Yankee Doodle Dandy Blu-ray Review
Warner Archive Collection
Score: 71
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
Yankee Doodle Dandy excels with James Cagney's captivating performance and energetic dance numbers, complemented by an outstanding Blu-ray presentation from Warner Archive.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 71
Warner Archive delivers an impressive 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray of 'Yankee Doodle Dandy,' showcasing James Wong Howe's exceptional cinematography with striking detail, superior contrast, and a natural grain structure. Despite minor video noise, the transfer excels in depth and clarity, making it a must-upgrade for fans.
Audio: 71
The Blu-ray of 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' features a lossless DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono track that preserves the film's robust and Oscar-winning musical scoring with clear dialogue and crisp sound effects, though it occasionally reveals limitations of its 1940s recording technology.
Extra: 66
The Blu-ray extras, ported from Warner's 2003 DVD, are a treasure trove with highlights including an encyclopedic commentary by Rudy Behlmer, a 'Warner Night at the Movies 1942' segment, comprehensive documentaries, vintage shorts, and a pristine 1080p presentation of two Looney Tunes cartoons.
Movie: 76
"Yankee Doodle Dandy offers a captivating and technically solid Blu-ray presentation, with James Cagney delivering an electric portrayal of George M. Cohan that transcends the film's chronological liberties and lack of dramatic depth, reflecting both Cohan’s and America’s indomitable spirit during World War II."
Video: 71
Warner Archive Collection has once again delivered a stellar release with their 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray of Yankee Doodle Dandy. Shot by legendary cinematographer James Wong Howe, the crisp and intricate details of this transfer beautifully highlight his expressive use of light and shadow. The black-and-white image showcases excellent contrast, offering meticulously detailed backgrounds and sets that bring Cagney's dynamic dance moves to life with an almost gravity-defying clarity. The film's original integrity is preserved with a natural grain structure, lending it a tactile, film-like quality that further enhances the visual storytelling.
This Blu-ray transfer surpasses its 2003 DVD predecessor in virtually every aspect. Blacks are deeper and more robust, while the grayscale gradations offer fine delineations that enrich the overall depth of the image. This transfer is impressively clear, with background details and fine facial features presented in remarkable sharpness. Importantly, the average bitrate of 27.99 Mbps ensures that even the most elaborate Broadway production numbers retain their complexity without any noticeable artifacts or digital enhancements such as edge sharpening or noise reduction. The minimal yet occasional video noise resembling aliasing is fleeting and unlikely to distract viewers from the overall high-quality visual presentation.
In summary, Warner Archive Collection’s Blu-ray release of Yankee Doodle Dandy not only celebrates but elevates James Wong Howe's exceptional cinematography. The superior contrast, stunning clarity, and adherence to a natural grain structure make this transfer a highly recommended upgrade for fans and collectors of vintage cinema.
Audio: 71
The audio presentation of "Yankee Doodle Dandy" on Blu-ray is encoded in lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono, featuring identical left and right front channels. Warner Archive Collection has wisely opted not to remix into a 5.1 track, preserving the original robust mono sound that effectively reproduces the Oscar-winning scoring by Ray Heindorf and Heinz Roemheld. The music, delivered against a backdrop of various pianos, bands, and Broadway orchestras, and the vocal performances by James Cagney and others, are balanced meticulously. Though the mono track highlights some limitations in dynamic range, especially during high operatic notes like those in Irene Manning's performance of "Mary's a Grand Old Name," these instances are few and far between.
The track provides robust sound tempered by the recording technology constraints of the early 1940s. Warner technicians have successfully scrubbed away age-related imperfections such as hiss, pops, and crackles, resulting in a clean audio presentation that underscores the film's Oscars for Best Musical Score and Best Sound Recording. Despite slight fidelity and tonal depth limitations compared to contemporaneous MGM musicals, the dialogue remains consistently clear, distortion-free, and accompanied by crisp tap sounds during Cagney's dance routines. While the audio may not reach modern standards of dazzling sound quality, it offers a commendable performance for a 72-year-old film and stays true to its historical roots.
