Neptune's Daughter Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Neptune's Daughter" is a technical marvel, thanks to Warner Archive's expert restoration using a new 4K scan of the original three-strip Technicolor negatives. This 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer shines with deep detail, clarity, and an unsurpassed color palette that almost rival true 4K levels. The presentation maintains the film's period-authentic production design and vibrant swimsuits, showcasing excellent clarity and contrast. Fine grain and a high bit rate ensure a clean and artifact-free picture, perfectly honoring Charles Rosher's esteemed cinematography without the intrusion of compression or encoding issues.

Warner Archive excels again, delivering a film-like viewing experience accentuated by rich blacks, bright stable whites, and vibrant hues that evoke the Technicolor charm. The color timing is impeccable, ensuring the bold reds, crystal blues, sunny yellows, and verdant greens leap off the screen. Lush close-ups seamlessly capture Hollywood glamor, with natural, stable flesh tones enhancing the visual feast. While minor softness does occur sporadically, it’s tied to the source material and doesn’t detract from the overall brilliance of the transfer.

Overall, this release stands as a testament to Warner Archive’s industry-leading process in Technicolor transfers of classic films. It offers a sumptuous visual treat for fans of Esther Williams, MGM’s Golden Age musicals, and vintage cinema, solidifying Warner Archive's reputation for preserving cinematic history with excellence.

The audio presentation of "Neptune's Daughter" on Blu-Ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix that endeavors to maintain the film's original charm. This mix, while constrained by inherent source limitations, achieves a commendable balance that aptly serves the needs of the film. Dialogue is clear and adequately mixed with background noises, ensuring a clean auditory experience. However, Frank Loesser's original compositions and the orchestrations suffer occasionally from slight distortion and occasional hiss—typical imperfections for a release of its era. Optional English (SDH) subtitles are provided, although a notable synchronization issue emerges early on, affecting both dialogue and musical numbers.

The audio track encounters challenges in consistently matching the high-quality video. Surface noise is sporadically present during quieter moments, and some drum sequences from Xavier Cugat’s orchestra introduce noticeable distortion. Unstable audio levels might require viewers to frequently adjust their volume settings; dialogue segments can sound rather flat and lack presence, whereas musical numbers commence with an unexpected and jarring increase in volume. When the audio levels are adequately adjusted, dialogue clarity improves substantially, and the music delivers a robust and bright sound. Overall, while the audio remains solid for the most part, it does not meet the elevated standards typically associated with Warner Archive's classic film releases.

The Blu-ray release of "Neptune's Daughter" offers an impressive collection of extras that are both comprehensive and nostalgic. Sporting original content from the TCM Esther Williams: Volume 1 collection with noticeable audio-visual upgrades, these features give a glimpse into the film and its iconic cast. The highlights include Esther Williams' brief cameo in the charming comedy "Callaway Went Thataway" and a beautifully restored rendition of Tom and Jerry's Oscar-nominated short "Hatch Up Your Troubles." Additionally, a collection of soundtracks is provided, albeit with notable subtitle synchrony issues. This Blu-ray's extras afford fans an enriched experience, making it a gem for enthusiasts of classic cinema.

Extras included in this disc:

• Callaway Went Thataway: Williams' cameo in MGM's comedy.
• Water Trix: Cinematic feats with Charles Trigo and water skiers.
• I Want My Money Back: Unrestored comic deleted scene with Betty Garrett.
• Hatch Up Your Troubles: Restored Tom and Jerry short featuring a baby woodpecker.
• Radio Interview: Esther Williams discusses swimsuits and personal anecdotes.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original promotional preview.
• Song Selection: Access to nine musical cues with sync issues noted.

"Neptune's Daughter," directed by Edward Buzzell, offers a vibrant yet somewhat nonsensical narrative that fits comfortably within the realm of lighthearted musical comedies from MGM's golden era. Starring Esther Williams, Ricardo Montalban, Keenan Wynn, and Red Skelton, the film follows the tale of mistaken identity amidst glamorous Technicolor settings. While the plot is thin—centering around swimwear designer Eve Barrett (Williams), her sister’s romantic misadventures, and a South American polo team—it is brought to life through lively performances and engaging musical segments. Notably, "Baby, It’s Cold Outside" makes its controversial debut, adding a quirky charm to the film despite its topical incongruity with the Southern California setting.

Williams' aquatic routines are notably subdued due to her pregnancy during production, and creative staging mostly showcases her co-stars' robust performances instead. Nevertheless, the opulence of a water ballet finale offers a captivating spectacle. Montalban's charismatic presence complements his musical and comedic talents, pairing well with Williams despite the lack of intensive swimming sequences. The movie is enriched by Skelton’s comedic flair and Mel Blanc’s distinctive live-action performance, adding a unique touch to this light-hearted romp.

Visually, "Neptune's Daughter" benefits significantly from its Technicolor cinematography, which Warner Archive’s Blu-ray transfer restores with vivid clarity. The disc features top-tier restoration quality, capturing the lush visuals that contribute to the film's ongoing allure. While the film doesn't reinvent the genre, it remains an entertaining escapade, tailoring classic musical humor and stylish set-pieces that continue to engage audiences with their nostalgic charm and eye-catching presentation.

Edward Buzzell's "Neptune's Daughter," though a product of its time, emerges as a lighthearted and entertaining musical experience. The film features enjoyable performances and well-chosen musical numbers that complement its leisurely pace. While its appeal might primarily be to fans of the cast or musical genre aficionados, it stands well-supported by an exceptional Blu-ray presentation from Warner Archive. Their restorative efforts, highlighted by a top-tier transfer and enriched with select DVD-era extras, elevate this release into a definitive edition for home video collectors.

The film bubbles with the charm and style characteristic of classic MGM productions, presenting lively performances within a visually stunning framework. The brand-new 4K scan of the original nitrate Technicolor negatives breathes new life into the film, making it an aesthetically pleasing experience akin to its initial theatrical run. Despite minor audio concerns, which slightly temper enthusiasm, these issues are relatively insignificant compared to the exceptional visual restoration quality.

In conclusion, Warner Archive delivers a noteworthy Blu-ray release of "Neptune's Daughter," one that enhances the film's enticing visual elements. While the narrative may lack depth, it compensates with glossy mise-en-scène and vibrant performances. The blend of comprehensive restoration and engaging extras makes this edition an attractive proposition for both first-time viewers with a penchant for nostalgia and dedicated collectors alike.