Miracle on 34th Street Blu-ray Review

The 1080p transfer of "Miracle on 34th Street" retains its original 1.33:1 theatrical aspect ratio and employs the AVC codec, presenting a film-like image. The grayscale rendering is notably impressive, with finely balanced contrast and brightness providing depth to the high definition visuals. Detail reproduction is excellent, capturing the intricate textures such as the contours of Fred's overcoat and the detailed gray shades in Kris's beard. Grain is preserved in fine, even layers, adding to the period-authentic aesthetic. However, occasional inconsistencies in the contrast and some minor speckles on the print are detectable, though these do not significantly detract from the viewing experience.

Despite some criticism regarding the white levels rendering more as a dirty gray, affecting the overall brightness and contrast, the transfer largely succeeds in presenting a sharp, clear image. Some wide-angle shots may not achieve the same level of definitive resolution as closer shots but still maintain ample dimensional quality. Blacks are consistent, though not inky, contributing effectively to the various shades of gray present throughout the film. The occasional dark and lackluster shots and the evidence of rear projection screens underscore its period-specific production techniques. Notably, this transfer is identical to the 2009 Blu-ray release, thus missing any potential enhancements that modern restoration techniques could offer.

Overall, while the disc does not showcase a dramatic improvement over prior releases and leaves room for potential future restoration efforts by Fox, it provides a faithful and detailed rendering of this classic black-and-white film. The care taken in maintaining the grain structure and capturing the nuanced grayscale ensures that "Miracle on 34th Street" remains visually engaging for both long-time enthusiasts and new viewers alike.

The audio presentation of "Miracle on 34th Street" on Blu-ray demonstrates a thoughtful application of modern sound enhancement while respecting the film's original mono elements. The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio upmix, derived from the original monorail track, offers a front-heavy dialog-driven experience that remains true to the film’s mono roots. The center channel carries most of the audio, ensuring that vocals remain clear and precise, free from hisses and crackles. While the dialog doesn’t possess the weight and precision of contemporary recordings, it is consistently intelligible and well-defined, marking this release as the best the film has ever sounded. Purists might still lean toward the available lossy Dolby Digital 2.0 mono mix for an authentic theatrical experience.

The mix extends some musical elements and faint ambient effects to the left and right channels, slightly enhancing spatial depth without overpowering the primary audio. Directional effects and music, especially Cyril J. Mockridge's delightful score, benefit from this upmix, offering a broadened but balanced frontal perspective. The surround channels provide mild ambient envelopment without being intrusive, maintaining a proper balance that resists sounding unnatural or excessively processed. Notably, there's minimal activity in the low end of the mix, and while the surrounds remain mostly silent throughout, they contribute to a subtle sense of space.

In this edition, the clarity and detail of the DTS-HD Master Audio are commendable but cautious in their enhancement, avoiding an overproduced soundscape. The lossy Dolby Digital 2.0 mono mix is preserved for those desiring to replicate the original viewing experience more closely. Despite minor hiss in quieter scenes and a conservative use of surround channels, the sound mix does a commendable job of maintaining the original's integrity while offering a modestly updated audio experience for modern audiences.

The Blu Ray edition of "Miracle on 34th Street" offers a robust and enjoyable selection of extras designed to enhance the viewing experience for both long-time enthusiasts and new fans. Standout features include an informative audio commentary by Maureen O'Hara, where she shares her experiences and fond memories of making this iconic film. The disc also includes the compelling "Hollywood Backstories: Miracle on 34th Street," providing in-depth production insights. The "Fox Movietone News: Hollywood Spotlight" segment offers a brief but fascinating look at the film's impact during the 1947 Academy Awards. The "Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Floating in History" featurette delves into the logistics of integrating actual parade footage into the movie, providing a historical context that enriches the viewing experience. Supplementary content like the promotional short, and the poster gallery are also included, rounding out a comprehensive collection.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Maureen O'Hara: A sweet reminiscence about making the film with personal anecdotes.
• Hollywood Backstories: Miracle on 34th Street: An enjoyable documentary detailing the film's production history.
• Fox Movietone News: Hollywood Spotlight: Footage from the Academy Awards highlighting the film's success.
• Promotional Short: A unique piece exploring Fox's marketing challenges for the movie.
• Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: Floating in History: Detailed insights into the usage of actual parade footage for the film.
• Poster Gallery: A brief gallery of advertising posters used to promote the movie.

"Miracle on 34th Street," directed by George Seaton and released in 1947, stands as a quintessential holiday classic that continues to captivate audiences. The film masterfully balances the incredulity surrounding the existence of Santa Claus with a touching narrative that appeals across generations. Edmund Gwenn's portrayal of Kris Kringle is nothing short of enchanting, earning him an Academy Award for his performance. The movie deftly explores commercialism versus the true spirit of Christmas, a theme as relevant today as it was over seven decades ago. Maureen O’Hara’s portrayal of the pragmatic Doris Walker and Natalie Wood’s transformation from a skeptical child to a believer equally add depth to the story.

One of the standout elements of "Miracle on 34th Street" is its script, which won an Oscar for both George Seaton and Valentine Davies. The screenplay's charm is amplified by individual sequences that have become iconic, such as Kris Kringle communicating in Dutch with a young girl or the climactic courtroom scenes. Even though Seaton's direction maintains a straightforward studio-bound approach, it enhances the film's authenticity and allows the story to shine through its characters' heartfelt performances. Maureen O'Hara and John Payne deliver some of their best work, while Wood gives a delightful juvenile performance that adds layers to her character's gradual embrace of holiday magic.

The film's initial release in summer rather than winter and its marketing away from Christmas themes underscore its broader appeal beyond holiday confines. Despite adaptations and thematic reiterations over the years, none capture the simplistic kindness and timeless joy as effectively as the original. Its ability to warm hearts and provoke introspection about societal values surrounding Christmas solidifies "Miracle on 34th Street" as a must-watch, offering a compelling reminder of the true spirit of the season through stellar performances and a well-crafted story.

"Miracle on 34th Street" remains an essential holiday classic that continues to enchant audiences with its heartfelt narrative and captivating performances. Maureen O'Hara, John Payne, and Edmund Gwenn deliver timeless portrayals that capture the magic of the holiday spirit, making it a joy to revisit year after year. The charm and emotional depth of the film always resonate, allowing viewers to connect deeply with its themes of hope, faith, and trust.

However, it's worth noting that Fox has not invested in a significant restoration for its 70th Anniversary Blu-ray release. The new edition essentially replicates the 2009 Blu-ray, featuring the same transfer, audio specifications, and bonus content. Though some may find the new cover art and slip box aesthetically pleasing, these enhancements do not merit an upgrade for those who already own the previous Blu-ray version. The technical specifications remain: an aspect ratio of 1.37:1 AVC, English DTS-HD MA 5.1 and mono audio options, with additional languages in French and Spanish DD Mono.

For new collectors or anyone without the 2009 edition, this release is a valuable addition to any Blu-ray library due to its masterful storytelling and the included digital copy, all at an attractive price point. Despite the lack of new restoration work, "Miracle on 34th Street" continues to stand as a testament to classic filmmaking and an enduring holiday favorite.

Fox’s continued reliance on the prior transfer may be a point of disappointment for purists seeking technical perfection, yet this remains a "Great Watch" for those who haven't yet brought this beloved film into their home collections. While a more definitive restoration would enhance the experience for all, this release still offers ample merit for newcomers eager to embrace its classic charm.