Our Dancing Daughters Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Our Dancing Daughters" on Blu-ray stands as a testament to Warner Archive's meticulous restoration efforts, culminating in a 1080p transfer that admirably rejuvenates the 1928 classic. The remastering process utilized a 4K scan from a safety dupe negative of the 1960s, circumventing the original nitrate negative's deterioration. The result is a filmic image that emerges with a noticeable yet non-imposing grain structure, preserving the silvery, dream-like aesthetic inherent to the era. The aspect ratio honors the original 1.37:1 framing, and while subtle fluctuations in contrast and sharpness occur, these are well within acceptable limits for a film of its vintage. Warner Archive’s commitment to maintaining the authentic texture of the film is evident through restrained grain management and a lack of digital over-sharpening.

This 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encoding showcases impressive clarity and contrast, delivering rich blacks and bright whites that enhance the depth and detail of George Barnes' Oscar-nominated cinematography. The vivid grayscale contributes to the opulent portrayal of Cedric Gibbons’ Art Deco set designs and the intricate textures of the costumes. Although a slight softness is present, it is overshadowed by the overall visual fidelity that respects and accentuates close-ups, most notably those of Joan Crawford. An intricate process shot appears sharply rendered, adding to the visual storytelling without disruption from issues like banding or compression artifacts.

Overall, these technical efforts coalesce to provide a pristine viewing experience unmarred by age-induced nicks, marks, or scratches. "Our Dancing Daughters" exemplifies how silent films can achieve a near-definitive presentation on Blu-ray, inviting hope for future releases of similar gems from Warner Archive. This transfer demonstrates an exceptional balance between historical authenticity and modern digital clarity.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Our Dancing Daughters" showcases a strikingly enhanced DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track, offering a testament to meticulous restoration efforts. This audio mix represents an improvement over the previous DVD version, seemingly drawn from an older 1990s-era master. Designed to be experienced as in 1928, the track provides an authentically restored sound, free from the hisses, pops, and crackles typical of vintage recordings. While the dynamic range is marginally limited, it adeptly delivers a robust, full-bodied sound that aligns seamlessly with both the synchronized music and sound effects.

Of particular note are the crisp isolated sonic moments such as ringing telephones, popping balloons, and the evocative noise of galloping horse hooves and bouncing ping-pong balls. Despite the occasional strains at the high end, the original music tracks maintain an engaging auditory experience. The film's soundtrack lacks on-screen dialogue but offers vocal clarity in its few musical numbers and sporadic off-screen lines. This restoration successfully enriches the atmospheric crowd noises at lively gatherings and the tranquil sounds of the tide at the seashore, complementing the overarching narrative.

While the orchestral arrangements are delivered with commendable fidelity, there is a slight tonal inconsistency with the three featured songs, which appear tinny in contrast to the rest of the soundtrack. Nonetheless, Warner Archive's restoration work revitalizes this silent-era classic, providing a historical listening experience that significantly enhances its entertainment value.

The "Our Dancing Daughters" Blu-ray release is unfortunately devoid of supplemental materials, missing an opportunity to enrich viewers' experience with historical context and additional content. Given the film's historical significance, extras such as archival footage, interviews, or analysis would have been valuable additions. Particularly noteworthy is the absence of Joan Crawford's performance of "Got a Feelin' for You" from "The Hollywood Revue," which would have been an ideal bonus feature to include, offering fans a glimpse of Crawford's dynamic Charleston routine. Despite being housed in a sleek keepcase adorned with thematic artwork, this release's lack of extras is a significant letdown for enthusiasts eager for broader insights into the film’s impact and legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• None: This disc does not include supplementary features.

"Our Dancing Daughters," directed by Harry Beaumont, is a vibrant representation of 1920s jazz era exuberance, intertwined with a cautionary tale of excess and morals. With Joan Crawford front and center, the film exemplifies the transition from silent to sound cinema, featuring synchronized music and sporadic vocal effects while mostly relying on intertitles. The narrative is reminiscent of a melodramatic soap opera infused with pre-Code elements. Crawford’s performance as Diana Medford—a lively flapper embodying both wildness and principled tenacity—captivates, showcasing her early Hollywood allure and cementing her status as a quintessential screen icon.

The plot, though archetypical for its time, is engaging as it explores the complexities of love and deception among three women. Diana’s free-spirited nature attracts football star Ben Blaine, though ultimately, he is ensnared by Ann’s feigned innocence. Their romantic entanglements are set against lavish Art Deco backdrops and extravagant scenes of roaring parties, enriched by Cedric Gibbons' opulent production design. Elements of moral ambiguity are present, capturing the era's fascination with forbidden desires amidst prevailing societal constraints. The climactic sequences are particularly enhanced by Beaumont's dynamic direction, including noteworthy visual flourishes such as the famous descending balloons shot.

While the film's storyline may appear predictable, its execution remains highly entertaining, bolstered significantly by Crawford's magnetic screen presence and adept use of visual storytelling techniques. Supporting roles by Anita Page as the manipulative Ann and Dorothy Sebastian as the vulnerable Bea further dramatize the narrative's emotional stakes. The technical restoration of this MGM classic in Blu-ray format breathes new life into its 1928 freshness, inviting audiences to re-experience Crawford's ascendancy to stardom amidst a backdrop of historical cinematic transition.

Harry Beaumont's 1928 film, Our Dancing Daughters, cleverly straddles the silent and early sound film eras through its synchronized music and sound effects. This hybrid format invigorates the narrative, despite some emotional discontinuity common to early cinema. The film is particularly notable for its technical achievements and star-studded performances, with Joan Crawford at the forefront of its charms. As a precursor to pre-Code Hollywood, it offers a fascinating insight into the Jazz Age's lively and morally ambiguous landscape. Warner Archive's meticulous restoration elevates the film's historical auditory and visual appeal, making it an intriguing choice for audiences intrigued by cinematic evolution.

The new Blu-ray version offers a resplendent remastered transfer, coupled with a lossless music and effects track, marking it as one of the finest presentations of a silent film on modern media. This rendering vividly captures the vivacious spirit of a decade where party girls maneuver through love, mischief, and matrimony, propelling Crawford into Hollywood's limelight. The film's visual splendor, accentuated by Joan Crawford’s iconic performance and fashion, ensures that it remains a cherished relic of a bygone era. Tailored meticulously to appeal to both silent film enthusiasts and Crawford aficionados, the Blu-ray is a testament to Warner Archive's dedication to preserving cinematic history.

Our Dancing Daughters shines as a cultural artifact that not only launched Joan Crawford’s enduring career but also encapsulates the exuberance of the late 1920s. The Blu-ray release is an essential addition for collectors and offers a vibrant glimpse into an era of cinematic innovation. Combining historical significance with entertainment, it is highly recommended for those who appreciate classic films and their enduring legacy.