Athena Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Athena" showcases a stunning video restoration that will impress both fans and new viewers. The film is delivered in 1080p using the AVC codec, with its aspect ratio set at 1.75:1—a format typical for widescreen, non-Cinemascope films of its time. This high-definition transfer offers excellent sharpness and clarity, accentuating the Technicolor visuals. The pastel colors appear rich and authentic, maintaining the film's vibrant aesthetic, while flesh tones are rendered beautifully, showcasing a natural contrast across various scenes.

Warner Archive has achieved a masterful restoration with "Athena," taking advantage of a presumed 2K scan of the interpositive to ensure a crisp and detailed visual experience. Despite Athena's period-specific production design—where certain scenes, like the Mulvain compound, may feel less convincing—the overall visual appeal shines, thanks to the balanced chromatic range across diverse locations. The Blu-ray leverages a high bit rate on a dual-layered disc, ensuring minimal compression artifacts. Only trace levels of posterization are observed in a few darker scenes, but these do not detract from the impressive quality of the transfer.

This release demonstrates Warner Archive's expertise in handling Technicolor-era films with finesse, retaining just the right amount of film grain to deliver an authentic cinema feel. Long-time enthusiasts of "Athena" will appreciate the meticulous attention to detail that the Blu-ray presentation offers, providing a carefully cleaned and polished version that honors the original visual elements while enhancing them for modern audiences.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix on the Blu-ray release of "Athena" offers an impressive audio experience that effectively bridges the gap between true stereo and split mono presentation. The score and soundtrack, penned by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, benefit from this arrangement, providing a richness that enhances the film's overall appeal. Particularly noteworthy is the blending of dialogue and background effects, which maintain clarity without overshadowing one another. The audio track succeeds in delivering a true-to-era experience, free from distracting artefacts like hiss or age-induced defects.

George Stoll's MGM orchestra is rendered with remarkable fidelity, contributing to the lush, full sound that listeners can appreciate across the film. The center channel delivers singing voices and dialogue with precision, ensuring that verbal exchanges and musical numbers remain pronounced and engaging. While the mix primarily adopts a front-and-center focus, it achieves an authentic theatrical atmosphere without resorting to extensive channel panning. There are no discernible sync issues; however, some minor lip-sync discrepancies do exist but are negligible in the broader context of the mix's overall quality.

For those needing accessibility options, optional English SDH subtitles are provided during the main feature. Overall, this Blu-ray release preserves the integrity of the original audio experience, comparable or even superior to initial theatrical screenings, offering a full-bodied soundscape that is both authentic and dynamically impressive.

The Blu-ray release of "Athena" provides a commendable selection of extras that enrich the viewing experience through historically and technically adept features. Ported over from the previous Warner Archive's 2011 DVD, the extras maintain a quality upgrade with their newly scanned HD formats and enhanced DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio tracks. Despite their minimal quantity, the supplements like the excised musical numbers offer significant behind-the-scenes glimpses into the film’s production. Notably, the Outtake Musical Numbers feature distinct recordings from various angles that showcase the detailed choreography and musical talents of the cast. Additionally, the Theatrical Trailer heightens nostalgia and excitement for vintage film enthusiasts. The Song Selection option provides effortless navigation through Athena's charming musical sequence, allowing instant access to each captivating piece.

Extras included in this disc:

• Outtake Musical Numbers: Raw format musical performances.
• Competition Dance: Group ballet dance takes.
• Imagine (Second Reprise): Featuring Vic Damone and Debbie Reynolds.
• Love Can Change the Stars (Duet Reprise): Featuring Jane Powell and Edmund Purdum.
• Theatrical Trailer: Promotional piece in HD.
• Song Selection: Access to Athena's main musical numbers.

"Athena," directed by Richard Thorpe in 1954, aims to captivate with a colorful kaleidoscope of song and dance intertwined with eccentric storytelling. The film journeys through the whimsical lives of the Mulvain family—a collection of health-conscious astrology devotees, led by their acrobatic patriarch, Ulysses—a seventy-eight-year-old dynamo played by Louis Calhern. Despite a visually pleasing presentation in Eastman Color and stereophonic sound, Athena falters with a lackluster plot and inconsequential melodies.

The film stars Jane Powell as Athena, a mystically inclined young woman entangled in a chaotic romance with lawyer Adam Shaw, portrayed by Edmund Purdom. Though endowed with potential chemistry, particularly reminiscent of Powell's previous collaborations with Vic Damone, here their pairing lacks the necessary spark. Instead, Powell’s Athena captivates through her pert performance and vocal prowess in numbers like "Vocalize" which later evolves into "Harmonize," showcasing charming family harmonics. However, beyond these highlights, the score from Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane disappoints, failing to rival their earlier successes.

Musically orchestrated by Hermes Pan, moments of elaborate choreography such as "I Never Felt Better" lend flair to the otherwise limp narrative. Yet even Jane Powell's operatic attempts and Debbie Reynolds’ lackluster performances can't wholly resuscitate the film. Alongside ill-suited wooden performances and uninspired character arcs—which include a predictable romance pivoting around conflicting dietary preferences—Athena emerges as more kitschy relic than compelling cinema. Despite Warner Archive's meticulous remastering and supplementary content on this Blu-ray release, Athena’s innovative concepts are overshadowed by the fragmented storyline, rendering it noteworthy more for its historical context and potential nostalgia than acting or musical merit.

Richard Thorpe's “Athena” emerges as a distinctive entry in the realm of musical films, characterized by its whimsical narrative and vibrant compositions. While the film may strike viewers as an unconventional musical, it assembles a collection of engaging tunes intertwined with a notably eccentric storyline. This Blu-ray edition by Warner Archive brings the 1954 classic to life with an impressive audiovisual presentation, ensuring a high-quality viewing experience. Despite its quirky charm, "Athena" might not appeal universally; however, aficionados of the genre or fans of the cast will find this release particularly appealing.

The Blu-ray’s technical prowess is noteworthy, offering enhanced visuals that capture the movie’s upbeat tone while preserving the visual essence of post-war musical cinema. Accompanying the film is a crystal-clear audio track that further enhances the viewer's immersion, enriching both the musical and comedic elements of the production. The release also includes several lightweight extras that add value, featuring additional restoration work which discerning viewers will likely view as a thoughtful enhancement.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray release of "Athena" stands as a suitable acquisition for dedicated fans of the era or those with a keen interest in exploring unique entries in the genre. While its intricately unusual narrative might not make it essential viewing for everyone, it offers an abundance of nostalgic entertainment with excellent production values. Overall, this release is a fine package for those seeking to indulge in a classic yet distinct piece of musical cinema.