Take Me Out to the Ball Game Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive's 1080p Blu-ray transfer of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" delivers a strikingly clear and vibrant visual experience, affirming their dedication to high-quality restorations. Utilized from 2K/4K scans, either from original negatives or superb preservations, this transfer showcases incredibly sharp and film-like images while preserving intricate details and textures. The Technicolor vibrancy bursts to life with radiant reds, lush greens, and deep blues, complemented by delicate pastels that enhance the overall chromatic richness. Despite minor concerns of overexposed exteriors and occasional softness, the meticulous disc encoding ensures that fine details are remarkably sharp, particularly in costume textures and subtle elements like the silver piping on candy-striped outfits.

Presented in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio and employing the AVC codec, George J. Folsey’s cinematography is given new life in this edition. The contrast is expertly applied, offering pristine images free from blemishes that plagued prior releases. The film’s bold and glamorous look with natural skin tones signifies a dramatic improvement over previous formats, reminiscent of seeing the vibrant backdrop starkly opposed to the film's lifelike subjects. Despite some pea soup-colored bleachers marring an otherwise vivid picture, lovers of classic cinema will find much to appreciate in this lush visual restoration. Ultimately, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" emerges as a testament to Warner Archive's meticulous craftsmanship, offering an unparalleled viewing experience for aficionados of Technicolor musicals.

The audio presentation of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" on Blu-ray is a commendable demonstration of Warner Archive's commitment to preserving classic cinema with technical precision. The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track offers an impressively balanced and crystal-clear presentation of the original one-channel source material. Dialogue and song lyrics are presented with excellent clarity, harmoniously blending with the lively orchestrations and sound effects. Notably, Sinatra's iconic voice is given due prominence, benefiting from exceptional fidelity and tonal depth. The audio mix ensures all musical numbers resonate with the vigor expected in MGM musicals, presenting a dynamic range that captures the lushness of the orchestrations without any distortion.

Technical execution is at its peak with a wide dynamic scale that faithfully reproduces the highs and lows, enhancing the audio's immersive quality. Sports-related sounds, including the definitive crack of the bat and the crowd's roar, are reproduced with crispness, free from any age-related artifacts such as hiss, pops, or cracks. This diligent attention to preserving the integrity of the sound is indicative of Warner Archive's standard for their releases, aligning with other era-specific musicals in their collection.

However, it’s worth noting that while English (SDH) subtitles are offered during the film, they are absent in the extra features, a missed opportunity considering their presence in previous DVD editions. This omission might detract slightly from the overall accessibility of the supplementary content. Nevertheless, the primary audio presentation remains an expertly crafted feature, showcasing a clean and thoroughly satisfying reproduction of this classic musical cinema treasure.

The Blu-ray release of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" offers a thoughtfully curated selection of extras that enhance the archival value of this classic film. Notably, several features from prior DVD editions are present, providing a rich viewing experience for aficionados and newcomers alike. The inclusion of deleted musical numbers adds depth to the film’s production history, showcasing excised performances by Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra. These scenes, comprising both filmed material and stills, reflect the meticulous restoration efforts undertaken to preserve these historical pieces. Accompanied by insightful text introductions, they illuminate reasons for their initial cuts. The inclusion of a vintage Tom & Jerry cartoon provides a nostalgic glimpse into MGM's era, delighting animation enthusiasts. Lastly, the original theatrical trailer captures the essence of this cherished musical. This collection is indispensable for collectors dedicated to preserving cinematic legacies.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Musical Numbers: Featuring Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra in rare performances with detailed text introductions about the restoration.
• Vintage Cartoon: The Cat and the Mermouse: A 1949 Tom & Jerry short offering classic animated entertainment.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional material showcasing highlights from the film’s musical repertoire.
• Song Selection Menu: Provides instant access to twelve key musical moments from the movie.

"Take Me Out to the Ball Game" offers a curious blend of musical theater and America's beloved sport, baseball. Spearheaded by Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra, this Busby Berkeley-directed film attempts to capture the charm of turn-of-the-century entertainment through its portrayal of vaudeville actors-turned-baseball players. While it flirts with charisma and nostalgia, the film lacks the lasting impact of their later collaboration, "On the Town." The plot, revolving around players Dennis Ryan (Sinatra) and Eddie O'Brien (Kelly) navigating new team ownership and romantic entanglements, is thinly stretched, often serving as a mere backdrop for musical interludes. The presence of Esther Williams as K.C. Higgins adds a dynamic flair, but the narrative remains lightweight.

Musically, the film is a mixed bag. While some numbers like "O'Brien to Ryan to Goldberg" shine with clever choreography and vibrant performances, others fall short in memorability. Rogers Edens' songs paired with Betty Comden and Adolph Green's lyrics aim to lift the film beyond its feeble storyline but scarcely eclipse the captivating moments of Kelly and Sinatra’s previous works. Visually, the movie benefits from Technicolor's vibrant aesthetic, further enhanced by Warner Archive’s meticulous restoration.

Despite its shortcomings, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" manages an engaging spectacle through energetic performances and enthusiastic direction. The creative touch of Kelly and Donen is evident, cementing their eventual prowess as directors. Fans of classic musicals and its star cast will find value in this spirited yet transient offering, underscored by MGM's signature gloss. Although it may reside in "On the Town"'s shadow, its buoyant spirit makes it an entertaining watch for aficionados of vintage cinema and musical nostalgia alike.

"Take Me Out to the Ball Game," directed by Busby Berkeley, is a charming yet lightweight musical that brings together a stellar cast and an engaging array of musical numbers. While the story may be slight, the pairing of Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra delivers undeniable star power. Though it may not reach the heights of their other collaborations like "Anchors Aweigh" and "On the Town," it offers a nostalgic trip filled with delightful tunes and memorable performances. The film's appeal is further enhanced by Warner Archive's Blu-ray, which provides a striking 1080p transfer and crisp lossless audio.

The Blu-ray presentation truly stands out, offering a visually stunning experience with its vivid Technicolor and flawlessly restored visuals. The robust audio quality complements the musical elements beautifully, making each number resonate with clarity and impact. The inclusion of vintage extras provides an insightful look into the film's production, elevating it as a worthwhile addition for collectors and enthusiasts of MGM musicals.

Overall, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" might not bat a home run for newcomers unfamiliar with its era or stars, but it's a delightful romp for fans of classic musicals and the dynamic duo of Kelly and Sinatra. With its expertly crafted Blu-ray release, it becomes an engaging showcase of timeless Hollywood entertainment. Recommended for dedicated aficionaries of musicals and those who appreciate the artistry of classic cinema.