Hello, Dolly! Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Hello, Dolly! is nothing short of extraordinary. The 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer renders the film in vibrant, candy-colored splendor. Vivid reds, soft pastels, and Barbara Streisand's fiery ginger hair are reproduced with impeccable precision, with perfectly balanced contrast that enhances each scene. This detail extends to the visible cloth patterns in Horace Vandergelder's tweed suits and the intricate beadwork of Dolly’s evening gown. Utilizing DeLuxe color processing and a large 65mm Todd-AO negative, the film boasts a crisp and revealing image quality that is further enhanced by a high bit-rate, leaving no room for edge enhancement artifacts.

The 2.35:1 framing truly sparkles, benefiting from a fresh 4K scan that appears to have undergone a robust restoration process. There is no dust, errant scratches, or stray flecks to mar the viewing experience. Grain is present but subtly integrated, preserving the filmic texture without dominating the image. The colors are rich yet tastefully saturated, and flesh tones are natural. Blacks and shadows bring scenes to life with an impressive depth and clarity. The level of detail — from Dolly’s gold dress and feather boas to the bricks in the street — is spectacular. Hello, Dolly! sets a high bar for catalog titles, exemplifying how meticulous care in transfer and restoration can deliver a pristine viewing experience for fans and newcomers alike.

The Blu-ray release of "Hello, Dolly!" boasts a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that, while primarily anchored in the front speakers, delivers an impressive auditory experience. Jerry Herman's musical numbers come through with richness and clarity, avoiding any tinniness or crackling often associated with lesser quality mixes. The vocals are distinct and well-defined, ensuring that dialogue remains clear and comprehensible. Although the rear channels are mostly utilized for subtle music bleed and ambient enhancement, this does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the film. A minor issue is the occasional low-level hiss from the surround speakers when they are inactive, but it is barely noticeable and does little to mar the experience.

From a technical perspective, the audio mix is more akin to an enhanced stereo presentation rather than a full-fledged 5.1 surround sound experience. Despite some directional limitations, especially during scenes where action occurs across the entire viewing field, the audio maintains a clean and clear separation that prevents the mix from becoming congested or overpowering. Additionally, the disc supports several language options, including Spanish Dolby Digital 1.0, French Dolby Digital 4.0, and German DTS 2.0 tracks. It also includes subtitles in English SDH, Spanish, and German, presented in clear white lettering for accessibility.

In conclusion, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track of "Hello, Dolly!" may not fully utilize the surround sound capabilities available but offers a beautifully mastered audio track that enhances Jerry Herman's iconic score and ensures a pleasant listening experience for viewers.

The Blu Ray extras for "Hello, Dolly!" provide insightful, albeit brief, looks into the film's production history and creative process. The highlight is undoubtedly "Directing Dolly: Gene Kelly Remembered," where Patricia Ward Kelly offers a compelling tribute packed with behind-the-scenes revelations about Gene Kelly's involvement. Although the content is engaging, it leaves viewers wishing for more comprehensive features, especially interviews with the cast or a detailed making-of documentary. The 1969 Featurette adds historical value, showcasing the grand parade sequence but lacks depth in its content. While these extras are meticulously restored and serve as fascinating supplements, they fall short of fully satisfying the curiosity of dedicated fans.

Extras included in this disc:

• Directing Dolly: Gene Kelly Remembered: An interview with Gene Kelly’s widow.
• 1969 Featurette: Behind-the-scenes look at the parade sequence.
• Trailer: Original film trailer.
• Spanish Trailer: Spanish version of the film trailer.

"Hello, Dolly!" stands as a testament to the grand spectacle of Hollywood musicals, albeit with its fair share of critics. Directed by the legendary Gene Kelly and penned by Ernest Lehman, the film boasts a then-staggering $25 million budget that manifests on screen in the form of lavish period costumes by Irene Sharaff and sweeping musical set pieces starring hundreds of extras. Shot on 65mm Todd-AO by Harry Stradling Sr., each frame bursts with vibrant song and dance, affirming the movie’s enduring appeal despite its initial lukewarm reviews and box office performance. Barbra Streisand's portrayal of Dolly Levi—a professional matchmaker meddling with those around her—may have faced skepticism due to her age, but her magnetic presence and undeniable charisma ultimately define the film.

Streisand’s Dolly Levi is in a subtle con to secure the affections of Horace Vandergelder, played by Walter Matthau, whose jowly singing adds an endearing awkwardness to his character. The plot weaves various subplots involving Vandergelder’s clerks, Cornelius (Michael Crawford) and Barnaby (Danny Lockin), embarking on misadventures in New York, contributing to the film's comedic charm. While the narrative might lack substantial drama, it compensates with visually stunning sequences and Jerry Herman's memorable score, highlighted by Streisand's duet with Louis Armstrong. Matthau and Streisand's onscreen chemistry might have been compromised by offscreen tensions, but the skilled direction by Kelly ensures an engaging visual feast.

"Hello, Dolly!" embodies pure entertainment, free from challenging themes. Gene Kelly's direction shines through meticulous staging and dynamic choreography, aptly handling massive set pieces including a dazzling parade and elaborate dance numbers. Far from the critical and financial expectations laid upon its release, the film’s infectious enthusiasm and Technicolor splendor have cemented its status as a beloved example of Hollywood musical extravagance, inviting viewers to lose themselves in its light-hearted fun.

Hello, Dolly! may not be the last or the greatest of the grand Hollywood musicals, but it certainly delivers as a big-budget spectacle. Featuring gorgeous 65mm cinematography, intricately designed costumes like Streisand's forty-pound gold-beaded dress, and grandiose musical set pieces, the film stands as a visual delight. Its historical significance as the most expensive musical production of its time is evident throughout. The storyline pales in comparison to the truly great musicals of the 1950s and '60s, but "Hello, Dolly!" has garnered a devoted following, particularly among those who adore Barbra Streisand.

20th Century Fox's Blu-ray release boasts an astounding transfer that vividly brings the film's visual opulence to life. The restoration offers eye-popping detail and clarity that enhances every frame, making it a feast for the eyes. The audio mix, while fairly solid, does not reach the same heights as the visual restoration but remains serviceable. Unfortunately, the Blu-ray lacks a robust selection of extra features, a missed opportunity for fans eager for more behind-the-scenes content. Nevertheless, the inclusion of a short new retrospective produced exclusively for this release adds some value.

"Hello, Dolly!" may not be revered as one of the greatest musicals ever made, but its spectacle and charm make it an essential watch for musical theatre aficionados and Streisand enthusiasts alike. The impeccable visual restoration on this Blu-ray release ensures that the film can be appreciated in all its grandiose glory. In summary, if you are a fan of musical theatre or Barbra Streisand, this release is highly recommended. For newcomers, it's certainly worth a viewing for its historical and entertainment value alone.