Funny Lady Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Funny Lady" is nothing short of exceptional, boasting an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a widescreen aspect ratio of 2.39:1 that significantly enhances the viewing experience beyond its DVD predecessor. This high-definition transfer dazzles with colors that are bold, beautifully saturated, and perfectly suited to the film's grand production numbers and glamorous aesthetic. However, some viewers might notice a slight inclination towards pink in flesh tones, which is a minor quibble in an otherwise superb visual presentation. The film's legendary cinematography by James Wong Howe shines through in this transfer, exuding a richness and lushness that highlights the film's opulent backdrop and Oscar-nominated costumes with incredible detail and texture.

Regarding technical execution, the image quality is crisp, with superb contrast and clarity that make the visuals leap off the screen. A judicious use of grain ensures a natural, film-like appearance without compromising the sharpness and background elements of the film. Blacks are rich and deep, while whites are controlled, avoiding any bloom effect. Skin tones are maintained with stability and naturalism throughout, and the care taken in transferring this film to Blu-ray has eliminated the minor print defects seen in previous versions. Furthermore, shadow delineation excels, enabling easy discernment of background details and enhancing close-ups that showcase the actors' features with remarkable definition.

The "Funny Lady" Blu-ray release sets a new standard for home video presentations of classic films, effectively balancing natural grain, color fidelity, and contrast to deliver a visually stunning experience. Despite ross' unusual choice to stage certain numbers in near-darkness, the solid black levels and meticulous attention to detail ensure that each scene is presented with the clarity it deserves. Moreover, the absence of problematic filtering or digital enhancements speaks to the care taken in preserving the film's original cinematic quality, making this release a must-have for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix on the Blu-ray release of "Funny Lady" presents an aural experience that is both rich and expansive. Streisand's unparalleled vocal talent is given prime emphasis, ensuring her performances are front and center, resonating with crystal clarity and undiminished vibrancy across the soundstage. The mix excellently balances dialogue, which is rendered with great cleanliness, against a backdrop of meticulously captured sound effects and atmospheric environmental sounds. These elements come together to create a dynamic and active auditory scene that enhances both the bustling and tranquil moments of the film. However, it's noteworthy that the mix does not include an isolated music track, often a highlight feature in releases by Twilight Time, which slightly limits audiophiles' ability to fully engage with the musical scores in isolation.

Musical sequences stand out in this mix, characterized by exceptional fidelity and a wide dynamic range that effortlessly handles the nuance of quiet songs and the vigor of show-stopping numbers alike. Tracks like 'How Lucky Can You Get' and 'Let's Hear It for Me' fill the space with Streisand's powerful performances, while softer melodies maintain their emotive pull, offering a direct and impactful listening experience. Despite a minor issue with a few lines of dialogue occasionally becoming unintelligible, the overall clarity of conversations is commendable. The absence of hiss, pops, crackles, or distortion speaks to the quality of this audio transfer, substantially enhancing the listening experience over previous DVD releases' lossy audio tracks. This allows audiences an unprecedented opportunity to immerse themselves fully in the sonic world of "Funny Lady," from subtle rain atmospherics and solid bass frequencies to the peerless clarity of Streisand's voice.

While the surround activity might not be as pronounced as some might expect, requiring a slight volume adjustment to achieve optimal playback levels, the audio track delivers a full-bodied sound that brings out the best in the film's musical numbers. Superior depth and purity of tone distinguish this audio mix, showcasing Streisand's vocals with remarkable fidelity and enveloping listeners in the movie's lush orchestrations and evocative soundscapes. This ensures an engaging auditory experience that complements the visual feast "Funny Lady" offers, despite the missed opportunity for an isolated music track, providing a satisfying tribute to Streisand's vocal talent and the film's musical heritage.

The Blu Ray extras for "Funny Lady" serve as a compact yet enriching collection that adeptly complements the main feature, providing fans and cinephiles a closer look into the production's intricacies and the glamour of its star, Barbra Streisand. Highlighted are two featurettes—"In Search of a Star" and "The New Look of Barbra in 'Funny Lady'"—offering insights into the casting of Streisand and Caan, and an in-depth exploration of Streisand’s opulent costuming by Ray Aghayan and Bob Mackie, including sketches and a peek at deleted song snippets. "Dancing on the Water" shines a light on the technical challenges and achievements of one of the film’s prominent production numbers. The inclusion of both original domestic and international theatrical trailers further enriches the offering. However, the absence of Twilight Time's signature isolated music and effects track is a noted deviation from the norm, leaving a slight gap in what is otherwise a comprehensive supplementary package.

