The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive's Blu-ray presentation of "The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm" is a masterful restoration offering a stunning visual experience, thanks to a painstaking 4K restoration from original 6K Cinerama camera negatives. The Blu-ray, encoded with AVC in full 1080p resolution, presents two viewing options: the traditional 2.85:1 letterbox and the Smilebox format, each distributed across two discs. This transfer surpasses previous releases with its virtually invisible join lines and deep color saturation. Razor-sharp image detail spreads seamlessly edge-to-edge, complemented by vivid colors and profound black levels devoid of crush or digital artifacts.

The presentation captures the immersive scope of Cinerama through its meticulous handling of color and detail, a feat seen in the restoration team's elimination of decades-old water damage, dirt, and dust. Viewers can experience this restoration’s brilliance via the Smilebox format, which provides a uniquely immersive depth mirroring the original Cinerama grandeur. The decision between letterbox and Smilebox ultimately falls to personal preference, though the latter is praised for its enhanced three-dimensional effect on flat-panel and projector screens.

Notably, the Smilebox format replicates the Cinerama experience with its breath-taking scale and texture, delivering a vivid technicolor spectrum that enlivens each frame. Skin tones remain consistent and natural, while shadow definition is crisp without sacrificing detail. This meticulous work results in an experience that rivals top-tier 4K discs and significantly elevates expectations for future catalog Blu-ray releases. In summary, Warner Archive’s Blu-ray exemplifies the pinnacle of film restoration, merging historical authenticity with modern technological prowess to deliver an immersive viewing experience that dazzles both Cinerama aficionados and new audiences alike.

The audio presentation of "The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm" Blu-ray is executed with remarkable finesse through its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround mix. Originally formatted in seven channels, the audio has been expertly rechanneled, presenting an engaging auditory experience for viewers. The cannon fire, arriving shortly after the opening scene, is the first of many discrete effects that vividly utilize rear and LFE channels, drawing the listener into a diverse soundscape that adapts fluidly to various settings such as wide outdoor scenes and enclosed interiors. Dialogues and songs are distinctly articulated via the center channel, while the soundtrack itself enjoys a dynamic range that enriches the historical ambiance of the film's auditory landscape.

Technically, the sound mix delivers a natural depth and layered quality, maintaining authenticity to its original theatrical intention. The audio track's low-frequency extension features pronounced bass and nuanced touches from instruments like horns and strings, enhancing the score’s depth. The surround sound presentation sweeps seamlessly around the room, offering a full-bodied and immersive experience. Dialogue reproduction remains consistently clear and crisp, establishing a solid foundational element amidst the orchestrated ambient effects.

Optional English SDH subtitles accompany the main feature, ensuring accessibility for all viewers. However, these subtitles are not available for bonus materials. The overall audio experience is an elegant complement to the visual restoration, exemplifying a balance between fidelity and immersive engagement while preserving the rich heritage of the film’s original sonic composition.

The Blu-ray release of "The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm" offers a comprehensive selection of extras that provide both historical context and technical insights into the film's restoration. The dual-disc set not only delivers a restored viewing experience but also includes an attractive booklet replicating original souvenir programs, a first for Warner Archive. Key features include two trailers presented in their original formats, insightful radio interviews with cast members Russ Tamblyn and Yvette Mimieux, and exclusive presentations by curator Justin Humphreys on the film's artistic contributions. Of particular note is a featurette detailing the meticulous 4K restoration process, offering a deep dive into the technical challenges overcome to preserve this Cinerama classic. Each supplement underscores the cultural and cinematic impact of the film, enriched with rare photos and expertly curated content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Announcement Trailer: Original Cinerama trailer, restored.
• Theatrical Trailer: Restored 1962 theatrical promotion.
• Radio Interviews: Audio clips with Russ Tamblyn and Yvette Mimieux.
• The Epic Art of the Brothers Grimm: Exploration of film artwork.
• The Wonderful Career of George Pal: Tribute to the legendary filmmaker.
• Cinerama Announcement Trailer: Smilebox format restoration.
• Smilebox Theatrical Trailer: Original format in Smilebox presentation.
• Rescuing a Fantasy Classic: Comprehensive restoration documentary.
• Location Commemorative Plaque: Footage of Rothenberg plaque.
• A Salute to William Forman: Tribute to Cinerama’s founder.
• Slideshow: Montage of behind-the-scenes content.
• Song Selection Menu: Access to key musical selections.

"The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm," a unique blend of fantasy and biographical storytelling, vividly captures the essence of its titular storytellers through Cinerama's dynamic lens. Filmed in Super Technirama 70 and Ultra Panavision 70, this film stands out for its visual grandeur, an aspect enhanced by the enveloping widescreen format. The anthology aspect interlaces the lesser-known Grimm tales, including "The Dancing Princess," "The Cobbler and the Elves," and "The Singing Bone," with the biographical narrative of brothers Wilhelm (Laurence Harvey) and Jacob Grimm (Karl Boehm). While the overarching story of the Grimms' challenges and sacrifices feels serviceable, it's the enchanting fairy tale sequences—animated by celebrated director George Pal—that truly capture the whimsy and charm associated with the Grimm legacy.

Technically, the film is a testament to its era's innovative cinematic techniques. Cinerama provides not only a framing device but an immersive experience, utilizing panoramic visuals and multi-track surround sound to deliver exceptional storytelling moments. These narrative sequences are further enriched by Bob Merrill’s memorable musical compositions and Oscar-winning costumes by Mary Wills, which elevate the film's aesthetic appeal. The Blu-ray restoration by Warner Archive brings these elements to modern audiences with an impressive 1080p transfer and a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track, providing clarity and depth that honor the film's original spectacle.

Despite its visual and auditory strengths, "The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm" struggles to maintain a cohesive narrative flow. The biographical elements occasionally mire its pacing, which contrasts starkly with the vibrant energy of its fantasy stories. Though it may not fully fulfill its potential as a cinematic masterpiece, fans of fantasy and historical films will find much to admire in its ambitious execution and its celebration of storytelling's timeless magic.

Warner Archive's release of "The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm" stands as a testament to meticulous restoration and premium presentation. This Blu-ray debut showcases a stunning 4K-sourced transfer that revitalizes the film's Technicolor Cinerama glory, reaffirming its unique place in cinematic history. As one of only two traditional storyline films in the Cinerama format, alongside "How the West Was Won," every frame of this classic has been carefully polished, offering a visual feast that is complemented by a dynamic lossless 5.1 audio track that injects new life into its charming fantasy narrative.

In addition to the high-quality audiovisual elements, the Blu-ray features both Cinemascope and Smilebox format options, allowing viewers to experience the grandeur of this classic spectacle in their preferred style. The inclusion of new and exclusive bonus features further enriches this release, providing valuable insight and enhancing the overall appreciation for fans and newcomers alike. This collection truly stands out as an impressive addition for any cinephile or home video enthusiast, effectively blending nostalgia with cutting-edge restoration technology.

In conclusion, Warner Archive's dedication to preserving cinematic treasures is exemplified in this deluxe edition of "The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm." While it may not hold the strongest narrative in their catalog, its aesthetic superiority and restoration excellence make it a jewel worth adding to any film library. It’s a celebration of both the film’s historical significance and the artistry involved in bringing such classics to contemporary audiences. Highly recommended.