The Trouble with Angels Blu-ray Review

Sony's Blu-ray release of "The Trouble with Angels" is a remarkable addition to their MOD (Manufactured on Demand) catalog. This 1080p AVC-encoded transfer adheres to the movie’s original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1, bringing exemplary visual fidelity to the forefront. The image retains its filmic qualities with evenly distributed grain, managing to capture a satisfying density that complements the film's texture. Crisp and consistently sharp, skin textures, clothing details, and interior and exterior elements from the school are impeccably rendered with clarity and precision. Though the image leans slightly towards a lighter contrast, this does not detract from the vibrant and healthy colors that are maintained throughout. Flesh tones, natural greens, and various fabrics appear naturally defined, ensuring an engaging visual experience. Minor speckles are present but do not significantly impact the overall quality.

The video presentation is especially commendable for its excellent attention to detail. Wardrobe textures, freckles on faces, and even the stone textures of the statues scattered around the school grounds (actually filmed at Lindenwold Castle in Ambler, Pennsylvania) are profoundly detailed and naturally sharp. Colors are well-saturated despite the predominance of black and white tones, ensuring that every visual element stands out. Moreover, Sony’s handling of source materials is exceptional, with minimal instances of speckles and no other discernible source blemishes or encoding faults. Overall, this release exemplifies Sony's standard for high-quality transfers, providing a near picture-perfect reminiscence of this classic catalog title in high definition format.

The audio presentation of "The Trouble with Angels" on Blu-ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 lossless soundtrack. The track delivers an authentic listening experience characteristic of its age, though it remains relatively modest in execution. Indoor scenes, such as the swimming pool sequence in chapter three, benefit from a noticeable reverb, lending a touch of realism to the environment. School band instrumentals exhibit decent volume and clarity despite the below-par performance of the musicians. The soundtrack's highlight includes the wailing fire engines racing to a fire, which are delivered with solid foundational clarity, although lacking in stage traversal that could enhance the on-screen action.

Dialogue is a standout aspect of this track, consistently clear and well-prioritized. With most scenes being dialogue-driven, the spoken word is naturally imaged to a front-center location ensuring it never loses prominence amidst incidental music or other sound effects. Jerry Goldsmith’s simple yet effective score also deserves mention, intertwining effectively with ambient sounds to support the narrative without overwhelming it. Music benefits from modest width and fair clarity, offering an engaging auditory component to complement the visual experience. Overall, Sony’s inclusion of this DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono soundtrack preserves excellent fidelity and authenticity fitting for the film's era.

The Blu-ray release of "The Trouble with Angels" showcases a few notable extras that will interest fans of the film and classic cinema enthusiasts alike. Despite the minimal offerings, the quality of the included extra content remains high. Particularly worth noting are the original theatrical trailer, provided in full high-definition, which gives viewers a nostalgic glimpse into the film's initial promotion. This specific edition, however, does lack more comprehensive bonus materials such as DVD copies, digital copies, or a slipcover—details that potential buyers should be aware of. The clarity and quality of the high-definition trailer stand out as a particular highlight, offering a crisp and vivid viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer (1080p; 1:02): High-definition presentation of the original trailer that promoted the movie during its initial release.

Ida Lupino's 1966 classic, "The Trouble with Angels," set in an all-girls Catholic boarding school, retains its charm in today's viewing landscape, offering a nostalgic yet poignant experience. The film centers on the rebellious antics of Mary Clancy (Hayley Mills) and Rachel Devery (June Harding), whose attempts to outwit the authoritative Mother Superior (Rosalind Russell) lead to countless comedic scenarios and eventual growth. While the premise of students rebelling against authority might seem mundane, the actors’ committed performances breathe new life into the script. Rosalind Russell stands out, infusing her character with a nuanced performance that oscillates between stern authority and empathetic mentor, illustrating Mother Superior’s internal struggle and depth.

Moreover, Hayley Mills' portrayal of Mary showcases a significant departure from her previous wholesome roles in Disney’s Pollyanna and The Parent Trap. Mills navigates her character’s complexity with ease, balancing youthful mischievousness and eventual maturity. June Harding complements her seamlessly as the loyal sidekick, imbuing her role with the requisite teenage angst. Their evolving dynamic with Mother Superior forms the crux of the narrative, driving both the humor and emotional resonance of the film.

Despite its period-specific quirks — such as the girls' favored rebellion of smoking and era-typical punishments like kitchen duty — "The Trouble with Angels" transcends these dated elements through its well-developed characters and engaging storyline. Lupino expertly balances comedy and drama, making the film not just a humorous take on adolescent rebellion but also a heartfelt journey towards growth and understanding. The film’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the spirit of youthful defiance and the inevitable passage into maturity, making it a timeless piece worth revisiting.

"The Trouble with Angels" on Blu-ray continues to enchant audiences with its heartwarming narrative and timeless appeal. Starring Hayley Mills, June Harding, and the inimitable Rosalind Russell, the film offers a delightful peek into the antics of two mischievous students at a Roman Catholic convent school. The portrayal of youthful rebellion and the struggle for personal identity resonates profoundly across generations, making it more than just a nostalgic trip for fans of 1960s cinema.

Sony's Blu-ray release showcases a praiseworthy restoration effort. The video transfer is crisp, presenting vibrant color reproduction and nuanced textures that elevate the viewing experience. The film's original aspect ratio is maintained, ensuring an authentic visual presentation. Meanwhile, the audio track, featuring the original mono sound, delivers clear dialogue and a balanced score despite its vintage origins. However, it's worth noting that the disc is quite barebones in terms of supplemental content, lacking behind-the-scenes features or commentary tracks that usually enhance collector's editions.

For those seeking to add "The Trouble with Angels" to their home entertainment collection, patience might be required due to fluctuating availability. While major retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy are frequently sold out, alternative suppliers like Wal-Mart may still have copies. Despite this minor inconvenience, this Blu-ray is worth the hunt.

"The Trouble with Angels" holds its appeal all these decades later because it speaks to the humanity that defines it rather than the texture that sets it back firmly in the 1960s. It's an agreeable film that is made much better because of a trio of wonderful lead performances. The movie's aesthetics don't get in the way today, and audiences who give it a try will be rewarded with a well-acted and well-versed film that finds a voice for its time and for today. Sony's Blu-ray may be severely lacking supplemental content, but video is terrific and audio is more than serviceable. Recommended.