Swing Time Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of George Stevens’ "Swing Time" is a notable achievement in film restoration. Presented in its authentic aspect ratio of 1.37:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC at 1080p resolution, this transfer benefits from a meticulous restoration process. The digital transfer was executed using a 2K resolution on a Lasergraphics Director film scanner, sourced from two 35mm fine-grains and a 35mm duplicate negative, while the original camera negative remains lost. The restoration effort, including dirt and debris removal and noise management via MTI Film’s DRS and Digital Vision's Phoenix, ensures a cleaner and more stabilized visual experience. However, due to the generational distance from the original negative, the overall density levels are slightly suboptimal, with occasional density fluctuations and a marginal softness in close-ups.

The transfer maintains a good grayscale and faithfully reproduces film grain, enhancing the sense of depth and preventing the image from appearing flat. The detailed black-and-white imagery showcases interior sets with high clarity and allows for a vivid representation of elaborate dancing sequences, particularly in the multi-level environment of the film’s finale. Black levels are impressively deep and inky with strong contrast, which is particularly evident on the dancing stage; reflections of the dancers are captured without significant crushing. Despite minor artifacts like scratches and a distractingly persistent hair strand during the "Never Gonna Dance" finale, the cleanup efforts are commendable, rendering this classic film with a high level of detail and minimal distractions. The persistent grain is managed well, providing an immersive viewing experience that respects the film’s original cinematographic qualities while offering modern viewers an enhanced visual presentation.

The audio presentation of "Swing Time" on Blu-ray is anchored by a singular English LPCM 1.0 track, complemented by optional English SDH subtitles. The uncompressed PCM 1.0 sound mix stays true to the film's era, delivering a clear and stable auditory experience. Notably, the mono sound channel effectively balances the dialogue, lyrics, tap sounds, and Jerome Kern's musical score into a seamless single track, ensuring that all elements are distinctly audible yet harmoniously integrated.

While there are a few instances where the audio may sound slightly 'tinner'—such as during Astaire's solo dance around the 1:20:00 mark—these minor discrepancies do not detract significantly from the overall quality. Remarkably, there are no encoding anomalies present, and engineers have successfully minimized any potential sound imperfections such as hiss, hum, crackle, or thumps.

In summary, this remastered mono soundtrack does justice to the film’s rich musical heritage and showcases the engineers' meticulous effort to preserve its original charm while offering modern clarity. The audio remains robust and engaging throughout, making it a fitting accompaniment to "Swing Time's" iconic dance sequences and musical numbers.

The Blu-ray release of "Swing Time" includes an outstanding collection of extras that offer deep insights into both the film and its creators. Highlights include archival interviews with stars Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, where their professional relationships and career milestones are explored. A contemporary analysis by film historians sheds light on the film's choreography and score. Critical perspectives, such as a fascinating look at the controversial "Bojangles of Harlem" number by Mia Mask, narrow in on specific elements, providing modern context. The commentary by John Mueller, recorded in 1986, elaborates on the strengths and weaknesses of the film's production and execution.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: John Mueller’s engaging 1986 track.
• Ginger Rogers Interviews: Archival discussions from 1980 and 1982.
• In Full Swing: Analysis by jazz and dance critics.
• George Stevens Jr.: Insights from the director's son.
• Fred Astaire Interview: Archival conversation from 1982.
• Hermes Pan Interview: Choreographer’s memories from 1982.
• Mia Mask Interview: Modern perspective on the blackface number.
• Leaflet: Illustrated with an essay by Imogen Sara Smith.

Criterion’s release of George Stevens' 1936 musical marvel "Swing Time" on Blu-ray is an impeccable presentation of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers' classic. The disc is enriched with a plethora of archival interviews, audio commentary by John Mueller, and other significant supplemental features, all supported by an essay from critic Imogen Sara Smith, maintaining an enriching viewing experience. This presentation, locked to Region A, includes English SDH subtitles for enhanced accessibility.

"Swing Time" stands out for its masterful choreography that seamlessly integrates with the burgeoning romance between Astaire's gambler-dancer Lucky Garnett and Rogers' dance instructor Penny Carroll. Particularly notable are sequences where the perceived spontaneity of their dances is a meticulously crafted illusion reflecting their developing chemistry—a testament to both actors’ improvisational prowess and technical perfection. This nuanced portrayal not only captivates but also adds layers to the narrative, making the film an epitome of synchronized brilliance in musical cinema.

Despite the often criticized weak narrative typical of RKO musicals, Swing Time compensates with unforgettable musical numbers. Astaire's “Bojangles of Harlem” showcases his flawless tap technique amidst possibly controversial blackface, while duets like “Waltz in Swing Time” and “Pick Yourself Up” highlight the duo's unmatched synchronicity. Supporting performance by Victor Moore as Pop Cardetti and Helen Broderick as Mabel accentuate the main act, rendering "Swing Time" an escapist masterpiece. Marrying excellent tap sequences, romance, and humor, it remains a timeless testament to the artistry of Astaire and Rogers during a period when such entertainment offered audiences hope amidst adversity.

Criterion's restoration, sourced from surviving 35mm elements due to the loss of the original camera negative, ensures that Swing Time’s intricate dance routines and production quality are preserved for both new and seasoned audiences to appreciate its historical and aesthetic significance.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Swing Time" elevates this beloved Astaire-Rogers classic with a stellar 2K restoration. Astaire and Rogers deliver some of the finest performances of their careers, blending seamless dance choreography with compelling acting. The film’s seamless execution, despite being meticulously crafted and rehearsed, retains a spontaneous and organic feel. This restoration allows modern audiences to fully appreciate the subtleties in their chemistry and the flawless execution of the choreography, reaffirming "Swing Time" as arguably the best collaboration between these two legends.

The inclusion of extensive bonus materials, such as the enlightening Hermes Pan interview, adds significant value to this release. Pan’s recollections provide fascinating insights into the collaborative process behind some of the film's most iconic scenes, including the complex Bojangles of Harlem sequence with its inventive use of rear projection and lighting. Despite physical challenges faced by Astaire and Rogers during the gruelling Never Gonna Dance number, their commitment to perfecting the scene is palpable in the final product. These extra features enrich the viewing experience and provide an in-depth look at the creative forces that contributed to the film’s timeless appeal.

The greatness of "Swing Time" comes from its ability to convince that what its legendary stars do before the camera is either entirely spontaneous or ordinary. And of course, it is not, it is brilliantly choreographed and perfectly executed. Even the tiniest hesitation that you might spot is part of a complete piece that was carefully crafted and then rehearsed to look organic. I tend to agree with the popular opinion that "Swing Time" is the best of the films that Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers did together because the acting and the dancing in it come together magnificently and their chemistry is outstanding. Criterion's recent release is sourced from a very good new 2K restoration of the film. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.