Extras included in this disc:

• In Search of a Star: A vintage featurette paying homage to Streisand and Caan, with voiceover comments and behind-the-scenes footage.

• The New Look of Barbra in Funny Lady: Insight into Streisand’s personal style influence on her character's costumes, featuring sketches and final designs by Ray Aghayan and Bob Mackie.

• Dancing on the Water: Focuses on the film's aquatic production number and the execution of its visual spectacle.

• Original Domestic Theatrical Trailer: A preview that includes a tease of Streisand singing 'Am I Blue?', not present in the film.

• Original International Theatrical Trailer: A shorter version of the domestic trailer, offering a succinct glimpse of the film.

Funny Lady," the sequel to Barbra Streisand's triumphant "Funny Girl," finds itself in the complex task of recounting the later years of Fanny Brice, blending Streisand's undeniable talent with the fictionalized essence of Brice's life post-Ziegfeld Follies. Directed by Herbert Ross amidst a backdrop of professional disagreements and Streisand’s initial reluctance to reprise her role, the film navigates through Brice’s tumultuous relationship with Billy Rose (James Caan), diverging significantly from historical accuracies to focus on the dramatic dimensions of Brice's romantic and professional endeavors. Despite these divergences, Streisand's portrayal is so compelling that it becomes difficult to separate her from the real Brice; a testament to her indelible impact on Brice's legacy.

Musically, "Funny Lady" shifts gears, entrusting John Kander and Fred Ebb with the score, moving away from Jule Styne and Bob Merrill's work on "Funny Girl." This change brings a fresh yet historically incongruent musical perspective to Brice’s story, with Streisand delivering both old standards and new numbers with her customary flair. Notably, the showstopper "How Lucky Can You Get" showcases Streisand in full diva mode, albeit in garb uncharacteristic of Brice. The film's production values and Ross’s direction achieve moments of grandeur but often at the expense of narrative speed and cohesion, especially in its portrayal of the Brice-Rose marriage complexities and Brice's lingering feelings for Nick Arnstein (Omar Sharif).

While "Funny Lady" boasts commendable performances and an excellent score, it inevitably succumbs to the shadow of its predecessor, trapping itself in a spectacle that sometimes prioritizes form over substance. The relationship dynamics, key to Brice’s personal story, feel rushed and underexplored, contrasting sharply with the film’s lavish production numbers. The depiction of Brice's evolution into middle age and her chemistry with Rose provide some narrative depth, yet Streisand’s powerhouse vocals—though spectacular—veer away from Brice's authentic style. This sequel, though visually lush and buoyed by strong performances, thus struggles to reconcile its own ambition with the inherent limitations of sequeldom and historical adaptation.

Funny Lady," the sequel to the beloved "Funny Girl," is presented in a Blu-ray edition that, while it may not surpass the charm and impact of its predecessor, offers an intriguing glimpse into the second phase of Fanny Brice's life, albeit through a lens that occasionally blurs historical accuracy with romanticization. Starring Barbra Streisand, who reprises her role with undeniable charisma and vocal prowess, the film navigates her character's tumultuous journey with a mix of humor, warmth, and style. While Streisand’s performance is laudable, it sometimes overshadows the historical essence of Brice, transforming the narrative into a showcase of Streisand's diva persona. The Blu-ray edition excels technically, boasting a superior video transfer and excellent audio that highlight the movie's luxurious production values and Streisand's powerful performances. The addition of more supplemental features than found in previous releases enriches the viewing experience for musical aficionados and dedicated fans of Streisand.

Despite its historical liberties and occasional narrative disarray, "Funny Lady" presents moments of brilliance, especially in its recreation of iconic production numbers. However, the film's attempt to continue the story of Fanny Brice feels somewhat tiresome and emotionally draining, hinted subtly by the film's logo depicting Streisand with tears. The technical merits of the Blu-ray are commendable, offering a strong sensory experience that partly redeems the film's shortcomings. For fans of musicals and Streisand's extensive body of work, this release is a worthwhile acquisition, even if the film itself does not reach the heights of "Funny Girl."

In conclusion, while "Funny Lady" on Blu-ray may not captivate all audiences due to its fragmented narrative and overshadowing star performance, it remains a valuable addition for those captivated by Streisand's aura and the grandeur of traditional musical productions. The high-quality technical presentation and additional supplements make it a commendable entry into the collections of musical enthusiasts and Streisand fans, even as it stands in the considerable shadow of its predecessor.