Guys and Dolls Blu-ray Review

Warner Brothers’ Blu-ray presentation of "Guys and Dolls" showcases a significant upgrade from previous DVD versions, boasting an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.55:1 aspect ratio. Notably free from artifacting, even in detailed close-ups like Nathan Detroit's pinstriped suit, the clarity in this release is commendable. The colors show a nice saturation, although there's a detectable tilt toward brown hues, affecting flesh tones. Shadow detail is somewhat lacking, particularly in scenes featuring dark suits against darker backgrounds or within dim club settings. However, the absence of digital tweaking helps preserve the film’s authentic look while enhancing the sharpness and clarity compared to older releases.

This meticulously remastered edition benefits from a high-quality AVC MPEG-4 encode that offers a film-like texture through a layer of fine grain. The varied color palette—from vivid reds on gamblers' carnations to the cool pastels and intricate patterns—adds richness and depth, making the visual experience remarkably satisfying. Enhanced black levels and stable, natural flesh tones complement the detailed textures of costumes and sets. Pristine source material ensures there are no visible imperfections like nicks or scratches, and only minor soft edges appear without affecting overall enjoyment. The lack of banding, noise, or other digital artifacts assures fans of classic cinema a superior visual journey with this Blu-ray.

In sum, Warner Brothers has delivered an AVC 1080p transfer that excels in color depth, clarity, and authenticity while maintaining a film-like integrity with fine grain and lack of digital manipulation. This transfer is a visual treat for enthusiasts of Technicolor classics looking for a high-definition experience.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix of "Guys and Dolls" impressively presents Frank Loesser's iconic score with vibrant clarity and a robust body, primarily thanks to the orchestral contributions of Alexander Courage and Nelson Riddle. The audio track delivers clean, crisp dialogue and exhibits pronounced stereo separation across the front channels, while the rear channels receive limited but effective environmental effects during key scenes, such as the Havana club or bustling New York streets. The fidelity is commendable, capturing the nuances of footsteps and ambient sounds, enriching the overall viewing experience. Occasionally, there are minor synch anomalies and a certain narrowness in the midrange, but these issues are minimally intrusive.

Musical numbers particularly shine, as the mix dynamically scales to accommodate brass-heavy pieces without distortion, filling the room with rich sound while maintaining cohesion throughout the mix. Vocals are deftly prioritized without overshadowing instrumental elements, which remain well-defined and energetic. The addition of weighty bass notably enhances moments like the fracas in the Havana bar. The soundtrack has been meticulously cleaned of any age-related imperfections, such as hiss, pops, and crackles, ensuring that even a 57-year-old film resonates with a modern-day audience. While it may not astound audiophiles, the audio track for "Guys and Dolls" is an exemplary restoration that should satisfy both casual viewers and discerning listeners alike.

The Blu-ray extras for "Guys and Dolls" are comprehensive, giving fans a rich blend of historical context and behind-the-scenes insights. "The Goldwyn Touch" delves into Samuel Goldwyn's impact, featuring interviews with family members of Frank Loesser and the producer himself. "From Stage to Screen" dissects the adaptation process from Broadway to film, highlighting musical modifications and choreography transitions. The "More Guys and Dolls Stories" snippets offer brief but engaging anecdotes from the production. A collection of selected musical performances provides easy access to iconic numbers, though regrettably some standout songs are missing. Ed Sullivan's hosted theatrical trailer rounds out the package.

Extras included in this disc:

The Goldwyn Touch: Overview of the musical with interviews about Goldwyn's career. From Stage to Screen: History and adaptation details from Broadway to Hollywood. More Guys and Dolls Stories:

• Adelaide: Tom Mankiewicz on his father's secretary.
• Brando Dance Lesson: Michael Kidd on teaching Brando to dance.
• Goldwyn's Career: A. Scott Berg on the producer.
• On the Set: Tom Mankiewicz's childhood experiences on set.
• Rehearsing Adelaide: Michael Kidd on Sinatra's special song. Musical Performances: Selected numbers including "Fugue for Tinhorns," "Guys and Dolls," and more. Theatrical Trailer: Hosted by Ed Sullivan.

