Strike Up the Band Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive Collection's new 4K restoration of "Strike Up the Band" offers a spectacular 1080p transfer that rejuvenates this classic 80-year-old film. The result is seamless and exquisitely film-like, highlighting the silvery grain structure of the original nitrate negatives. This meticulous restoration ensures strong density, exceptional fine detail, and texture both in close-ups and wide shots, providing a profoundly immersive experience. Contrast levels are handled beautifully with minimal black crush or blooming, even in dimly-lit scenes. Furthermore, the transfer is remarkably clean, devoid of any significant dirt, debris, or damage, thanks to WAC's superior disc authoring which maintains a high bit rate and avoids compression issues or excessive noise reduction.

This new 4K restoration truly redefines "Strike Up the Band" by presenting an image that is crisp yet retains its inherent film-like quality. The brilliantly balanced picture allows viewers to fully appreciate the dazzling talent of Rooney and Garland with vivid clarity. High-definition brings out the ingenuity of Berkeley's audacious claymation and massive production numbers, nearly inducing sensory overload – a rare feat for black-and-white cinema. Rich blacks anchor the imagery while bright whites remain controlled without blooming. The nuanced shadow delineation effectively keeps crush at bay. Every detail, from Garland's vivacious expressions to a fly buzzing around Rooney, is sharply presented without a single blemish on the pristine print. This transfer surpasses previous versions, including the very good 2007 DVD, making detailed comparisons unnecessary. The overall clarity is the true star here, enabling viewers to savor every intricate detail of this elaborate teen musical spectacle.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track on the Blu-ray of "Strike Up the Band" offers a pristine presentation of the original single-channel audio source, making it almost entirely free from age-related imperfections. Dialogue and background effects are well-balanced, maintaining a robust dynamic range that enhances both the musical performances by Paul Whiteman's orchestra and composer Roger Edens' original score. The track presents clear and powerful audio, preserving the high-quality standards of classic catalog titles from this era, and fans will be notably pleased with the results. Optional English (SDH) subtitles are included and are formatted without any sync issues.

In a film where sound quality is paramount, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track succeeds admirably with bright, robust tones and superior fidelity that fill the room, showcasing both Whiteman's Orchestra and the fictional Jimmy Connors high school band's performances. It offers a wide dynamic range that allows brass, strings, and percussion to breathe and supports Garland’s powerful vocals without distortion. The drums, integral to the film, are particularly well-handled with strong bass frequencies ensuring that snares, hi-hats, tom toms, and cymbals shine. The dialogue and song lyrics are consistently clear and comprehensible, with no discernible hiss, pops, or crackle to disrupt the audio's purity.

Overall, while the visually stunning video transfer might initially capture viewers' attention, the outstanding audio track ensures an equally captivating auditory experience. It honors Garland's iconic voice and Whiteman's renowned orchestra, ensuring "Strike Up the Band" remains not only visually impressive but also aurally delightful.

The Blu Ray extras for "Strike Up the Band" offer a rich array of features, combining previous DVD-era content with improved audio-visual fidelity. The disc begins with a heartfelt introduction by Mickey Rooney, reminiscing about the MGM days. "Wedding Bills," a humorous Pete Smith short, and "Romeo in Rhythm," an animated musical caricature featuring Mel Blanc’s voice work, add vintage flair. Noteworthy is the stereo remix of "Do the La Conga" which enhances the viewing experience. Audio-only features like a "Leo is on the Air" radio promo, the "Millions for Defense" broadcast, and an hour-long "Lux Radio Theater" adaptation offer a nostalgic dive into mid-20th-century Americana. Finally, the original theatrical trailer wraps up this extensive package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction by Mickey Rooney: Actor's heartfelt reflection on MGM days.
• Wedding Bills: Pete Smith comedy short.
• Romeo in Rhythm: Animated musical short.
• Do the La Conga Stereo Version: Enhanced audio remix.
• Vintage Radio Shows: Includes Lux Radio Theater adaptation and others.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original film trailer in HD.

"Strike Up the Band" showcases the celebrated partnership of Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney in one of their four co-starring musicals. Directed by Busby Berkeley, the movie brims with his signature dance choreography and whimsical direction. Rooney plays Jimmy Connors, an ambitious high school drummer, while Garland's Mary Holden attempts to win his affections. Their shared quest takes them to a Chicago band competition sponsored by jazz legend Paul Whiteman. Despite some sluggish pacing over its nearly two-hour runtime, the film boasts standout musical numbers, including "Our Love Affair" and "Drummer Boy," although others like "Do the La Conga" feel dated or superfluous.

Berkeley's confident direction and Garland's magnetic presence help mitigate the simplistic plot and overzealous performances, particularly from Rooney, whose exuberance occasionally borders on excessive. Yet, his dynamic energy and genuine chemistry with Garland imbue the film with an infectious spirit. A particularly inventive sequence features animated fruit models performing a musical number, showcasing early talent from future director Vincente Minnelli and animator George Pal.

The film's strengths lie in its production value and musicality. Roger Edens' songs provide both charm and emotional depth, anchored by exquisite Berkeleian choreography. Garland and Rooney's palpable enthusiasm transcends the script's sentimental elements, rendering their portrayals believable and engaging. Despite any narrative shortcomings, "Strike Up the Band" remains a testament to the unparalleled talents of its stars and offers satisfying entertainment for fans of vintage musicals. Warner Archive's Blu-ray release ensures that this classic receives top-tier video and audio treatment, accompanied by a selection of well-preserved extras that enhance the overall viewing experience.

Busby Berkeley's "Strike Up the Band," despite its lively attempt to capitalize on the success of "Babes in Arms," doesn't quite reach the same heights in either song selection or narrative cohesion. The film stretches a rather thin plot over a substantial two-hour runtime, lacking the memorable qualities found in later entries such as "Babes on Broadway." However, the high-energy performances of Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland breathe life into this otherwise marginally engaging musical, making it a decent view for die-hard fans. The dynamic duo's efforts in singing, dancing, and acting successfully showcase their extensive talents, ensuring a moderately enjoyable experience.

The Warner Archive Collection's Blu-ray release significantly elevates the overall presentation. Featuring a meticulous 4K restoration, the transfer is striking, aiding in capturing Berkeley's distinct directorial flair and the film's vibrant musical sequences. The lossless audio track equally impresses, delivering Garland's powerful vocals and Paul Whiteman's orchestral pieces with remarkable clarity and depth. Furthermore, the inclusion of several bonus features—carried over from previous DVD releases—adds value, making this edition particularly appealing to collectors and newcomers alike.

In conclusion, while "Strike Up the Band" may not achieve the acclaim of its predecessor or successors, it remains a spirited showcase of Rooney and Garland's undeniable talents. The stellar A/V presentation offered by Warner Archive ensures both dedicated fans and first-time viewers will find something to admire. This Blu-ray release represents an opportune moment to revisit or discover this classic musical. Highly recommended for enthusiasts and casual viewers who appreciate early Hollywood musicals.