Damn Yankees Blu-ray Review

The Warner Archive's Blu-ray presentation of "Damn Yankees" exemplifies top-tier video quality, befitting the studio's strong track record. Sourced from a 4K scan of preservation separation masters, the 1080p/AVC MPEG transfer is executed with exceptional precision. The dynamic color palette exhibits lush, vibrant hues, ranging from bold reds and sunny yellows to cool blues and creamy purples. Particularly striking are the opening credits, which set a vivid tone, as well as scenes within Lola's boudoir and the brightly-lit daytime sequences at the ballpark, where primary colors and cool blue shadows grace the screen. Skin tones are faithfully reproduced; even the more challenging scenes involving dramatic lighting, like Tab Hunter's flushed complexion, are handled deftly. The transfer maintains a palpable film-like feel through careful preservation of natural grain and textures.

Sharpness and clarity are consistently impressive, only slightly diminished in select moments due to optical effects or inferior source elements for specific shots. Low-lit scenes such as the "Two Lost Souls" nightclub number reveal a bit more grain, yet shadow delineation remains intact without succumbing to crush. The deep blacks and bright whites anchor the image effectively. Close-up shots beautifully highlight intricate details—from Verdon's vivid red hair to Hunter's all-American appeal. All visual effects, including split-screen shots and pop-ups, seamlessly blend into the picture. Despite minor imperfections like occasional extra texture or scant marks on the print, these do not detract significantly from the viewing experience. Overall, the 1.85:1 aspect ratio is faithfully presented with meticulously applied contrast, culminating in an absorbing and visually stunning rendition of this classic musical film.

The audio presentation of Damn Yankees on Blu-ray is offered in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono, a choice that may seem unconventional given Warner Bros.'s history of releasing films in stereo by 1958. Despite the expectation set by the period, this mono track delivers an admirable performance within its format constraints. Dialogue is consistently clean and clear, although there are occasional moments where lip sync issues slightly detract from the experience. The numerous song breaks are well-balanced and exhibit occasional depth, offering a dynamic presence that aptly conveys the film's energetic musical numbers.

Most notably, the audio fidelity is exceptionally high, enhancing musical numbers and maintaining a wide dynamic scale that incorporates both the highs and lows of Ray Heindorf's Oscar-nominated score without introducing distortion. Vocals, whether solo or choral, are robust and distinct, contributing to a compelling listening experience. Moreover, Warner Archive has ensured that there are no age-related audio artifacts such as hiss, pops, or crackle that could detract from the pure listening experience.

Optional English SDH subtitles are provided, facilitating clearer understanding during the main feature and song selections. Though a stereophonic option could have elevated the musical experience, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track still stands as a commendable effort, presenting potentially the best audio experience for Damn Yankees since its original theatrical release.

The Blu-ray release of "Damn Yankees" delivers a modest, yet valuable set of extras that enrich the viewing experience for fans of classic musicals. Although the packaging doesn't list these features, the disc includes original theatrical trailers and a user-friendly song selection menu. The trailers offer an engaging glimpse into the film's historical marketing, with the US trailer and the UK trailer retitled as "What Lola Wants" for its British release due to censorship concerns. Coupled with the immediate access to 17 standout musical moments, including iconic numbers like "Whatever Lola Wants" and "Heart," these extras provide both nostalgic charm and functional convenience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Song Selection: Access to all 17 song breaks including “Six Months Out of the Year," “Goodbye, Old Girl," “Heart," “Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, MO," “Two Lost Souls," and “Whatever Lola Wants.”
• US Theatrical Trailer: This lively vintage promotional piece.
• UK Theatrical Trailer: Retitled as "What Lola Wants" for British audiences.

Damn Yankees stands as a quintessential mid-20th-century musical film, based on the successful Broadway show by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. Directed by George Abbott and Stanley Donen, the film captures the charm and energy of its stage predecessor. The narrative cleverly intertwines Faustian elements with America's baseball fervor, creating an engaging story about Joe Boyd's (Robert Shafer) soul-selling deal with the devilish Applegate (Ray Walston) to transform into baseball phenom Joe Hardy (Tab Hunter) and lead the Washington Senators to victory.

Central to the film's success is the exceptional performance by Gwen Verdon as Lola, Applegate’s tempting accomplice. Verdon, reprising her Broadway role, delivers an unforgettable rendition of "Whatever Lola Wants," showcasing Fosse's iconic choreography. Her talents are further highlighted in memorable numbers like "A Little Brains, A Little Talent" and her duet "Two Lost Souls" with Hunter, who brings earnestness to his role despite being less dynamic. Walston’s portrayal of Applegate mixes charm and menace, giving depth to his devilish character.

Warner Archive's Blu-ray release provides a meticulous 4K transfer that enhances the film's vibrant production design and colorful visuals. Despite some static direction reflective of its Broadway roots, the film maintains a lively atmosphere through its musical sequences and performances. The Blu-ray's high-definition quality underscores the timelessness of its performances and musical numbers, ensuring that Damn Yankees continues to delight both new viewers and lifelong fans of classic musicals.

George Abbott and Stanley Donen’s 'Damn Yankees' is a delightful and vibrant sports musical that successfully brings the Broadway magic to the big screen. Featuring key performers from the original stage production, their infectious energy permeates the film, creating a highly engaging experience for both musical aficionados and newcomers. The film melds the Faustian legend with a baseball backdrop, delivering an irresistible blend of memorable music and dynamic choreography by Bob Fosse, complemented by Gwen Verdon's exceptional performance.

The Warner Archive Blu-ray release of 'Damn Yankees' excels in technical quality, offering a top-tier transfer that significantly upgrades over previous DVD versions. The picture quality is notably enhanced, bringing out the vivid colors and details that elevate the viewing experience. Audio is robust and clear, effectively capturing the charm and energy of the musical numbers. However, the bonus features are somewhat lacking, with only theatrical trailers provided, which may disappoint some collectors.

In conclusion, Warner Archive’s Blu-ray release of 'Damn Yankees' is a commendable homage to one of Broadway’s beloved musicals. Despite the sparse supplementary content, the superb picture and audio quality make it a must-have for dedicated fans and newcomers to musicals. Its faithful adaptation, backed by energetic performances and stunning choreography, ensures 'Damn Yankees' remains a timeless piece of entertainment. Highly recommended.