"Guys and Dolls," the iconic Broadway musical adapted for the big screen, boasts a masterful blend of romance, comedy, and music, derived from Damon Runyon's colorful world. Joseph L. Mankiewicz's directorial effort remains a hallmark despite some contentious casting and filming decisions. Marlon Brando as Sky Masterson and Frank Sinatra as Nathan Detroit lead the film alongside Jean Simmons and the quintessential Miss Adelaide portrayed by Vivian Blaine. Though Brando's casting raised eyebrows due to his lack of musical experience, he delivers a commendable performance, even tackling the beloved "Luck Be a Lady Tonight" with unexpected finesse. Sinatra, relegated to a secondary role, offers nuanced dynamics with Blaine, even if his singing talents are underutilized. Blaine and Stubby Kaye reprising their Broadway roles add authenticity and vibrant energy to the adaptation.

Frank Loesser's witty, charming tunes coupled with Runyon's distinctive, formal dialect create an engaging narrative tapestry. The storyline unfolds around two couples: Nathan Detroit's perpetual engagement to Adelaide and Sky Masterson's wager to win the heart of Salvation Army worker Sarah Brown. Despite the straightforward plot, the film flourishes through richly depicted characters and Michael Kidd's dynamic choreography. Songs like "Adelaide's Lament," "Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat," and the titular "Guys and Dolls" remain standout moments. Notably, some stage favorites were omitted in favor of new compositions, a decision that divides audiences but still leaves enough classic pieces to preserve the musical's integrity.

Visually, the decision to use stylized sets over location shots introduces a stage-like quality, amplifying the film's artificial yet endearing nature. Mankiewicz's straightforward direction emphasizes character-driven scenes over complex cinematography, balancing whimsy with a tinge of realism essential in cinematic adaptations. "Guys and Dolls" may not capture every nuance of its Broadway origins, but its vibrant performances, memorable music, and the deft hand of Mankiewicz make it an essential entry in the annals of 1950s musicals.

"Guys and Dolls" on Blu-ray invites viewers to revisit one of the most colorful and joyous musicals from the golden age of Hollywood. Directed with flair by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, this adaptation of Damon Runyon’s tale comes alive with Frank Loesser's vivacious score and memorable Broadway performances by Vivian Blaine and Stubby Kaye. The film’s brisk pacing ensures it belies its two-and-a-half-hour runtime, maintaining an engaging rhythm that captivates audiences from start to finish.

The Blu-ray transfer, produced by Warner Bros, is a triumph in preserving both the audio and visual elements. The video quality is rendered with remarkable clarity, showcasing the vivid technicolor cinematography. The audio fidelity equally impresses, ensuring that Loesser's compositions resonate with full orchestral brilliance. Additionally, this edition includes all the special features from the previously released deluxe DVD, offering a treasure trove of supplementary material that enriches the viewing experience with historical insights.

Although not without its flaws, such as some off-kilter casting and occasional pacing dips, "Guys and Dolls" transcends these shortcomings through its sheer exuberance and enduring charm. This Blu-ray release reaffirms why the musical remains a significant piece of American cinema history, capable of enchanting new generations of viewers just as it did upon its initial release.

In conclusion, "Guys and Dolls" remains one of the most colorful and enjoyable musicals of its era, and some (myself included) would argue that it has aged considerably better than the other iconic musical that premiered that year (and which bested "Guys and Dolls" in the Best Adapted Score Academy Award), "Oklahoma!". Mankiewicz keeps things moving along briskly (the film really doesn't seem like it's two and a half hours), and it's simply a joy to see Blaine and Kaye recreating their iconic Broadway performances. This Blu-ray ports over the special features from the previously released deluxe edition DVD and sports generally excellent video and audio. Highly recommended.