Newsies Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of the "Newsies" Blu-ray offers a visually compelling experience rooted in its origins and the artistry of its late cinematographer, Andrew Laszlo. The 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer exhibits a detailed image that respects the original film's aesthetic without resorting to harsh digital enhancements. While it does not boast the hard-edged clarity seen in digitally-native productions, the Blu-ray excels in preserving face details, costumes, and elaborate production designs. The overall palette is predominantly muted, reflecting the street life setting, but it adeptly brings out more saturated hues in contrasting environments like Pulitzer's office and Medda’s theater. Notably, the transfer avoids deep blacks and instead maintains low-light scenes with more ambient visibility, eschewing complete darkness.

Grain structure on this release has sparked mixed reactions. Some viewers report an overly grainy appearance, while others observe it as suspiciously clean. After scrutiny, it's clear that "Newsies" has not undergone excessive digital noise reduction (DNR). Instead, the grain visibility is judiciously managed to reduce its prominence while preserving the filmic quality. This approach parallels recent trends in major studios aiming to align analog-era films more closely with contemporary digital expectations while maintaining inherent textures. Despite sometimes heavier grain in low-light scenes, the transfer remains stable and avoids shimmering or vibrating artifacts typical of excessive grain. Indeed, for those who can appreciate films retaining their original cinematic essence, this Blu-ray translates "Newsies" to video skillfully without sacrificing authenticity.

Colors and shadows offer consistent quality throughout. Though colors initially appear drab, they gain vibrancy towards the film's end, demonstrating effective dynamic range and saturation control. Shadows consistently retain detail with no noticeable crushing, banding, or aliasing issues. This careful restoration respects the film's legacy and provides a genuine cinematic experience tinged with nostalgia yet devoid of overt digital manipulation.

In conclusion, the "Newsies" Blu-ray video presentation captures the essence of its era with a proficient and authentic transfer, demonstrating Disney’s capability in handling its catalog titles with care and respect.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Newsies" is anchored by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that succeeds in delivering a clear and engaging experience, especially for fans of the musical. The Dolby stereo surround mix has been conservatively remixed into the discrete format, enhancing vocal clarity and instrumental separation without deviating from the essence of the original recordings. Dialogue maintains its clarity despite the use of exaggerated accents and period-specific slang, ensuring that every spoken line is easily understood. The actors’ delivery often has a stage-like quality, which translates well into this new presentation.

Songs by J.A.C. Redford benefit greatly from this 5.1 format, displaying notable separation and richness as different voices and instruments are given ample room to shine. Spectators will appreciate how ambient New York sounds fill the rear speakers, contributing to a more believable setting during scenes like the newsboys' paper price hike complaints. Directionality effects, particularly during group performances, work smoothly, while panning effects capture the dynamic movement of singing newsboys. The low-frequency effects remain subdued, appropriate given the nature of the source material.

Although the audio mix doesn’t consistently aim to immerse listeners fully into the environment outside of musical numbers, it compensates by maintaining an effective front-channel focus for dialogue-heavy scenes. Background noises such as off-hand comments when Jack runs from Snyder are clearer than ever before, enriching smaller moments. Overall, the lossless audio supports a fulfilling sing-along experience, capable of delighting "Newsies" enthusiasts every time they revisit this beloved film.

The Blu-ray release of "Newsies" presents an impressive collection of extras, offering fans an in-depth look at the movie’s production and historical context. The commentary track features Director Kenny Ortega, Producer Michael Finnell, Writers Bob Tzudiker and Noni White, and Co-Choreographer Peggy Holmes from 2002, filled with nostalgic reflections and production insights. The disc includes several featurettes providing interviews, rehearsal footage, and background details on the film's creation and the true story that inspired it. Technical features such as a storyboard-to-screen comparison with optional commentary by Production Designer William Sandell add additional richness to the package. A sing-along option enhances the viewing experience for musical enthusiasts, while additional trailers and previews are also included.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director and Co-Choreographer Kenny Ortega, Producer Michael Finnell, Writers Bob Tzudiker and Noni White, and Co-Choreographer Peggy Holmes: Insights and memories from the creative team.
• Newsies, Newsies, See All About It: Promotional featurette with cast interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Newsies: The Inside Story: Extended making-of featurette with production team interviews.
• The Strike! The True Story: Historical context and detailed background from historians and authors.
• Storyboard-to-Screen Comparison (with Optional Commentary by Production Designer William Sandell): Visual comparison of storyboards to final scenes.
• Trailers: Two promotional trailers for the film.
• Sing-Along Feature: Subtitles for songs available from the subtitle menu.
• Bonus Previews: Previews for other Disney releases.

"Newsies" represents an improbable Cinderella story from one of Disney's biggest live-action flops to a cult classic and Broadway hit. Conceived by writers Bob Tzudiker and Noni White and shepherded to production by veteran producer Michael Finnell, the film dramatizes the 1899 newsboy strike. Originally intended as a drama, it morphed into a musical with Kenny Ortega at the helm, marking his feature directing debut. Alan Menken and Howard Ashman initially penned the songs, with Jack Feldman stepping in following Ashman's departure due to illness.

Ortega's choreography and the award-winning songwriting team ensure that "Newsies" has all the trappings of a classic Hollywood musical—backlot sets, stylized choreography, and spontaneous bursts into song. The film's initial limitation at the box office is often attributed to audiences' waning comfort with such stylized musical presentations. Yet, these very aspects have become endearing over time, resonating deeply with the VHS and DVD crowd.

The plot is both intricate and expansive. The central conflict revolves around publisher Joe Pulitzer (Robert Duvall) hiking the price of newspapers for the newsboys, leading to a strike led by Jack Kelly (Christian Bale). Parallel storylines introduce us to David Jacobs (David Moscow) and his family, adding personal stakes to the socio-economic struggle. Other notable characters include vaudeville performer Medda Larkson (Ann-Margret) and reporter Bryan Denton (Bill Pullman), who help the strike gain wider attention.

Despite some narrative gaps and an overtly theatrical feel, "Newsies" manages to captivate through its music, choreography, and sheer nostalgia. While undeniably flawed—with some heavy-handed performances and moments of excess—its enduring appeal lies in its spirited defiance and heartwarming camaraderie. The Blu-ray edition faithfully recreates these elements, reinforcing "Newsies" as a beloved cult phenomenon despite its initial shortcomings.

The Blu-ray release of "Newsies" represents a notable upgrade for both existing fans and home video collectors. The visual presentation is clean and vibrant, capturing the bustling energy and period detail of the film with clarity that surpasses previous editions. Audio quality is equally impressive, with a robust sound mix that highlights Alan Menken's memorable score and the ensemble's performances. Fans of the film will appreciate the effort Disney has placed into ensuring that both longtime viewers and new audiences receive a high-quality audiovisual experience.

While "Newsies" has undoubtedly grown in stature due to nostalgia and home video reissues, it remains a polarizing film. The movie diverges from being an emotional tour-de-force, often leaning into its campy elements with a sense of self-awareness. This campiness might elicit mixed reactions; some may find it endearing, while others may see it as a drawback. It's essential to note that performances are varied, with Christian Bale's early career charm standing out amidst a cast that sometimes falters. The extras included in this release are abundant, making it a treasure trove for dedicated fans.

This Blu-ray is an easy choice for a Newsies fan. The film has never looked this good, and Disney is unlikely to revisit it anytime soon. For someone new to the film, renting first is advisable as it is very much a love-it-or-hate-it classic. Feel free not to like it, but do not forget Christian Bale's warning not to say anything bad about it. Remember—he's Batman.