The Major and the Minor Blu-ray Review

Arrow Academy presents the Blu-ray transfer of "The Major and the Minor" with a highly faithful restoration, utilizing an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the original 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The restoration was undertaken with a detailed 2K scan from the 35mm camera negative on an Arriscan at NBC Universal, followed by grading and restoration at Dragon DI, Wales using advanced systems like Pablo Rio and PFClean. Audio remastering was meticulously executed by NBC Universal, ensuring both the visual and auditory components align with high preservation standards.

Visually, this transfer is commendable, offering a robust grain structure that complements the film’s original texture. The grayscale range is impressive, with solid contrast and finely delineated gray shades enhancing the Hollywood aesthetic. Extreme attentiveness to grain helps maintain fidelity, though some sequences exhibit wear, including occasional scratches and fading—especially visible during the optical dissolves and certain character interactions. Despite these minor intrusions, the overall detail level is indeed superior to previous releases, establishing this edition as possibly the finest representation of the film on home video.

The transfer's stability and precision are noteworthy, rendering sharp blacks, crisp whites, and pinpoint mid-tones without evident banding. Although not a 4K presentation, the meticulous restoration successfully preserves the film’s original cinematic essence. Given its vivid grayscale performance and the natural handling of grain, this Blu-ray stands out in showcasing "The Major and the Minor" with remarkable clarity and authenticity.

The audio presentation of "The Major and the Minor" on Blu-ray offers a commendable DTS-HD Master Audio Mono mix. This mix, while a product of its time, presents a pleasantly full-bodied sound. Dialogue is rendered with strong, clear fidelity, allowing for an engaging audio experience despite its inherent age-related characteristics. Additionally, the film's memorable musical score, which includes songs that later became standards, is delivered without issues of damage, achieving a harmonious balance between music and dialogue.

Interestingly, the original mono soundtrack is available on a PCM 1.0 track as well, enhancing the classic audio authenticity. The dialogue remains robust and clear throughout, with no intrusion from sound effects or the background score composed by Robert Emmett Dolan, with stock music by Walter Scharf and Andrea Setaro. Remarkably, there is an absence of crackling, popping, distortion, or dropouts, suggesting an audio quality that is likely the best achievable for home video formats. The overall sonic fidelity ensures that neither muddy lows nor troublesome treble marks this historical audio track, maintaining clear audibility without static interference.

Overall, this release showcases a production-aware respect for the film’s original audio quality while delivering a solid technical presentation. Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the preservation of historical fidelity along with the minimized presence of common audio degradations in vintage films.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Major and the Minor" present a comprehensive enhancement to the film appreciation experience. The audio commentary by film scholar Adrian Martin offers insightful analysis of the film's themes and connections to Billy Wilder’s subsequent works. Neil Sinyard's video essay, "Half Fare Please!", provides additional thematic dissection, though listeners may need to adjust the volume due to significant loudness. A valuable 1975 audio interview with Ray Milland gives a reflective account of his career and filmmaking perspectives. Additionally, a 1943 Lux Radio Theatre adaptation, featuring Ginger Rogers and Ray Milland, enriches the historical context of the film. Extras also include an image gallery and the original theatrical trailer. Collectors will appreciate a first-pressing booklet with an essay by film historian Ronald Bergan.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Adrian Martin: In-depth analysis of film themes and Wilder's oeuvre.
• Half Fare Please!: Video essay by Neil Sinyard on film themes and screenwriting collaborations.
• Ray Milland Interview: 1975 audio interview reflecting on career and filmmaking.
• Radio Play: 1943 Lux Radio Theatre broadcast with original film cast.
• Image Gallery: 24 promotional and poster art stills.
• Original Trailer: Theatrical trailer.
• Booklet: Essay by Ronald Bergan (first pressing only).

Billy Wilder’s inaugural venture as a writer-director, "The Major and the Minor" (1942), marks an intriguing starting point in his storied career. Known for classics like "Sunset Boulevard" and "Some Like It Hot," Wilder's debut often gets overlooked amidst his celebrated filmography. The plot, involving Susan Applegate (Ginger Rogers) posing as a 12-year-old to afford a train fare, is a mixture of farce and social commentary, reflecting Wilder's awareness of gender dynamics well ahead of his time. The narrative delicately juggles humor with underlying social critique, confronting issues such as sexism and societal roles for men and women.

Rogers excels in her role, infusing Susan with comedic flair while tackling uncomfortable situations with aplomb. Her early scenes, where she uses an egg to fend off an ogling client, set the tone for the farcical elements that ensue. Ray Milland's portrayal of Major Philip Kirby, who is duped by Susan's child disguise, adds to the film's charm despite the incredulity of the premise. The military academy setting amplifies the comedic tension, replete with hormone-driven cadets and an unsuspecting fiancée (played by Rita Johnson). Wilder skillfully prevents the narrative from veering into unsettling territory, maintaining a balance between innocent deception and overt satire.

The film’s humor and cynicism remain relevant, capturing pre-war social observations and gender biases. Notably, screenwriter Charles Brackett collaborated with Wilder to ensure that potentially controversial elements were handled with tact. The supporting cast, including notable turns from Diana Lynn as the precocious younger sister and Robert Benchley as a bemused customer, bolster the primary narrative. Despite the implausibility of Rogers convincingly playing a pre-teen, her performance, coupled with Wilder’s deft direction, ensures that "The Major and the Minor" delivers engaging and socially astute entertainment 75 years after its release.

Billy Wilder’s directorial debut, "The Major and the Minor," from 1942, is an important early work that foreshadows the wit and sophistication for which he would later become renowned. This film, starring Ginger Rogers and Ray Milland, treads the line between comedy and social commentary, challenging biases and gender norms. Rogers' performance, though not entirely convincing as a 12-year-old, is spirited and engaging, providing a dynamic counterpoint to Milland’s more subtle portrayal. The supporting cast, including Robert Benchley, injects unique character moments, contributing to the film's charm.

Despite not being classified among Wilder’s greatest masterpieces, "The Major and the Minor" still offers substantial entertainment value. It is well-written and displays a surprising level of chasteness given its underlying themes. The film steadily fluctuates between being amusing and thought-provoking without necessarily aiming for outright hilarity. Arrow's Blu-ray release of this classic has been met with commendation for its technical precision, delivering superior audio and visual quality that significantly enhances the viewing experience compared to previous DVD versions.

In conclusion, Arrow's Blu-ray release of "The Major and the Minor" is a noteworthy upgrade that offers a blend of exceptional technical presentation and a compelling set of special features. The enduring appeal of this film lies in its clever narrative and robust performances, making it a valuable addition to any classic film aficionado’s collection. While it may not achieve the status of an outright classic like some of Wilder’s later works, it remains an essential piece of cinematic history and is highly recommended.