It's Always Fair Weather Blu-ray Review

The Warner Archive Collection's Blu-ray presentation of "It's Always Fair Weather" showcases a meticulous restoration effort, ensuring a notable enhancement over the 2006 DVD release. Utilizing an interpositive sourced from the original camera negative, the 1080p AVC-encoded transfer benefits from impressive color correction, minimizing the adverse effects of the Eastmancolor stock's yellow layer collapse. The colors are vibrant and varied, particularly in dance sequences featuring Cyd Charisse and Dolores Gray, where the rich hues and consistent densities really stand out. The grain pattern is remarkably tight and controlled, especially given the inherently problematic stock.

However, certain limitations remain. Optical effects and scene dissolves introduce color and density fluctuations, with grain becoming more pronounced during these segments. The most notable flaws occur during two shots involving superimposition and an optically engineered zoom, which degrade into noticeable muddiness and provoke internet speculation about their quality. Warner Archive’s high average bitrate of just under 35 Mbps does its best to mitigate these issues, rendering an overall vivid and detailed image that significantly improves on prior releases.

The very wide 2.55:1 aspect ratio of early CinemaScope does present some challenges, including edge-of-frame distortions typical of the period. Despite these technical shortcomings, key attributes such as rich blacks and stable flesh tones lend the film a level of visual clarity that invigorates the viewing experience. Charisse’s emerald green costume and Gray’s red dress pop with vivid intensity, enhancing the film’s aesthetic appeal. Though "It's Always Fair Weather" will always have its inherent challenges, Warner Archive’s Blu-ray release delivers a robust visual presentation that true fans will appreciate, making an upgrade a worthwhile consideration.

The Blu-ray presentation of "It's Always Fair Weather" brings an exceptional audio experience, significantly improving upon its previous DVD release. Originally released in both mono and four-track stereo, the latter was used to create a 5.1 remix for the 2006 DVD, and this same mix now features on the Blu-ray in lossless DTS-HD Master Audio. The enhanced fidelity and tonal depth are particularly commendable, ensuring the dynamic range and clarity of sound are outstanding for a film of this vintage. André Previn’s Oscar-nominated score shines through with remarkable clarity and authority, delivering a richly detailed orchestral presence across the front soundstage while eliminating any hiss or distortion. The track maintains precise vocal rendering and accentuates musical numbers with vitality, making Dolores Gray’s mellifluous alto and various instrumental solos resonate richly.

The surround channels are utilized primarily to expand the track's depth and presence, enhancing the immersive qualities of the CinemaScope visuals through palpable stereo separation. This nuanced use of rear channels heightens the sense of spatial dimension without overwhelming the listener. Notably, sonic details such as Kelly’s roller skates and the clash of trash can lids are reproduced with crystal clarity, ensuring each element remains distinct and impactful. The dialogue and lyrics are consistently easy to comprehend, free from age-related imperfections like hiss, pops, or crackles. This full-bodied audio track revitalizes "It's Always Fair Weather," transforming it into an auditory pleasure that stands as a marked improvement over its DVD predecessor.

The Blu-ray release of "It's Always Fair Weather" brings over all the substantial extras from the 2006 DVD, meticulously capturing the rare and vintage content that will indeed delight musical enthusiasts. The featurette "Going Out on a High Note" offers an engaging and detailed chronicle of the film's production challenges, including the notable conflicts between co-directors Kelly and Donen. The vintage TV clips from "The MGM Parade" provide a nostalgic glimpse into the film's promotion through interactions with Cyd Charisse and Gene Kelly. Additionally, the inclusion of classic animated shorts from Tex Avery and Hanna-Barbera enhances the nostalgic appeal of these extras. The outtakes package adds depth with deleted musical numbers and audio tracks, allowing viewers to appreciate what could have been part of the final cut. Lastly, the theatrical trailer rounds out a robust extras package.

