The Harvey Girls Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive has delivered an extraordinary 1080p video presentation of "The Harvey Girls," showcasing meticulous restoration efforts sourced from a recent 4K scan of the original Technicolor negatives. This transfer is a testament to their commitment to preserving cinematic history, providing an experience that is both vibrantly colorful and sharply detailed. The use of MPEG-4 AVC encoding ensures an immaculate presentation free from excessive noise reduction, compression artifacts, or banding, thus maintaining the film’s authentic texture and vibrancy.

The film is presented in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1, which captures the nuances of the period's production design. The clarity and detail are exceptional, with every frame bursting with rich, lush colors synonymous with Technicolor's three-strip process. From the crimson lips to the emerald greens and brassy golds, each hue is vivid and perfectly balanced, enhancing the film’s vibrant visual tapestry. The sumptuous costumes and set designs are rendered with impressive clarity, allowing viewers to appreciate intricate details such as fabric textures and period decor.

Black levels are deep and well-defined, providing excellent contrast that accentuates the dimensionality of the image. Skin tones are natural and lifelike, a significant improvement over prior DVD releases where they appeared mildly exaggerated. Additionally, this release boasts superior shadow delineation, particularly in nighttime scenes, adding depth to the natural photography without any signs of crush or errant specks disturbing the pristine print. "The Harvey Girls" shines in this high-definition format, gloriously capturing the film's essence and further solidifying Warner Archive’s reputation for outstanding Technicolor restorations that respect and elevate cinematic classics.

The Blu-ray release of "The Harvey Girls" offers a commendable DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix that effectively elevates the film's original auditory experience. Despite the film's vintage origins from the 1940s, which naturally limited the dynamic scope of its sound design, the track manages to deliver a crisp and clear presentation. Dialogue is well-articulated, maintaining a perfect balance with diegetic music and foley effects. Additionally, although lip-syncing becomes evident during song sequences, these moments are executed without blurring or distortion, showcasing Garland’s rich vocals clearly and comprehensively.

Musically, Lennie Hayton’s orchestrations and Kay Thompson’s vocal arrangements benefit from a wide dynamic range, allowing variations without compromising fidelity or tonal depth. This meticulous attention to auditory detail also extends to sound effects, where elements such as gunfire and ambient noises are rendered with remarkable precision, enhancing the film’s immersive experience. An uptick in volume provides an added boost during musical numbers, offering robust display without age-related artifacts like hiss or pops.

However, some elements may leave viewers wanting more. Optional English SDH subtitles are restricted to the main feature only, excluding any extras—a noticeable downgrade compared to previous DVD releases. Despite this minor annoyance, Warner Archive's sound engineers have delivered a satisfying audio mix that stays true to its roots while updating it for contemporary audiences. Although not on par with current surround formats, this DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track delivers an authentic and enjoyable auditory journey through the rowdy Old West, making it a strong complement to the visual elements of this musical-western classic.

The Blu-ray of "The Harvey Girls" offers a rich array of vintage and film-specific extras, primarily drawn from previous DVD releases. Notably, director George Sidney's engaging audio commentary delivers insightful anecdotes into the film's development, production challenges, and the studio system era, providing a thorough appreciation of MGM's Golden Age. The inclusion of deleted musical numbers such as "March of the Doagies" and "My Intuition", along with comprehensive audio scoring sessions, grants enthusiasts a deeper understanding of the film's musical legacy. Technicians have adeptly remixed "On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe" in stereo, enhancing its auditory experience while maintaining the original essence. The set is complemented by a high-definition theatrical trailer and instant song selection for easy access to the film's musical highlights.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful narrative by director George Sidney on the film's production.
• Deleted Musical Numbers: Includes "March of the Doagies" and "My Intuition".
• Scoring Stage Sessions: Extensive collection of 27 audio tracks and rehearsals.
• On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe – Stereo: Enhanced stereo mix of the signature song.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original preview presented in high-definition.

"The Harvey Girls," directed by George Sidney, offers a vibrant and whimsically entertaining slice of Americana portrayed through an eccentric musical lens. Taking inspiration from the success of Broadway's "Oklahoma!", the film depicts the taming of the Wild West through the establishment of Harvey House restaurants along rail lines in the late 19th century. Judy Garland leads the ensemble, delivering a charming performance infused with her signature warmth, humor, and vocal prowess. Her character, Susan Bradley, embarks on a humorous and heartfelt journey of self-discovery after mistakenly heading to Sandrock, Arizona, to meet a deceptive suitor. The film captures Americana with colorful exuberance through Garland's comedic timing and celebrated numbers like the Oscar-winning "On the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe."

The supporting cast adds depth to this whimsical narrative, featuring Angela Lansbury in her early career as a captivating saloon singer and John Hodiak as the roguish saloon owner. Notable appearances by Ray Bolger and Cyd Charisse provide memorable dance sequences that elevate the film's entertainment quotient. Although originally envisioned as a more straightforward drama, its conversion to a musical adds layers of fun, yet the plot can occasionally feel thin under the weight of its musical ambitions.

Despite its somewhat scattered plot, "The Harvey Girls" holds charm with a parade of splendid performances, grandiose set designs, and vibrant costumes that define that MGM golden era aesthetic. The Warner Archive's Blu-ray release is noted for its meticulous restoration, offering crystal-clear visuals and high-fidelity audio that enhance its timeless appeal. Whether you're captivated by Garland's musical talents or drawn to classic cinema's effervescent spectacles, this film remains a delectable piece of film history that continues to enchant audiences decades later.

George Sidney’s "The Harvey Girls" delivers an engaging musical experience, punctuated by the undeniable charm of its ensemble led by Judy Garland. Despite not needing to be a musical, its balanced integration of songs enhances rather than disrupts the narrative. The film is a vivid exploration of intrepid women in the Old West, bolstered by muscular action and a colorful script. This offering from Warner Archive astoundingly remasters the film through a new 4K restoration from the original nitrate Technicolor negative, providing a sumptuous visual and audio experience.

Critically celebrated, particularly among Garland’s filmography, "The Harvey Girls" sets itself apart with top-notch performances and its sparkling score, making it one of MGM's most entertaining musicals. The Blu-ray package maintains Warner Archive’s tradition of excellence with an array of film-specific bonus features, although these may be familiar to some fans. However, these additional materials complement the film’s handsome restoration and continue to make the package a compelling purchase for both newcomers intrigued by its premise and genre aficionados.

In conclusion, while the Blu-ray edition might not introduce new special features, it successfully reiterates the movie’s enduring appeal with high-definition audio-visual clarity. Whether you are a fan of Judy Garland or a connoisseur of classic musicals, Warner Archive’s meticulous and vibrant presentation of "The Harvey Girls" is highly recommended, promising enjoyable hours of cinematic nostalgia.