Finian's Rainbow Blu-ray Review

The Warner Archive Collection's Blu-ray presentation of "Finian's Rainbow" is a visual treat, thanks to the expertly handled AVC-encoded 1080p transfer. Captured by Philip C. Lathrop, the film benefits from a recent 2K scan meticulously performed by Warner's Motion Picture Imaging facility, utilizing a high-quality interpositive. This new presentation exhibits vibrant hues and lush saturation, bringing the whimsical costume designs and elaborate sets of Rainbow Valley to life. The clarity is astonishing, with fine detail particularly pronounced in close-ups—such as Fred Astaire's expressive facial features—though there's a slight drop-off in long shots, characteristic of anamorphic lenses from the era. The image maintains a pleasing grain texture, enhancing its appropriately film-like feel without overwhelming softness.

Technically, the Blu-ray mastering shines with a high bitrate of 34.99 Mbps, ensuring robust color integrity and sharpness. Outdoor scenes demonstrate excellent contrast and a sense of depth that belies their studio backlot origins. Black levels are rich and consistent, with shadow delineation effectively preventing any crushing. Flesh tones are stable and natural, while patterns remain solid, avoiding aliasing or distortion. Although there are minor issues such as brief moments of softness and an occasional white fleck, they hardly detract from the overall visual quality. This meticulous transfer delivers an almost three-dimensional experience, allowing fans to rediscover "Finian's Rainbow" with a newfound vibrancy and freshness.

The "Finian's Rainbow" Blu-Ray audio presentation is sourced from the magnetic masters of the six-track mix, manifesting as a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Reflecting its original mono origins for 35mm prints, the mix remains predominantly front-oriented but effectively utilizes the surrounds to expand the overall sonic space. Stereo separation is particularly evident in Ray Heindorf's orchestrations, enriching the soundscape despite lacking complete envelopment. Dynamic range is commendably wide for a film of this vintage, and the clarity and fidelity are remarkably pristine.

The remastering effort contributes to a bright and crisp auditory experience, with ambient effects like chirping birds and clucking chickens vividly distinct across the front speakers. The recording's strong bass frequencies add a robust resonance, complementing the clearly reproduced dialogue and song lyrics. For orchestral enthusiasts, Warner includes the original overture, entr'acte, and exit music, allowing appreciation of Burton Lane's score to its fullest extent. Importantly, the wide dynamic scale manages the highs and lows without any hint of distortion or age-related hiss, pops, or crackles, ensuring an unblemished listening experience suitable for musical presentations.

The Blu-ray extras for "Finian's Rainbow" offer a comprehensive and insightful look into the film's production and premiere, ported over from Warner's 2005 DVD. The commentary by Francis Ford Coppola is a highlight, blending personal anecdotes with candid reflections on the film’s shortcomings and his directorial journey. Despite Coppola’s self-critical tone, the commentary is peppered with interesting stories about working with Fred Astaire, the influence of his musical family background, and early collaborations with George Lucas. Additionally, the vintage TV special on the film's New York premiere captures red-carpet interviews and behind-the-scenes insights, making this extras package a valuable addition for film enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Francis Ford Coppola: Candid reflections and anecdotes from Coppola.
• Francis Ford Coppola: DVD Introduction: A brief introduction segueing into the film.
• The World Premiere of Finian's Rainbow: Made-for-TV promotional feature showcasing the New York premiere.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original film preview.

Francis Ford Coppola's directorial debut with Finian's Rainbow, following his apprenticeship with Roger Corman, presented a peculiar blend of Broadway's enchantment and Hollywood's cinematic ambition. Coppola's enthusiasm to capture the vibrant spirit of the 1957 musical score sometimes overshadowed the necessity of narrative conciseness, resulting in an overlong and occasionally unwieldy film. Despite these challenges, the film's musicality remains commendable, with noteworthy performances by Fred Astaire and Petula Clark. Astaire, in his final musical role, brings a timeless grace, while Clark surprises with her acting prowess. Additionally, the memorable songs by Burton Lane and E.Y. Harburg retain their catchiness, further enhanced by the quality Blu-ray presentation, which includes the film's complete roadshow version.

The story follows Finian McLongergan (Astaire) and his daughter Sharon (Clark) as they journey from Ireland to America, bringing a stolen pot of gold believed to have magical properties. The plot evolves into a multifaceted narrative, featuring fanciful elements like leprechaun Og (Tommy Steele) and thematic social commentary involving the bigoted Senator Billboard Rawkins (Keenan Wynn). While Coppola strives for realism—a curious choice for a fantasy-laden script—the film's whimsical charm and lush production values shine through, especially in the musical interludes choreographed by Hermes Pan.

Finian's Rainbow is not without its flaws. Coppola's attempt to modernize the traditional musical format sometimes leads to a fragmented and non-linear storytelling approach that might have been jarring to 1960s audiences but seems less so today. However, the film's enduring appeal lies in its delightful score and spirited performances. Even with its protracted runtime and occasionally superfluous subplots, Finian's Rainbow offers an intriguing glimpse into Coppola’s budding directorial vision and remains a cherishable piece of musical cinema from a bygone era.

Francis Ford Coppola's "Finian's Rainbow" may not have achieved the same acclaim as some of his later works, but it stands as one of Hollywood's last memorable musicals. The film, imbued with Irish charm and American spirit, portrays a whimsical tale elevated by captivating performances from Fred Astaire, Petula Clark, and Tommy Steele. Coppola's direction, though early in his career, shows moments of inventiveness that complement the magical atmosphere of the storyline. The musical sequences are particularly notable, buoyed by some of Broadway's best songs that retain their enchantment.

From a technical standpoint, Warner Archive Collection (WAC) has done a commendable job with the Blu-ray presentation. The video transfer is first-rate, capturing the vibrant colors and intricate details that contribute to the film's aesthetic appeal. Audio quality is similarly excellent, ensuring that the rich tapestry of songs and dialogue is clear and immersive. Noteworthy extras round out this solid package, adding value for collectors and musical enthusiasts alike.

In conclusion, while "Finian's Rainbow" may not capture all the charm of the stage original and is considered an acquired taste by some, it remains a notable film within its genre. Coppola's direction offers enough novelty to keep viewers engaged, and WAC's superior Blu-ray presentation makes this release worth considering for its technical merits alone. For fans of classic musicals and Broadway tunes, this visually and audibly pleasing Blu-ray is highly recommended.