenes is Charity’s platonic evening with Vittorio Vitale (Ricardo Montalban) and her poignant relationship with the neurotic but sincere Oscar Lindquist (John McMartin). The film, while anchored in its 1969 zeitgeist with mod costumes and innovative yet sometimes overwhelming cinematography techniques, retains its appeal due to the effervescent musical score by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields, and particularly, its stock of dazzling dance sequences.

The adaptation brings refreshing changes and additions while not straying far from its roots. Peter Stone’s screenplay heightens the bittersweet essence of Neil Simon’s original libretto, particularly capitalizing on MacLaine’s flair for portraying love’s fragile escapades. Several stage songs were dropped or replaced, yet the musical numbers "If My Friends Could See Me Now" and "Hey, Big Spender" remain pivotal, showcasing Fosse’s intricate, high-energy choreography. Worth highlighting is the performance of Chita Rivera and Paula Kelly in "There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This," which captures the dynamic synergy of the rooftop sequence. Despite some inevitable contemporaneous setbacks against the backdrop of 1969's societal unrest, "Sweet Charity" sets itself apart with its endearingly complex characters and top-notch dance spectacles, including standout cameos like that of Ben Vereen, awaiting his starring turn in Fosse’s "Pippin".

Bob Fosse’s "Sweet Charity," though not a significant box-office success at its initial release, stands the test of time as a seminal example of cinematic artistry. This Kino Lorber Blu-ray edition might not be perfect, but it offers a substantial upgrade in both visual and audio quality, allowing Fosse's innovative direction and choreography to truly shine. The restored image quality is vibrant and sharp, successfully capturing the film’s original colors and textures, while the audio mix underscores the dynamic musical score that earned one of its three Oscar nominations.

The strength of this Blu-ray edition lies in its visual presentation. The video transfer feels both authentic and richly detailed, with careful attention paid to maintaining the film’s original aesthetic integrity. Colors are striking and consistent, granting audiences a comprehensive viewing experience that closely mirrors the theatrical release. The soundtrack delivery is robust, enhancing everything from the dialogue to the celebrated musical numbers. Despite some minor issues, such as missing music that some fans were hoping to see corrected in this release, the overall package provides a high-quality preservation of Fosse’s work.

In conclusion, "Sweet Charity" on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber is an exceptional release that every fan of classic cinema should consider. It may miss a few marks in terms of complete content, but it compensates with stunning visual and audio quality that brings new life to this beloved musical. Combining historical significance with Bob Fosse's undeniable directorial prowess, this edition earns a strong recommendation for both enthusiasts and newcomers to the film. Highly recommended.