Funny Face Blu-ray Review

Warner's 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray transfer of "Funny Face", derived from a Paramount master, delivers an exceptional visual presentation that captures the essence of Ray June's rich cinematography. The medium of VistaVision is utilized beautifully, offering smooth textures and an intense, varied palette that brings the film’s fashion and set designs to life. Color accuracy is impressive, with scenes such as Avery photographing Jo in the rain showcasing brightly colored elements that stand out against gray backdrops. The fine grain pattern is natural and free from any artificial manipulation. However, it is noteworthy that while the transfer shines on smaller displays, significant degradation in image integrity has been reported on larger screens.

The enhanced clarity attributed to VistaVision is prominently displayed, with Warner’s transfer of "Funny Face" mirroring the lushness of three-strip Technicolor. The Paris locations and musical numbers possess a striking immediacy and the well-balanced contrast significantly enhances the image depth. Pristine color reproduction can be observed in scenes such as Maggie's multi-hued office doors, Astaire's vibrant accessories, Hepburn's memorable red dress in the Louvre, and the playful pinks in the 'Think Pink' number. Blacks are rich and inky while whites retain their boldness without blooming. Close-ups of Hepburn reveal tremendous detail and stability in fleshtones.

Shadow delineation and background resolution are commendable, allowing intricate patterns to maintain fidelity without shimmer or artifacts. The image stands free from banding, noise, pixelation, and any form of edge sharpening or DNR. Despite some occasional softness and rare marks on the source material, this transfer remains a solid effort by Warner, ensuring both Hepburn and Astaire are presented in a manner befitting their iconic status in cinema history. On smaller screens, viewers will likely find the Blu-ray to be an excellent representation of this classic.

The audio presentation of "Funny Face" on Blu-Ray boasts a meticulously remixed DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, maintaining the original film's integrity while significantly enhancing the fidelity of its sound. This conservative remix strategically places the soundstage across the front speaker array with minimal use of surrounds. As a result, both dialogue and singing, which feature Audrey Hepburn's authentic voice—unlike her overdubbed songs in "My Fair Lady"—are exceptionally clear and vibrant. The dynamic range, though reflective of its era, is commendably expansive, delivering an auditory experience that aligns well with the film’s aesthetic.

Moreover, the audio quality benefits from modern restoration techniques, scrubbing away any background hiss, pops, or crackles, ensuring a bright and full-bodied track. The musical numbers in particular are enriched by this lossless mix, with lush orchestrations that effortlessly fill the room. The wide dynamic scale accommodates both high and low frequencies with ease; while bass may not be overwhelmingly pronounced, it imbues the track with subtle depth and resonance. Dialogue and lyrics remain consistently clear and distortion-free, even during more active sequences. For audiophiles preferring the original format, a Dolby Digital 2.0 mono track is also available, though it lacks the vibrant richness of the modernized mix.

Paramount's Blu-ray release of "Funny Face" carries over nearly all valuable extras from previous DVD editions, enriching the overall package significantly. Key highlights include an extensive featurette on Kay Thompson, chronicling her multifaceted career and lasting impact, as well as a detailed exploration of VistaVision, Paramount's historical widescreen format. Featurettes provide insights into fashion photography, elucidate the influential partnership between Audrey Hepburn and designer Givenchy, and celebrate Paris's transformative influence on the film. Notably absent are a retrospective on Paramount in the 1950s and photo galleries. The array of extras present both technical intricacies and engaging narratives appealing to cinephiles and general audiences alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Kay Thompson: Think Pink!: A biographical featurette on Thompson’s career.
• This is VistaVision: Explores Paramount's widescreen format.
• Fashion Photographers Exposed: Insights into fashion photography.
• The Fashion Designer and His Muse: Discusses the Hepburn-Givenchy partnership.
• Parisian Dreams: Examines Paris's influence on the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original movie trailer.

Stanley Donen’s 1957 musical “Funny Face” remains an iconic representation of both the musical genre and the elegance of its lead actors, Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire. The film, set against the backdrop of Parisian haute couture, and partially inspired by fashion photographer Richard Avedon’s life, elegantly balances a Pygmalion-esque plot with vibrant production numbers. Hepburn plays Jo Stockton, an intellectual bookstore clerk swept up into the world of high fashion by fashion editor Maggie Prescott (Kay Thompson) and photographer Dick Avery (Astaire). While the narrative is predictable and straightforward, it effectively serves as a vehicle for the mesmerizing musical performances and the sophisticated charm of its leads. Notably, Kay Thompson's forceful performance as Maggie Prescott draws comparisons to later cultural icons like Miranda Priestly, exhibiting boundless energy, wit, and magnetic presence.

The technical aspects of “Funny Face” are exceptional. The film showcases several Gershwin classics alongside new contributions from Roger Edens and Leonard Gershe. Hepburn's balletic background lends grace to her performance, especially in Astaire-shared dances like ‘S Wonderful’ and the title track. The sequence where Hepburn dons a striking red Givenchy gown before the Winged Victory at the Louvre encapsulates the visual lavishness that pervades the film and has become emblematic, even inspiring derivative works in fashion culture. The film’s utilization of experimental techniques such as negative reversals and color cycling during a Paris montage further enhances its avant-garde presentation.

Donen’s direction, influenced heavily by Avedon’s photography, imbues the movie with a stylishly innovative aesthetic that maintains its allure decades later. This modernist touch, combined with Paris’s romantic setting, and the timeless appeal of Hepburn and Astaire, ensures “Funny Face” endures not just as a classic musical but also as a visually arresting work that continues to captivate audiences. Despite its narrative simplicity, the film's dynamic performances, influential visual style, and engaging musical numbers secure its place in cinematic history.

"Funny Face" is a vibrant and visually arresting musical, though it may not attain the classic status of masterpieces like "My Fair Lady," "Singin' in the Rain," or the renowned Rodgers and Hammerstein productions. Directed by Stanley Donen, the film presents a light-hearted and whimsical exploration of themes such as fashion, philosophy, and love, with a touch of frivolity that permeates every frame. The film's major selling points are its captivating visuals and the magnetic performances of its stars, Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn. The Parisian setting and striking Givenchy outfits worn by Hepburn add an extra layer of elegance and charm.

Warner/Paramount's Blu-ray release of "Funny Face" is exemplary, providing a visually stunning and immersive experience. The high-definition transfer showcases Donen's creative direction and the film's aesthetic brilliance with exceptional clarity and detail. The Gershwin score is presented with pleasing audio quality, enhancing the overall enjoyment. Moreover, the Blu-ray includes an array of supplements that offer valuable insights and enhance the viewer's appreciation of this 1957 gem.

In summary, while "Funny Face" may lack the depth of other Golden Age musicals, its pizzazz, memorable performances, and enchanting visuals make it a delightful watch. Warner/Paramount's Blu-ray treatment elevates this frothy, enjoyable film to new heights, securing its status as a must-have for fans of classic cinema.