Overall, "Yankee Doodle Dandy" delivers a solid audio experience that honors its original production while meeting contemporary restoration standards. The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track retains the vibrancy and clarity needed to appreciate the film’s storied musicality and sound recording achievements.
Extra: 66
The Blu-ray release of Yankee Doodle Dandy offers an impressive array of extras, all ported over from the 2003 DVD. Film historian Rudy Behlmer's exhaustive commentary stands out, with his encyclopedic knowledge, dating scenes, identifying soundstages, and discussing production nuances. The “Warner Night at the Movies 1942” segment recreates a historic cinema experience with trailers, newsreels, and shorts, highlighted by Maltin’s introduction and the narrated short by Reagan. The documentary Let Freedom Sing! provides a thorough examination of the film’s creation and impact. Furthermore, John Travolta’s heartfelt tribute to Cagney adds a personal touch. The inclusion of two vintage short films starring Cagney and two iconic Looney Tunes cartoons in HD, along with an audio vault of outtakes and rehearsals, cement this disc as a must-own for film enthusiasts and historians.
Extras included in this disc:
- Commentary with Film Historian Rudy Behlmer: Detailed and encyclopedic.
- Warner Night at the Movies 1942: Recreations of vintage theater experiences.
- Introduction by Leonard Maltin: Historical context.
- Casablanca Trailer: Prominent film trailer.
- Newsreel: Compilation of wartime events.
- Patriotic Short Subject Beyond the Line of Duty: War hero narrative.
- Merrie Melodies Cartoon Bugs Bunny Gets the Boid: Animated short.
- Let Freedom Sing!: The Story of Yankee Doodle Dandy: Comprehensive documentary.
- John Travolta Remembers James Cagney: Personal recollections.
- You, John Jones: Wartime short starring Cagney.
- Looney Tunes Short Yankee Doodle Daffy: HD animated short.
- Theatrical Trailer: Original movie preview.
- Audio Vault: Outtakes, rehearsals, and radio show adaptations.
Movie: 76
"Yankee Doodle Dandy" is a compelling biographical film that highlights the illustrious career of George M. Cohan, widely known as "The Man Who Owned Broadway." James Cagney’s portrayal of Cohan is nothing short of extraordinary, earning him his only Academy Award for Best Actor. Despite his reputation as a hard-nosed gangster in previous roles, Cagney's background as a vaudeville performer lends authenticity and vibrancy to his role. The movie delves into Cohan’s rise to stardom, from his early days in vaudeville with his family to his monumental contributions to Broadway. The film successfully blends historical events with spirited performances, such as the heartfelt scene between Cagney and Walter Huston, playing Cohan's father, a scene so moving that it brought director Michael Curtiz to tears.
The film opens with Cohan being summoned to the White House, where he recounts his life to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This narrative approach sets the stage for an engaging journey through his career highs and a few personal lows. Cohan’s personality—a mix of arrogance and cocksure ambition—is well-depicted, contributing to a storyline that remains intriguing despite some historical liberties and emotional restraint. Joan Leslie's portrayal of Mary, a composite of Cohan’s two wives, harmonizes well with Cagney, despite their notable age difference, offering a believable partnership amid the professional backdrop.
"Yankee Doodle Dandy" seamlessly intertwines grand musical numbers with succinct montages illustrating Cohan's dominance on Broadway. It is both a celebration of American patriotism and a testament to the unyielding spirit of one of showbiz's most influential figures. Through its dynamic dance sequences and heartfelt performances, the film still resonates today, maintaining its place in American cinematic history. Despite its age, "Yankee Doodle Dandy" offers valuable insights into Cohan’s indelible impact on Broadway and his enduring legacy as the quintessential song-and-dance man.
Total: 71
"Yankee Doodle Dandy" is a standout piece of American cinema, ingeniously directed by Michael Curtiz. Even though it takes some creative liberties with the life story of George M. Cohan, it is a stirring tribute to one of America's entertainment icons. James Cagney’s Oscar-winning portrayal is a testament to his talent, effortlessly energizing the film with his dynamic and unique dancing. The movie’s soundtrack, filled with over a dozen iconic Cohan tunes, is quintessentially American, adding layers of charm and historical texture. While the plot may seem conventional, the combination of engaging performances, high production values, and nostalgia ensures the film’s enduring appeal.
