My Blue Heaven Blu-ray Review

The Warner Archive Collection has outdone itself with the Blu-ray presentation of "My Blue Heaven", a film shot by the renowned cinematographer John Bailey. This 1080p AVC-encoded Blu-ray boasts a brilliant execution of video quality, thanks to a meticulous 2K scan of a recent-vintage interpositive by Warner's Motion Picture Imaging facility. The process included color-correction and an extensive cleanup of any dust, wear, and damage. The result is an image that pops with vivacity and sharpness, reflecting the film's lighthearted tone flawlessly. Blacks are deep and true, while the primaries leap off the screen with full saturation. Notably, the fluorescent ambiance of the nightclub scenes is captured with remarkable fidelity, and even a courtroom scene manages to exude warmth and cheerfulness. The painstaking resolution of fine details accentuates the contrast between Vinnie Antonelli's flamboyant outfits and Barney Coopersmith's subdued, button-down look, epitomizing the film's visual as well as thematic dichotomy.

Warner Archive Collection's high bitrate encode, averaging at 34.99 Mbps, ensures that "My Blue Heaven’s" picturesque California settings are rendered so vividly they nearly serve as an invitation to move there. This level of detail and clarity extends to the fabric of the characters’ costumes, further immersing viewers in the film’s aesthetic and comedic elements.

A significant milestone for this release is its presentation in its original aspect ratio for the first time on digital disc. Previous DVD versions, notably those released by Warner in 1999 and reissued in 2007, formatted the film to a 1.33:1 aspect ratio, a departure from its cinematic release. This restoration to its intended widescreen format not only honors the director’s and cinematographer's original vision but also enhances the home viewing experience, allowing audiences to fully appreciate the scope and detail of each frame as originally intended.

The audio presentation of "My Blue Heaven" on Blu Ray is an exemplary showcase of how to handle a classic movie's soundtrack with the respect and care it deserves. The film's stereo track, which originates from the original multi-channel printmaster, is meticulously cleaned to remove any signs of age-related defects or deterioration. This preservation of audio quality is then bolstered by an encoding in lossless DTS-HD MA 2.0, ensuring that the soundtrack remains faithful to its original form while offering a contemporary listening experience. The highlight comes in the form of Ira Newborn's cheerful score, which, when played through a surround decoder, envelops the listener in an immersive soundscape, extending its joyous melodies into the surrounds.

Despite this expansive musical presentation, the mix smartly maintains a front-oriented stance for much of the duration, focusing on delivering crisp, clear dialogue to the audience. This is not to say that the audio experience lacks dynamism; on the contrary, certain moments—such as the sporadic bursts of gunfire—demonstrate an impressive spatial awareness, with sound effects pinging across the room to create a brief yet intense auditory experience. Furthermore, the film acknowledges non-English speaking viewers with an extended Italian scene thoughtfully subtitled, ensuring its accessibility and enjoyment for a wider audience.

In essence, the Blu Ray audio presentation of "My Blue Heaven" strikes a fine balance between maintaining faithful to its roots and offering an engaging, immersive listening experience. The meticulous remastering process paired with strategic audio mixing techniques serves to both preserve and enhance the original auditory essence of this cherished classic. Through this careful consideration and technical excellence, viewers are afforded a sonic journey that is as vibrant and entertaining today as it was at the time of its original release.

The Blu-ray release of "My Blue Heaven" steps up its game in the extras department, albeit modestly, by including a trailer that wasn't available in previous DVD formats from Warner. Presented in 1080p with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, this trailer runs for a little over two minutes, offering fans a high-definition glimpse that was absent in the 1999 and 2007 DVD reissues. This improvement, while not extensive, is a welcomed addition for aficionados of the film who seek to enrich their collection with higher quality visuals and supplements.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: High-definition trailer of the film, offering a modern visual upgrade from previous releases.

My Blue Heaven," a film released amidst the wave of gangster narratives of its era, takes an unconventional detour into the comedy genre, stemming from the real-life story of mobster Henry Hill’s experience in witness protection. The screenplay, crafted by Nora Ephron and deriving parallel inspiration from the life events covered in Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas," centers around the character Vinnie Antonelli, portrayed by Steve Martin. Unlike its gangster counterparts, "My Blue Heaven" opts for a comedic lens to explore the juxtaposition of a flamboyant ex-mobster’s attempts to assimilate into the humdrum of suburban life, a task it sets out with promising ingredients including Ephron's sharp writing and Herb Ross's adept direction.

The film navigates through the unlikely friendship between Vinnie and FBI agent Barney Coopersmith, played by Rick Moranis, encapsulating the essence of an 'odd couple' narrative set against the sunny backdrop of Fryburg, California. The subplot involving Vinnie's criminal escapades and his intersection with local DA Hannah Stubbs (Joan Cusack) adds layers to the comedic fabric, though it is the relationship dynamics and personal transformations that stand at the film's core. However, Steve Martin's portrayal of Vinnie draws mixed receptions; his comedic genius is evident but struggles to convincingly embody the Italian-American charisma of Antonelli. This mismatch is punctuated further when contrasted against the more authentic ethnic portrayals within the ensemble cast.

Despite this casting hiccup, "My Blue Heaven" shines through its ensemble performances – Moranis’s character evolution and Cusack’s convincing role add depth to the narrative. The movie's ability to intersperse genuine moments of humor and character development amidst its farcical premise showcases Ephron's scriptwriting prowess. Additionally, the film maneuvers through its pacing well under Ross’s direction, making effective use of its supporting cast to uplift the story beyond its central casting misalignment. While Steve Martin’s performance might border on caricature for some, "My Blue Heaven" secures its place as a distinctive, if uneven, entrant into the gangster genre turned on its comedic head, marked by memorable moments and performances from its supporting cast.

My Blue Heaven," presented on Blu-ray by Warner Archive Collection (WAC), encapsulates a unique experience both in its narrative ambition and technical presentation. For enthusiasts of the title, this release signifies a noteworthy augmentation to their library, catering specifically to the fidelity and archival value that the WAC imprint is known for. The transfer respects the film’s original aesthetic, meticulously preserving its visual and auditory elements. While the film itself is perceived as a mixed bag due to its ambitious premise overshadowed by questionable casting choices, the Blu-ray edition stands out for its dedication to restoring and presenting the movie's technical aspects with commendable precision.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray edition of "My Blue Heaven" excels in delivering a pristine visual experience coupled with high-quality audio fidelity, aspects that aficionados of cinematic artifacts are bound to appreciate. This release underscores WAC's commitment to elevating the home viewing experience through meticulous restoration work. Although the film may not captivate all audiences due to its execution and character portrayal issues, the Blu-ray offers a compelling case for ownership based on its technical triumphs alone. For those unacquainted with the film, a cautious approach might be advisable—consider renting or borrowing before making a purchase decision.

To conclude, "My Blue Heaven" on Blu-ray is recommended primarily on the strength of its technical merits. It serves as a significant addition for collectors and fans of the WAC catalog, reflecting the company's continuous effort in preserving cinematic history with integrity. Despite the film’s narrative and casting shortcomings, this edition validates itself as a worthwhile investment for those dedicated to the art of cinema, promising an enhanced appreciation through superior visual and audio presentation. As always, potential new viewers should weigh their interest against the film's noted discrepancies before adding it to their collection.