In the Good Old Summertime Blu-ray Review

The Video presentation of the Blu-Ray edition of "In the Good Old Summertime" is exceptional, positioning it among Warner Archive's finest releases. The 1080p transfer is sourced from a recent scan of original Technicolor elements, showcasing superior clarity and vivid color reproduction. Key technical details, including the faithful rendering of the film’s 1.37:1 aspect ratio and dual-layered encoding with a high bit rate, ensure a crisp image devoid of compression artifacts. Notable filmic qualities such as well-defined grain and stable contrast contribute to a warm, nostalgic viewing experience, particularly elevating the presentation standards for period-specific costumes and elaborately decorated scenes.

A standout feature is the reproduction of richly saturated hues, especially the deep Technicolor reds and lush greens that define the visual mood of the film. Judy Garland's costumes, particularly her vibrant red velvet dress, are accentuated by the bold color palette which maintains a natural look throughout. This release corrects previous flaws seen in the 2004 DVD version, offering stable flesh tones and intricate textures, such as fabric patterns and colored harp strings, without shimmering effects. Interiors reflect a warm glow enhanced by accurately calibrated blacks and whites, contributing to the festive ambience of scenes set during fall and winter.

Overall, this Blu-Ray release delivers an impeccably cleaned-up version of the original film, resolute in removing distractions such as dirt specks and reel change cues seen in earlier prints. The transfer allows musical fans and Garland enthusiasts alike to fully appreciate the film's aesthetic charm, representing a notable upgrade over previous editions and ensuring a mesmerizing viewing experience.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "In the Good Old Summertime" leverages a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track, which, despite its efforts, faces certain limitations arising from suboptimal source material. The track's fidelity is noticeably inconsistent, with early portions exhibiting level fluctuations that require manual volume adjustments to achieve intelligible dialogue. This often necessitates the use of English (SDH) subtitles to fully grasp the nuances of the dialogue. Such adjustments are exacerbated by a disparity in volume between dialogue and musical numbers, making volume control cumbersome. The presence of a slight gauzy distortion and faint surface noise further highlights the aged nature of the track, though these issues subside as the film progresses.

Despite these challenges, the audio track manages to capture the rich essence of Garland's vocals and musical performances with commendable warmth and fullness. The dynamic range is capable of handling the film’s lush orchestral arrangements, such as the harp-fronted "Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland," with clarity once the initial discrepancies are resolved. While the overall clarity and conciseness of the dialogue hold up well, particularly post-calibration early in the film, the audio fidelity does not quite match the lush sound Warner Archive has achieved in other mono tracks, such as those for Garland’s "The Harvey Girls" or "Summer Stock."

In summary, while the track’s heritage inevitably shows its age, Warner technicians have diligently enhanced its presentation to improve its auditory experience amidst unfavorable source conditions. Thus, listeners are treated to a solid yet slightly underwhelming audio experience that nonetheless showcases the film’s musical highlights effectively.

The Blu-Ray release of "In the Good Old Summertime" offers a rich array of extras, primarily carried over from Warner Bros.' 2004 DVD. This selection, while missing some potential gems like Garland's deleted number, provides a substantive glimpse into this classic film's world. John Fricke's introduction enriches understanding by tracing the film's evolution from its stage play origins and detailing its notable casting choices. The inclusion of James Fitzpatrick MGM Traveltalks delivers a charmingly dated yet insightful look at mid-20th century Chicago. The included theatrical trailer effectively captures the film's promotional essence. Overall, these extras cater to aficionados of period films and fans of Judy Garland.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction by John Fricke: Overview and trivia by a Garland historian.
• Chicago, the Beautiful: Travelogue capturing Chicago's landmarks.
• Night Life in Chicago: Explore Chicago's vibrant nightlife.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original film promo piece.
• Song Selection: Access to the film's musical numbers.

"In the Good Old Summertime," a vibrant Technicolor adaptation of "The Shop Around the Corner," rewinds the clock to turn-of-the-century Chicago. Directed by Robert Z. Leonard, this film combines Garland's irresistible charm with engaging romantic comedy. Judy Garland shines as Veronica Fisher, embodying her signature comic flair and melodic prowess, while Van Johnson's natural presence invigorates Andrew Larkin. Their chemistry transforms a quarreling duo into romantic pen-pals, driving the story forward with wit and heart.

Adapting the narrative to a Chicago music shop, screenwriters Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, and Ivan Tors strip away darker plot elements from the original, injecting broader comedy and musical delights. Garland delivers spirited renditions of period songs like "Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland" and "Put Your Arms Around Me, Honey." Alongside her, Buster Keaton's comedic brilliance endows the film with memorable slapstick moments, adding depth to a lively supporting cast that includes S.Z. Sakall's endearing Otto Oberkugen and Spring Byington as the pragmatic Nellie Burke.

The nostalgic tunes seamlessly weave into the story, reflecting its musical environment without disrupting narrative flow. While slightly inferior to its predecessor due to pacing issues and less impactful lead synergy, the film remains a festive alternative with Judy Garland's incomparable talent at its heart. Visually and acoustically, the Blu-ray release offers commendable A/V quality, contributing to an endearing holiday watch. With its seasonal spirit and light-hearted narrative, "In the Good Old Summertime" comfortably nestles itself among enjoyable holiday classics, showcasing a delightful mix of romance, comedy, and music.

Robert Z. Leonard’s "In the Good Old Summertime" offers a charming revisit to a classic narrative, maintaining a delightful balance of comedy and romance. This musical remake features a remarkable performance by Judy Garland, supported by an equally talented cast including Van Johnson and Buster Keaton. Warner Archive’s Blu-ray release delivers a stunning Technicolor transfer that revitalizes the visual appeal of the film, even as some minor audio issues from the original source slightly mitigate the experience. The absence of Garland's famous outtakes is regrettable, yet her luminous screen presence remains an indelible highlight.

Despite its title suggesting a seasonal misnomer, this holiday film stands proudly alongside other Garland musicals, embodying a timeless aura that appeals to both historical enthusiasts and new viewers. Technicolor presentation shines brightly and elevates the film while reminding audiences of the era’s vibrant cinematic palette. Although Leonard’s adaptation might not overshadow Lubitsch's "The Shop Around the Corner," it surpasses its thematic successor, "You’ve Got Mail," delivering heartfelt festive cheer wrapped in vintage charm.

In conclusion, "In the Good Old Summertime" is a commendable holiday movie that should not be missed by fans and newcomers alike. Warner Archive's Blu-ray edition captures its nostalgic essence beautifully, despite some minor sound inadequacies. This release offers an engaging glimpse into classic Hollywood storytelling that persists in enchanting audiences today. Highly recommended, it remains a delightful collectible for lovers of Judy Garland and classic cinema.