The Bad and the Beautiful Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive Collection has meticulously presented "The Bad and the Beautiful" in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio, utilizing a recent 4K scan of the original camera negative to produce an outstanding 1080p transfer. This Blu-ray edition boasts rich image detail and retains a natural film grain that enhances its filmic texture. The resulting visual quality is consistently crisp, with stable framing and no signs of judder or wobble, providing a smooth viewing experience. The shadow detail and contrast levels add noticeable depth to the visuals, especially during outdoor scenes. A hallmark of this release is its cleanliness; there is no trace of nicks, scratches, or dirt, thanks to Warner Archive’s adept cleanup process.

The new 4K master forms the foundation for an exceptional 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer that impeccably captures the movie's aesthetics. From the start, the vivid rendering is apparent, enhanced by superb contrast, clarity, and gray level variance that lend an immediacy to the picture. Inky blacks provide a solid foundation while bright whites add striking accents. Textures, especially in furs and costumes, are rendered with remarkable clarity, and background details remain discernible throughout. Close-up shots highlight actor-specific details vividly, such as Kirk Douglas's distinctive chin cleft and Lana Turner's glamorous allure.

Overall, film grain is managed organically with a consistent sheen, and fine details are faithfully represented. The grayscale treatment is equally commendable, showcasing inky blacks and clean shadows with minimal instances of print damage. This transfer not only enhances Robert Surtees' Oscar-winning cinematography but also surpasses previous releases like the Warner DVD. It’s a fitting tribute to Vincente Minnelli's artistic vision, bringing this classic film to life like never before.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track on "The Bad and the Beautiful" offers a surprisingly dynamic listening experience, defying the age of the film. Dialogue is exceptionally crisp and well-pronounced, ensuring clear understanding throughout. David Raksin's lauded score, surprisingly overlooked by the Oscars, is given ample room to breathe with superior fidelity and depth of tone, enhancing its sweeping strings and intricate arrangements. The balance between dialogue and music is maintained admirably, allowing each element to shine without competition. Optional English (SDH) subtitles are included for both the main feature and extras, thoughtfully formatted for ease of reading.

Raksin's magnificent soundtrack particularly benefits from the wide dynamic range of this audio track, embracing highs and lows without any distortion. Sonic accents and atmospherics punctuate scenes effectively, enhancing the overall immersion. However, there is a slight occurrence of surface noise during quieter moments, and the cacophonous party scene suffers from too many audio elements competing for prominence. Despite these minor issues, the overall audio presentation surpasses previous home video releases in clarity and fidelity, solidifying it as a noteworthy enhancement for this Blu-ray release.

The Blu-ray release of "The Bad and the Beautiful" is supplemented by top-notch extras originally from the Warner Bros.' 2002 DVD, now with some upgraded technical specs. The most significant feature, "Lana Turner: A Daughter's Memoir," is a compelling 86-minute documentary directed by Carole Langer, offering an intimate look at Turner's tumultuous life through her daughter Cheryl Crane's eyes, with narration by Robert Wagner and interviews with Hollywood icons. Additionally, the Scoring Session Cues feature celebrates David Raksin's score, presented in DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio, adding notable depth to the viewing experience. The inclusion of the original theatrical trailer in 1080p with lossless audio rounds out the offering.

Extras included in this disc:

• Lana Turner: A Daughter's Memoir: An in-depth documentary on Lana Turner's life featuring her daughter Cheryl Crane, with narration by Robert Wagner.
• Scoring Session Cues: Thirteen scoring cues from David Raksin's score, now presented in DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer in high definition with lossless audio.

"The Bad and the Beautiful," directed by Vincente Minnelli, is an exemplary film from Hollywood's Golden Age, offering a captivating and incisive look at the inner workings of the movie industry. Based on a story by George Bradshaw and brought to life through Charles Schnee's Oscar-winning screenplay, the film follows the ambitious and ruthless producer Jonathan Shields (Kirk Douglas), as recounted by his former colleagues: director Fred Amiel (Barry Sullivan), actress Georgia Lorrison (Lana Turner), and screenwriter James Lee Bartlow (Dick Powell). Presented in flashback sequences, each narrative unveils how Shields' relentless drive for success left a path of disillusioned talents despite their meteoric rises in the industry.

Minnelli, known for his lavish musicals, proves adept in this melodrama, though he stops short of delivering a truly scathing critique of Hollywood. The film wavers between revealing Hollywood's darker side and conforming to the polished aesthetic viewers anticipate from MGM productions. Nevertheless, it is highly engaging, thanks to its stellar cast performances and evocative storytelling. The flashback structure is effective, not gimmicky, and David Raksin's lush score enhances the overall experience. The characters, possibly inspired by real Hollywood figures such as David O. Selznick and Diana Barrymore, add depth and intrigue to the narrative.

The Blu-ray release from Warner Archive Collection does justice to this classic, featuring a 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 video transfer derived from a new 4K scan of the original camera negative. The black-and-white cinematography by Robert Surtees, combined with meticulous art direction and costume design, delivers a visually stunning presentation. Accompanying audio tracks are DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono, providing a crisp auditory experience. This release also includes notable extras such as a Lana Turner documentary and selections from David Raksin's score, further enriching this essential addition to any classic film enthusiast's collection.

Warner Archive's Blu-ray release of "The Bad and the Beautiful" is an impressive effort, presenting one of Hollywood’s original meta-films with excellent technical precision. Directed by Vincente Minnelli, this inside look at the movie business showcases sumptuous production values and glamorous stars, including outstanding performances by Kirk Douglas and Lana Turner. The new 4K remaster stands out, offering nearly reference-level audio/visual quality that surpasses all previous home video releases. The rich, detailed imagery coupled with the crisp sound design elevates the viewing experience to new heights, making the film more accessible and engaging.

The film itself serves as an intriguing exploration of Hollywood's Golden Age but tends to hold back in its critique of the industry. While it offers a fitfully enjoyable and well-crafted story, its lack of sharpness in depicting the cutthroat nature of show business might leave those familiar with the era wanting more. Despite this, the film's witty and scathing dialogue ensures it remains a compelling watch. Adding to its appeal, Warner Archive includes excellent bonus features from the 2002 DVD release, notably a captivating feature-length documentary on Lana Turner.

In conclusion, "The Bad and the Beautiful" Blu-ray is a must-have for established fans of classic Hollywood cinema. The high-quality remastering and compelling bonus features justify the purchase alone. However, newcomers might benefit from previewing the film before buying, as its insider perspective could be somewhat inaccessible to those unfamiliar with the era. While it may not deliver a brutally honest exposé, its lush production and engaging performances make it a notable addition to any film library.