Extras included in this disc:

• It's Always Fair Weather: Going Out on a High Note: A comprehensive featurette exploring the film's production.
• MGM Parade: Excerpt from Episode 1 with Cyd Charisse: Host George Murphy discusses the film with Charisse.
• MGM Parade: Excerpt from Episode 2 with Gene Kelly: Behind-the-scenes rehearsals and film previews.
• Deputy Droopy: Tex Avery’s Old West-themed cartoon.
• Good Will to Men: A Hanna-Barbera animated short with a dark thematic turn.
• Jack and the Space Giants: Deleted musical number featuring Michael Kidd.
• Love Is Nothing but a Racket: Deleted dance duet between Charisse and Kelly.
• The Binge: Unused takes from the film's opening number.
• I Thought They'd Never Leave (audio only): An unused song featuring Charisse.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original preview attempting to highlight the film’s upbeat tone.

The Blu-ray release of MGM's 1955 film "It's Always Fair Weather" by Warner Archive Collection offers a nuanced examination of Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen's final directorial collaboration. Initially conceived as a stage sequel to "On the Town," the project transitioned to the screen with significant casting changes influenced by studio politics, ultimately featuring Dan Dailey, Cyd Charisse, and Michael Kidd alongside Kelly. Despite internal conflicts during production, the movie features several standout sequences that showcase MGM musical excellence. Though perceived as the gateway to the decline of the MGM musical era, its critical reputation has grown over time, buttressed by its complex narrative and satirical undertones. The Blu-ray offers a meticulously restored presentation despite some inherent challenges in the original film elements.

Set against the backdrop of post-World War II America, the story follows three former soldiers—Ted Riley (Kelly), Doug Hallerton (Dailey), and Angie Valentine (Kidd)—who reunite ten years after swearing an oath to remain friends. The reunion reveals their diverging life paths and subsequent disillusionment. Their chance involvement with Jackie Leighton (Charisse) and Madeline Braville (Dolores Gray) leads to a series of deceptions on a television show, culminating in conflict and eventual pseudo-reconciliation. Despite its convoluted plot, the film excels in its musical and dance numbers, such as the iconic roller-skate tap sequence "I Like Myself" and the energetically chaotic "The Binge Dance." Dailey’s lampoon of corporate culture in "Situation-Wise" and Gray’s theatrical "Thanks a Lot, but No Thanks" provide additional high points.

Director Stanley Donen’s innovative use of Cinemascope employs split screens and technical flair to expand the narrative scope. However, the film's darker, more sarcastic tone and disjointed storyline undermine its emotional impact, making it less memorable than Comden and Green's other works like "Singin' in the Rain." Despite its narrative shortcomings, the aspect of televisual satire grants it a timeless quality that resonates with modern audiences. The Blu-ray release captures these elements with high fidelity, ensuring that the film's artistic merits are preserved for both new viewers and long-time aficionados.

Warner Archive's Blu-ray release of "It's Always Fair Weather" showcases a fascinating juxtaposition of bright musical numbers and a more somber, cynical storyline. The film's direction by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly captures a transitional moment in the MGM musical landscape, emphasizing post-war disillusionment amid its catchy tunes and vibrant choreography. The high-definition widescreen transfer is immaculate, with excellent color saturation and clarity that enhance the viewing experience. The sound has been remastered well, providing crisp and clear audio that complements the film’s memorable numbers.

Despite the top-notch technical delivery, the film's tone remains a point of contention. The screenplay by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, known for their biting satire, offers an unusually dark narrative for a musical. This contrast can be jarring, with stretches of gloom dampening the otherwise entertaining numbers headlined by talents like Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse. Consequently, while the film includes standout sequences like the energetic "I Like Myself" roller-skating number, these high points often highlight the unevenness in tone throughout the movie.

In conclusion, "It's Always Fair Weather" is best understood as a film that might appeal more to established fans of classic MGM musicals rather than newcomers. The Blu-ray edition allows viewers to focus on their favorite parts thanks to a song list easily accessible from the menu. For devotees, this release is a valuable addition to any collection due to its superior presentation quality. However, those unfamiliar with the genre should approach with tempered expectations, ready to appreciate the technical prowess while navigating through its darker thematic currents.