Dance, Girl, Dance Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of "Dance, Girl, Dance" offers an outstanding 1080p transfer using the original aspect ratio of 1.37:1, benefiting from a meticulous 4K digital restoration. The underlying source material, primarily a 35mm nitrate camera negative, was extensively restored using the Lasergraphics Director film scanner. Where deterioration was found, a 35mm fine-grain master positive preserved by the Museum of Modern Art served as an alternative source. Restoration methods employed included MTI Film's DRS for dirt and scratch removal, and Digital Vision's Phoenix for jitter and flicker correction. The results are truly remarkable, with thousands of blemishes meticulously eliminated to produce a visually seamless experience.

The film boasts excellent depth, delineation, and clarity throughout. Image stability is consistently superb, with no visible fluctuations in density or fluidity. Criterion's color grading is top-notch, blending reconstructed segments almost imperceptibly into the original footage. The balance of blacks, whites, and grays is achieved with remarkable finesse, lending a rich and balanced visual palette. Instances of softness are rare and barely noticeable against the overall pristine quality of the transfer. Fans of classic cinema will particularly appreciate the retention of natural grain, which keeps the celluloid feel intact while providing modern clarity.

The restored visuals are complemented by an equally impressive remastered original monaural soundtrack. Utilizing Avid's Pro Tools and iZotope RX from the 35mm fine-grain optical soundtrack, the audio is clear and precise. Dialogue remains sharp throughout, while environmental sounds and music bolster the on-location feel of this studio film. Lucille Ball's vibrant numbers and Maureen O’Hara’s softer dialogues mix seamlessly with ambient sounds, offering an immersive sound experience that completes this exceptional video presentation. Criterion certainly delivers with this release, ensuring "Dance, Girl, Dance" shines brightly for contemporary audiences.

The Blu-ray release of Dance, Girl, Dance features a single audio track: English LPCM 1.0. Apart from a faint surface noise that occasionally appears during quieter moments, the audio track is remarkably clear, stable, and well-balanced. The LPCM mono track was remastered from the 35 mm fine-grain's optical soundtrack, and it preserves the integrity of the original audio well. The technical aspects of the track are solid, with no significant anomalies to report.

Musical sequences, which are plentiful throughout Dance, Girl, Dance, benefit from solid fidelity and a good depth of tone, allowing orchestrations and vocals to fill the room effectively. The dynamic range remains wide enough to keep distortion at bay, and sonic accents are crisp and distinct. Dialogue is consistently clear, well-prioritized, and easy to comprehend. Although the audio occasionally becomes 'thin,' this characteristic is more reflective of the vintage recording equipment's capabilities rather than any flaw in the transfer. Overall, this audio presentation commendably balances the film’s various aural elements, ensuring a satisfying auditory experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Dance, Girl, Dance" by Criterion includes a limited selection of but meticulously curated extras that delve into the life and career of director Dorothy Arzner. Each piece is professionally produced and offers valuable insights into Arzner's influence on cinema and her innovative techniques. Critic B. Ruby Rich provides an in-depth analysis of Arzner's rapid ascent in the film industry and her pioneering explorations of gender politics, highlighting moments like her invention of the boom microphone. Additionally, Francis Ford Coppola offers heartfelt memories from his time as her student, underscoring Arzner's mentorship and her lasting impact on his career.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction by Critic B. Ruby Rich: Rare photos and insightful commentary on Dorothy Arzner's career.
• Featurette: Francis Ford Coppola: Remembering Miss Arzner: Coppola's tribute highlighting personal anecdotes and professional guidance from Arzner.
• Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet featuring Sheila O'Malley's essay "Gotta Dance" and technical credits.

"Dance, Girl, Dance," directed by Dorothy Arzner and released on Blu-ray by Criterion, is a revealing exploration of gender roles and artistic ambition set against the backdrop of 1940s New York City. The film follows two dancers, Judy (Maureen O'Hara) and Bubbles (Lucille Ball), who diverge in their careers after leaving a struggling dance troupe. Judy, a dedicated ballet student, faces challenges due to her self-doubt and the tragic death of her mentor. Conversely, Bubbles capitalizes on her sexuality to rise swiftly in the burlesque world.

Arzner's direction transforms this ostensibly conventional narrative into a poignant commentary on the sacrifices required for success, particularly for women. The film deftly uses cliched scenarios to reflect the real-life compromises women had to make while navigating their careers in pre-war America. In doing so, it highlights a timeless truth—that success demands persistence and resilience, often at great personal cost.

Performances are mixed, with Ball's portrayal of the brazen Bubbles standing out for its authenticity and vibrance. Ball exudes confidence and charm, making her character's opportunism both believable and captivating. In contrast, O'Hara's Judy appears less convincing, often seeming to react mechanically to unfolding events rather than embodying them naturally. The male characters, portrayed by Ralph Bellamy and Louis Hayward, serve largely to reinforce gender stereotypes but do little to enhance the film's realism.

Overall, "Dance, Girl, Dance" offers an earnest narrative infused with moments of introspection, encapsulating the relentless spirit of young women striving for independence and respect. Arzner's nuanced approach gives the film a lasting relevance, making it a vital study in both cinematic history and the evolution of female empowerment in media.

"Dance, Girl, Dance," directed by Dorothy Arzner, represents a compelling yet underappreciated addition to the canon of early feminist cinema. Arzner, a pioneering figure in film history, uses her distinctive style and insight to elevate what might otherwise be a conventional narrative. The film tells the story of two rival dancers, played by Maureen O'Hara and Lucille Ball, who are also competing for the same man's affections. While the plot is predictable and the performances somewhat uneven, particularly O'Hara's average portrayal, Ball’s vivacious energy occasionally ignites moments of genuine excitement and makes you yearn for more screen time from her.

Criterion Collection’s Blu-Ray release of "Dance, Girl, Dance" benefits from a robust new 4K master, providing exemplary visual clarity and depth. This meticulous restoration ensures that Arzner's direction and the film's aesthetic nuances are well-preserved. However, despite Criterion's reputation for comprehensive supplements, this release falls short in that department. The additional content is surprisingly sparse, which is a missed opportunity to delve deeper into Arzner's trailblazing career and the film's production nuances.

In conclusion, while "Dance, Girl, Dance" may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it stands as an entertaining romantic-musical hybrid with an uncommon perspective for its era. The film’s greatest asset is its historical significance as part of Dorothy Arzner's oeuvre, reinforcing her legacy as a significant yet frequently overlooked woman director. If you are a fan of the film or interested in Arzner's work, the Criterion release is a worthy addition to your collection due to its stellar transfer quality. For others, renting before purchasing is advisable to fully assess its appeal.