Warner Archive Collection’s Blu-ray presentation of "Yankee Doodle Dandy" is exemplary. The video transfer significantly enhances the visual quality from previous DVD releases, presenting crystal-clear images that revive the film’s original glory. High-quality mono audio ensures that Cohan's music remains impactful and resonant. Additionally, the Blu-ray offers a wealth of supplemental material that deepens appreciation for the film and its historical context. Although it might not match the grandeur of MGM’s musicals from the same era, "Yankee Doodle Dandy" remains a compelling and vigorous piece of entertainment.
In conclusion, "Yankee Doodle Dandy" might seem dated to modern sensibilities due to its overt patriotism and portrayal of a bygone era of vaudeville and stage performances. Nonetheless, it showcases one of America's finest movie stars at his best. Cagney’s infectious joy in the role lifts the film above its temporal constraints, making it a timeless work. Warner Archive has done this classic justice with their top-tier restoration efforts. Highly recommended for both history buffs and classic film enthusiasts alike.
Blu-ray.com review by Michael ReubenRead review here
Video: 90
Although studio head Jack Warner complained that setups took too long because of Howe's meticulous lighting, the results speak for themselves in the visual storytelling supplied by the DP's expressive...
Audio: 90
Especially with a musical, some studios would been tempted to try a 5.1 remix, but WAC has wisely left well enough alone, because Yankee Doodle Dandy's track is sufficiently robust to be effective in reproducing...
Extras: 80
Warner Night at the Movies 1942 (480i; 1.33:1) Introduction by Leonard Maltin (3:21): The critic and film historian provides an introduction to the various short subjects from 1942 listed below....
Movie: 100
The latter quality wins him a reputation as difficult and sometimes causes conflicts with his father, but it's also the source of the boundless confidence that will sustain him through a long period of...
Total: 90
Its square-jawed patriotism is no longer fashionable in today's highly politicized climate, and the era it evokes, when vaudeville houses, nightclub revues and theatrical venues were the primary source...
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 80
Superior contrast and stunning clarity lend the image presence and depth, while a natural grain structure provides a palpable film-like appearance....
Audio: 80
Though any trace of age-related imperfections, such as hiss, pops, and crackles, have been scrubbed away by Warner technicians, the audio lacks the same degree of fidelity and tonal depth that often distinguishes...
Extras: 60
His jovial remarks are followed by a trailer for 'Casablanca' (2:16) and a war-themed newsreel (9:16) chronicling, among other things, the graduation of West Point cadets, a joint U.S.-China air strike...
Movie: 60
Producer Hal Wallis originally envisioned 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' as a straightforward biography of one of Broadway's most successful and prolific impresarios, George M. Cohan, but America's entrance into...
Total: 80
Though it never rivals the musicals made across town by MGM, 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' remains a prime example of old-fashioned, rock-'em-sock-'em entertainment, and its undeniable patriotism makes it deserving...
Director: Michael Curtiz
Actors: James Cagney, Joan Leslie, Walter Huston
PlotThe story revolves around the life of a renowned composer, playwright, actor, dancer, and singer. Born to a vaudeville family, he begins his career in entertainment at an early age. His initial struggles and ambitions are portrayed as he works tirelessly to gain recognition in the competitive world of show business. Through determination and talent, he gradually rises to fame, producing popular musical hits that captivate audiences across the country. Key moments highlight his relentless drive and the supportive relationships with his family and those who believe in his potential.
As his career progresses, he encounters numerous challenges and triumphs, reflecting the trials and rewards of a life dedicated to the performing arts. Notably, his patriotic productions play a significant role during wartime, boosting national morale and earning widespread acclaim. The narrative interweaves his personal and professional life, showcasing how his artistry and charisma win the hearts of many. The film pays tribute to his enduring legacy and celebrates his contributions to American culture and entertainment.
Writers: Robert Buckner, Edmund Joseph, Julius J. Epstein
Release Date: 06 Jun 1942
Runtime: 126 min
Rating: Approved
Country: United States
Language: English