The Unsinkable Molly Brown Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" features a stunning 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer from the Warner Archive Collection. Based on a recent 2K scan of the interpositive, followed by patient color correction and meticulous repair of the negative, the resulting image is exceptionally detailed and vibrant. Daniel L. Fapp's Oscar-nominated widescreen cinematography is richly presented, with a high average bitrate of 35 Mbps ensuring a clear, crisp encode. The film’s lavish production design and costumes are impeccably rendered, and the distinct visual styles of Colorado’s lush countryside, Denver’s vivid reds, and Europe’s cooler tones are beautifully differentiated. Black levels are deep, providing excellent shadow detail, while the natural grain structure adds authenticity to the viewing experience.

This Blu-ray transfer reveals intricate details often unseen in older prints, highlighting both the genuine outdoor shots and those taken on soundstages with painted backdrops. Though this sharpness occasionally betrays some backdrop usage, it predominantly enhances the image quality, showcasing primary colors vividly while maintaining natural flesh tones. The restoration has effectively eliminated virtually all signs of wear and tear, resulting in a near-flawless presentation. Some occasional softness is noted, likely due to original focus issues rather than anything related to the transfer process. Overall, “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” appears in superb condition on Blu-ray, making this release a visual delight for fans and new viewers alike.

The audio presentation of "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" on Blu-ray features a meticulously remixed DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround sound that revitalizes its original four-track magnetic printmaster. The orchestral accompaniment is artfully spread across the front soundstage with distinct stereo separations, while the rear channels subtly enhance the instrumental ambiance. This creates an immersive auditory experience that effectively wraps audiences in waves of music. Dialogue and song lyrics are rendered with impressive crystal clarity, ensuring that every word and note is delivered with precision. The dynamic range is broad, offering a smooth and pleasing high end, free of any hiss, pops, or dropouts.

This DTS-HD MA 5.1 track excels in capturing both the grandeur of the orchestral arrangements and the nuances of incidental underscoring, contributed by uncredited composers such as Alexander Courage. Notably, the inclusion of the Overture and Exit Music grants additional depth to the film's soundscape, extending its running time slightly but enhancing its overall presentation. While the audio mix predominantly prioritizes music over sound effects – fitting for a musical – the subtle expansion of surround elements adds a pleasant dimensionality without overshadowing the primary focus on songs. Any in-built inconsistencies, such as shifts from native recordings to dubbed lyrics, are minimal and add a charming authenticity to the listening experience.

Overall, the expertly restored audio track elevates the viewing experience, seamlessly blending dialogue, music, and subtle background effects into a cohesive whole that emphasizes the film's core musical elements while maintaining technical integrity.

The Blu-ray release of "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" offers a specialized selection of extras ported from previous DVD editions. Preserving their historical and promotional context, the extras provide an insightful glimpse into the film's production. The featurette "The Story of a Dress" examines the meticulous work of MGM's costume department for the movie, offering valuable context to the film’s aesthetic. Additionally, a remastered trailer vividly showcases the film's vibrant energy and Debbie Reynolds’ outstanding performance, now available in high definition. These extras contribute significantly to understanding the behind-the-scenes efforts and promotional strategies of the period.

Extras included in this disc:

• Featurette: The Story of a Dress: Promotional short focusing on MGM's costume department’s work on Molly Brown.
• Trailer: Remastered trailer in 1080p highlighting Debbie Reynolds' performance.

"The Unsinkable Molly Brown" captures the vibrancy and charisma of its era through Debbie Reynolds' spirited performance, though it's often bogged down by a historically loose and sometimes unduly frivolous narrative. Director Charles Walters originally desired Shirley MacLaine for the lead, but contractual obligations led to Reynolds anchoring the film with an Oscar-nominated performance. Her boundless energy lends life to a character that, without her, might seem like mere caricature. The film is an adaptation of Meredith Willson's musical, which itself took significant liberties with the real Margaret Brown's life for the sake of entertainment. These alterations strip away the historical depth and complexity of the character, replacing them with a tale focused more on upward mobility and comedic tropes than on a faithful biographical recount.

Visually, "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" is a feast for the eyes. The colorful costumes, lush photography, and stunning Colorado vistas provide a strong backdrop for Molly's larger-than-life story. The first half of the film presents a comic romance between Molly and Leadville Johnny Brown (Harve Presnell), replete with playful antics and lighthearted songs. However, as the narrative shifts to Molly's European travels and quest for societal acceptance, the film's energy wanes. The musical numbers in this adaptation are more palatable than memorable, failing to carry the same emotional impact as Willson's more celebrated works, such as "The Music Man." While Debbie Reynolds and Harve Presnell give commendable performances, their contributions aren't enough to fully redeem the plot's narrative shortcomings or its disconcertingly cavalier treatment of historical events such as the Titanic tragedy.

The film’s vivid presentation on Blu-ray courtesy of Warner Archive Collection enhances its visual appeal, although it does little to mend its narrative flaws. Despite falling short in historical accuracy and musical excellence, "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" remains buoyant through Reynolds' dynamic portrayal and the film's visual splendor—making it enjoyable if taken as a lighthearted, rather than in-depth, biopic.

"The Unsinkable Molly Brown," released in 1964, is a nostalgic nod to the grand musicals of MGM's heyday. Its charm lies less in its narrative depth and more in its spectacular style, embodying the essence of the era's musical productions. Although the film may not resonate with all modern viewers, particularly those seeking substantial dramatic storytelling, it is a testament to a bygone cinematic craftsmanship. Warner Archive Collection has impeccably transferred this classic to Blu-ray, providing fans of the film with a visual and auditory treat that underscores the meticulous production values of its time.

Debbie Reynolds delivers a commendable performance, bringing vitality to the title role, while Harve Presnell also stands out in his supporting role. However, despite their efforts, the film struggles to capture the remarkable essence of its historical protagonist fully. The Blu-ray release itself is an exemplar of technical excellence with an outstanding A/V presentation. The high-definition transfer showcases vibrant colors and crisp sound, enhancing the viewing experience significantly. The primary drawback is the lack of substantial bonus features, which could have provided deeper insights into the film's production and historical context.

In conclusion, while "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" may not gain universal acclaim for its content, its Blu-ray release by WAC is remarkable for its quality. This disc is highly recommended for fans of classic musicals and those who appreciate the craftsmanship of mid-20th-century cinema. For enthusiasts of the genre, this Blu-ray is a worthwhile addition to their collection, presenting the film in arguably its best possible format.