Thoroughly Modern Millie Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" by Kino Lorber showcases a meticulously restored 4K transfer by Universal Pictures, encoded in AVC 1080p and generally maintaining a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. This release notably enhances the film's visual experience, revealing superb fine detail that enriches the vibrancy of costumes and props while accentuating nuances such as the facial attributes of Beatrice Lillie's character. The color palette is largely well-balanced, though it sometimes exhibits inconsistencies during optical effects—common in films of this era—leading to fluctuations in density and an increase in grain. The commendable resolution amplifies both the artistic merits and occasional shortcomings within matte work and greenscreen elements.

The high definition transfer significantly improves upon previous DVD releases, particularly in terms of sharpness and color fidelity. The film's grain structure is finely resolved, contributing to a more authentic cinematic experience. The cleanliness of the transfer deserves mention, with no visible dirt, dust, or splices affecting the viewing pleasure. Despite these technical enhancements, viewers will notice some unique variances in aspect ratio; notably, a pillar boxed interstitial title card appears just before the intermission, and subtle black bars transition into a narrower frame during the closing credit sequence at approximately 2:25:23. The presentation is thorough, divided into 11 chapters for seamless navigation.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" relies on a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, which may leave audiophiles who anticipated a more expansive auditory experience slightly underwhelmed. Originally presented in both 70mm with six-track sound and 35mm with four-track stereo, some viewers might expect a more immersive sound design. The current mix is notably center heavy, with dialogue and lyrics predominantly anchored in the center speaker. Despite this, the clarity of dialogue and music remains commendable, absent of any distracting hiss, pops, or flutter.

There are fleeting instances where the stereo spread offers greater width, predominantly through sound effects rather than the musical score itself. Noteworthy exceptions include moments during the lively party scene with Muzzy and the orchestral sequences at the Jewish wedding scene, where the audio achieves a more spacious feel. Although the overall fidelity is excellent, some minor distortion in the upper registers is occasionally perceptible, especially during certain vocal performances. Enhancing this roadshow edition experience, the inclusion of overture, entr'acte, and exit music completes the nostalgic journey. English subtitles are optionally available for clarity.

The Blu Ray extras for "Thoroughly Modern Millie" are thoughtfully curated with insightful content from historians and promotional material. The audio commentary by Lee Gambin and Ian McAnally stands out, providing an engaging exploration of the film, albeit leaning heavily on readings from Julie Andrews' memoir and other reference books in its latter half. Their commentary offers a rich tapestry of historical context and lively insights that capture the era depicted in the movie. Additionally, the inclusion of theatrical trailers enhances the viewer's appreciation by showcasing the promotional approach of the time, reinforcing the historical significance of the film's release.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Film historians Lee Gambin and Ian McAnally discuss the movie, including readings from Andrews’ memoir.
• Thoroughly Modern Millie - Trailer 1: An HD trailer presenting the film's regular engagements.
• Thoroughly Modern Millie - Trailer 2: An SD trailer showcasing the movie’s promotional efforts post-roadshow release.

The Blu-ray release of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" presents a vibrant encapsulation of the 1960s cinematic take on flapper-era nostalgia, spearheaded by uber-producer Ross Hunter. Julie Andrews, at the time a box-office titan, leads as Millie Dillmount, a modern woman ensconced in the roaring twenties' whimsicality and exuberance. While the screenplay by Richard Morris showcases a simplistic narrative endeavoring to sustain a two-and-a-half-hour runtime, it weaves humor through its whimsical gags like the cranky dancing elevator and Mrs. Meers’ repeated attempts at abduction. Director George Roy Hill adeptly invokes 1920s filmic techniques with intertitles and scene transitions that serve as charming nods to silent film artistry. Elmer Bernstein's Oscar-winning score, albeit a controversial win due to mostly adapted musical elements by André Previn, complements the film's musical fervor.

Character performances shine amid the film's stylized escapades and thinly veiled storylines. Julie Andrews delivers effortless charm, melding plucky attributes with vocal prowess, notably during her heartfelt rendition of "Jimmy." James Fox pairs with Andrews in comedic synchronicity, while Carol Channing dazzles as heiress Muzzy Van Hossmere, her dynamic musical performances punctuating the film’s eccentricities. The supporting cast, including Mary Tyler Moore and John Gavin, anchor their roles with varying degrees of stereotype-driven humor, enhancing both the flat and frivolous sides of what could be considered an expansive yet superficial odyssey. Beatrice Lillie, meanwhile, caricatures diabolical intent with a flair befitting her comedic legacy.

Despite its charming period homage and technical flourishes, "Thoroughly Modern Millie" struggles with pacing issues and dated narratives that might raise contemporary eyebrows, particularly in its handling of cultural themes. Nevertheless, as a cinematic artifact of its time, it provides both entertainment and historical insight into the flapper-inspired comedic musicals of its era. The Blu-ray format nostalgically revives this vibrant pastiche of quirky Americana, showcasing the era’s exuberant caricature with robust technical fidelity.

The Blu-Ray release of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" is an intriguing revisit to a classic musical, offering both charm and nostalgia. Directed by George Roy Hill, the film retains its lively, comedic essence despite some narrative overextension. Julie Andrews' performance is enchanting, effortlessly carrying both the humorous and musical elements. Notably, the orchestrations, including the works of Cahn and Van Heusen, are executed splendidly, providing auditory delight. The remastering by Universal with a release from Kino Lorber ensures that both new audiences and long-time fans are afforded a visually appealing experience, even with minor video and audio discrepancies occasionally surfacing.

Technically, the Blu-Ray boasts a high-quality transfer that avid collectors and casual viewers alike will appreciate. The restoration accentuates the film’s vibrant visual style, capturing the spirit of the era it depicts. Meanwhile, the audio faithfully reproduces the soundtrack’s complex layers, ensuring every musical piece, from the signature songs to its orchestrations, hits the right notes. While there are slight hurdles in the sound and image synchronization at rare instances, these do not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment. The immersive experience remains largely intact, bolstered by a vivid presentation that honors its colorful past.

In conclusion, Thoroughly Modern Millie's Blu-Ray edition comes recommended despite minor modern-day proclivities that may require navigation for purists. The vibrant performances and musical numbers remain captivating, with Andrews’ contributions shining through prominently. If Elmer Bernstein's Oscar mishap piqued amusement more than concern, this zany narrative will be a valuable addition to any musical enthusiast’s collection. The film successfully blends goofiness with melodic charm, offering viewers a thorough listen rather than a thorough critique of its technicalities.