Savannah Smiles Blu-ray Review

Savannah Smiles is presented on Blu-ray by MVD Visual’s MVD Rewind imprint, featuring an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The source of this transfer is a new 2K high definition scan from the original 35mm release film print, provided by the Library of Congress. Despite the high expectations this pedigree might suggest, the resultant video quality is less than stellar. The transfer suffers from pronounced, yellowish grain and middling clarity, indicative of multiple generations removed from the negative. The bluish tint prevalent throughout many scenes, especially in darker moments, further compounds the clarity issues. Various signs of age-related wear, such as green vertical scratches and ragged damage, are persistently visible. Notably, some frames are even missing, impacting the synchronization of the soundtrack in the closing moments. Nonetheless, there is an upside—no aggressive digital tweaks have been applied to mask these flaws, maintaining a certain authenticity.

Mirroring the sentiments of previous reviews, the video transfer noticeably struggles with fidelity and cleanliness. The persistent vertical scratches along the right edge and frequent reel markers significantly detract from the visual experience. Despite these issues, color performance remains a bright spot. The color saturation and density, particularly in flesh tones and mountain greenery, are well preserved and offer some visual relief amidst otherwise subpar conditions. There are moments where black levels crush, though these instances are relatively few and bearable within the context of the overall presentation. While the Utah cinematography occasionally retains a measure of its original charm, the general decrepitude of the image means that Savannah Smiles does not achieve the level of restoration that might have been hoped for.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Savannah Smiles" is fundamentally hindered by its LPCM 2.0 mono track. Listeners will encounter persistent hissing and crackling that not only undermines the viewing experience but is compounded by moments of audio dropout caused by missing frames. Furthermore, there is a noticeable midlevel distortion that affects everything from dialogue to Ken Sutherland's rather enjoyable country-inflected song score, adding an additional layer of challenge for audiophiles.

The damage to the audio seems to be directly reflective of the print's condition, resulting in dialogue that hisses, sounds strained, and lacks sufficient punch. Popping and static are not uncommon throughout, further detracting from audio clarity. However, there are a few redeeming moments; notably, the score manages to retain some clarity, with pop songs delivering acceptable highs and a decent bass line. Remarkably, vocal tracks survive the degradation intact, providing occasional respite amidst the generally compromised audio landscape.

The extras included in the Blu-Ray release of "Savannah Smiles" provide a well-rounded experience for fans of the film and those interested in its behind-the-scenes aspects. The bonus content includes heartfelt retrospectives and insightful features, notably including participation from the film's creative team and family members of late actress Bridgette Andersen. 'The Making of Savannah Smiles' offers an engaging look at the production, while 'Memories of Bridgette' provides a touching tribute to Andersen's life and career. The 'Songs and Music' feature adds an element of light-hearted nostalgia, capturing differing memories from the creators. A collection of trailers and a physical poster round out this substantial offering.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Savannah Smiles: Insightful discussions from filmmakers and family.
• Memories of Bridgette: Heartfelt tribute to the late actress.
• Songs and Music: Entertaining recall of the soundtrack creation.
• Trailers: Includes Savannah Smiles and other MVD Rewind releases.

"Savannah Smiles" (1982) is a heartfelt family film with a narrative that borrows from classic inspirations, most notably Jean Renoir's "La Grande Illusion." The story centers on young Savannah, who, feeling neglected by her politically-driven parents, finds herself in the company of two bumbling criminals, Alvie (Mark Miller) and Boots (Donovan Scott). The supporting cast, comprising sixties television veterans like Peter Graves and Pat Morita, adds a layer of nostalgic charm to the film. Miller's portrayal of Alvie and his collaboration with Donovan Scott’s Boots brings a comedic dynamic reminiscent of Laurel & Hardy.

The film combines light-hearted comedy with scenes that teeter on the edge of melodrama, amplified by sugary sweetness. The dynamic between Savannah and her captors evokes a mix of charm and unease, as the viewer witnesses the transformation of these petty criminals under Savannah's innocent influence. The contrast between the idyllic scenes of Savannah bonding with her captors and the more caricatured, somewhat unsympathetic portrayal of her affluent parents creates an intriguing dichotomy.

Cinematically, "Savannah Smiles" utilizes its Utah location shooting and a mellow country score to elevate its modest production. The visual storytelling effectively uses spatial relationships to underscore the emotional distancing between Savannah and her parents, while contrasting this with the closeness she experiences with Alvie and Boots. This technique subtly supports the film’s underlying message about the true value of human connection over material wealth. Overall, while not groundbreaking, "Savannah Smiles" serves as nostalgic family escapism that remains endearing for its warmth and simplicity.

"Savannah Smiles" is an intriguing addition to the MVD Rewind collection, though it doesn't quite carry the immediate recognition of cult favorites such as "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes!" or "The Return of Swamp Thing." Bridgette Andersen delivers a sweet and memorable performance as Savannah, effectively anchoring the film with her charm. The dynamic between Savannah and the bumbling convicts adds a whimsical element, reminiscent of Disney's "The Apple Dumpling Gang." However, the narrative occasionally drifts, struggling to balance its comedic moments with slower, more somber scenes. This disjointed pacing may detract from the overall viewing experience for some.

While "Savannah Smiles" exudes a certain nostalgic charm through its low-budget simplicity and period-specific humor, it may not resonate with modern audiences as strongly. Fans of live-action Disney films from the late '70s and early '80s, particularly those fond of "The Apple Dumpling Gang," may find more to appreciate in its endearing quirks and slapstick antics. Unfortunately, the current Blu-ray release falls short in terms of technical quality. The source material used for this transfer exhibits significant deficiencies in both video and audio, underscoring the need for a comprehensive restoration to elevate the viewing experience.

In summary, "Savannah Smiles" manages to deliver a modest dose of nostalgic entertainment that will appeal to specific audience segments. Despite its endearing lead performance and light-hearted comedy, the film’s uneven pacing and inadequate technical quality hold it back from broader acclaim. A future restored release could potentially unlock its full potential, allowing new viewers to fully appreciate its vintage charm.