Holiday Inn Blu-ray Review

Universal Studios' Blu-ray release of "Holiday Inn" delivers a solid AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.35:1 aspect ratio that largely pays homage to the film's original black-and-white aesthetic. The digital remastering from 35mm original film elements stands out, ensuring the preservation of a naturally appearing grain structure. This grain imparts a sense of authenticity while maintaining exceptional detail, sharpness, and clarity far superior to prior DVD releases. Contrast is well-managed, with deep blacks and well-defined whites that retain consistency even during scenes filled with snowfall. Notably, occasional instances of digital sharpening and slight haloing are present but do not detract significantly from the overall presentation.

Legend Films' colorized version included on this release, however, fails to meet comparable standards. The artificially added hues lack the vibrancy and depth associated with Technicolor, often appearing pastel-like and washed out. Backgrounds, particularly snowscapes, maintain an unsettling grayish tint, failing to provide the rich contrasts seen in the black-and-white version. Additionally, this version demonstrates a heavier grain structure and visible print marks and scratches, highlighting its inferior source material. Despite adequate contrast and clarity levels, the subdued and inconsistent colorization pales in comparison to the original.

Holiday Inn's black-and-white version remains the definitive choice for purists and newcomers alike, showcasing Universal's commitment to preserving cinematic history. The colorized edition, while an interesting curiosity, falls short of enhancing the viewing experience and arguably diminishes the film's timeless charm.

The Blu-ray release of "Holiday Inn" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track that has aged remarkably well. Irving Berlin's music and Robert Emmett Dolan's orchestrations are presented with a warm, full-bodied sound, particularly in the midrange frequencies. The track is virtually free of age-related imperfections such as hiss, pops, and crackles. Both vocal and instrumental elements come through cleanly and without distortion, while dialogue remains consistently clear and comprehensible throughout the film. Despite its vintage, this audio presentation stands out for its clarity and fidelity.

Notably, the dynamic range of the soundtrack handles highs and lows adeptly, maintaining a balanced and distortion-free listening experience. Although the orchestrations may lack the lush depth typical of modern musicals, the songs themselves still convey a bright and lively quality. Bing Crosby’s iconic baritone retains its warmth and resonance, while specific sound effects, such as Fred Astaire’s tapping and various environmental accents, are delivered with boldness, though some subtler details might be less discernible. Overall, this track provides a solid, satisfying audio experience that honors the film’s historical context. Fans of the film will be pleased with this high-quality presentation that underscores the timeless charm of "Holiday Inn."

The Blu-ray release of "Holiday Inn" brings forward a well-curated collection of extras that enhance the viewing experience of this classic film. The included commentary by Ken Barnes is particularly noteworthy, offering an informative and enthusiastic historical context, bolstered by archival audio clips from Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby, and John Scott Trotter. The featurettes, while sourced from previous DVD releases and showcasing a mixture of interviews and dance sequences, provide valuable insights into both the production and impact of the movie. The disc also contains a colorized version of the film for those interested in a modernized visual take.

Extras included in this disc:

• A Couple of Song and Dance Men: Profiles Crosby and Astaire with insights from Ava Astaire McKenzie.
• All-Singing, All-Dancing: Examines the film's musical sequences.
• Coloring a Classic: Analyzes the controversial colorization process.
• Feature Commentary: Ken Barnes with archival snippets adding depth.
• Theatrical Trailer: Provides a preview of the Irving Berlin score.

"Holiday Inn" stands as a pinnacle in American musical cinema, featuring the unparalleled talents of Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. The film's structure is a collection of vignettes themed around various holidays, tied together by the narrative of Jim Hardy (Crosby), who opens an inn that's only operational on national holidays. The film’s success is deeply rooted in its exceptional Irving Berlin score, with "White Christmas" becoming an iconic yuletide anthem. Notably, Berlin's timeless melodies such as "Easter Parade" and "Be Careful, It's My Heart" elevate the film. Despite the film’s controversial blackface sequence during the "Abraham" number, which modern audiences find appalling, "Holiday Inn" remains a beloved classic, praised for its heartwarming nostalgia and patriotic fervor, especially in the post-Pearl Harbor context.

Astaire’s performance, particularly notable for scenes like the intricate "Let's Say It With Firecrackers" and his convincingly inebriated dance with Marjorie Reynolds, showcases his unparalleled talent. The romantic rivalry between Hardy and Ted Hanover (Astaire) provides amusing, albeit sometimes forced, drama that is skillfully offset by charming dialogue and witty repartee. The chemistry between Crosby and Astaire is palpable, and their friendly rivalry ensures an engaging storyline.

Technically, the Blu-ray transfer presents "Holiday Inn" in a pristine 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 format, complemented by clear DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono sound. This release allows viewers to select between the original black-and-white and colorized versions, preserving the film’s nostalgic essence while offering modern viewing flexibility. Overall, "Holiday Inn" remains a timeless piece of Americana, with its music and dance numbers continuing to captivate audiences year after year.

"Holiday Inn," starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, remains a cherished classic, capturing the heights of both actors' respective careers. Directed with a breezy touch by Mark Sandrich, the film excels in its musical elements, featuring an impeccable Irving Berlin score packed with memorable tunes. The standout number, 'White Christmas,' continues to be iconic, while other songs and inventive dances keep the film engaging despite its slight dramatic elements.

Universal's Blu-ray presentation brings the film to life like never before, with a stellar black-and-white transfer that enhances every scene. The release includes a solid audio experience and a comprehensive supplemental package, which enriches the viewer's understanding and appreciation of this timeless piece. It's worth noting that the high-quality transfer surpasses previous versions, allowing fans to enjoy the film in its intended format rather than the subpar colorized version.

"Holiday Inn" endures as one of the most beloved holiday films, suitable for viewing any season of the year. This Blu-ray edition is a veritable treat from start to finish, ensuring it maintains its classic status. The excellent technical merits and top-notch performances make this release highly recommended.