Broadway Melody of 1940 Blu-ray Review

The Warner Archive delivers a masterful Blu-ray presentation of "Broadway Melody of 1940," featuring a 1080p transfer that stems from a meticulous 4K scan of original nitrate preservation elements. This process results in a consistent and remarkably detailed image that channels the authentic feel of film with its finely preserved grain. Viewers will notice a full range of silvery grays, deep blacks enhancing the classic allure of Fred Astaire’s top hat and tails, and pristine whites that bring a luminous quality to Eleanor Powell’s iconic grin. The AVC MPEG-4 encoding ensures clarity and contrast maintain vibrancy throughout, devoid of excessive digital manipulations or signs of degradation.

Astaire and Powell's dance sequences, particularly the "Begin the Beguine" number, benefit immensely from the restoration, showcasing sharp reflections and crisp close-ups that highlight the MGM glamour synonymous with the era. The film’s native 1.37:1 aspect ratio is expertly preserved, delivering the visual dynamics as intended while amplifying the charming nuances of celluloid texture. Although a few frames might exhibit slight softness due to intentional techniques used by cinematographers Joseph Ruttenberg and Oliver T. Marsh, these are minimal and integrate seamlessly into the overall pristine presentation.

Significantly improving upon the previous 2003 DVD release, this upgraded transfer eradicates any remnants of age-related wear such as scratches or dirt. The movie is now divided into 30 chapters, offering enthusiasts a seamless viewing experience. In summary, the "Broadway Melody of 1940" Blu-ray from Warner Archive is an exemplar of purist-grade restoration work, making it an indispensable addition for musical aficionados seeking a visually enriched upgrade.

The audio presentation of the "Broadway Melody of 1940" on Blu-ray, delivered in a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono format, provides a compelling experience that both honors its vintage origins and elevates the auditory pleasure. The track admirably combines fidelity and tonal depth, capturing Cole Porter, Roger Edens, and Walter Ruick's rich compositions with a surprisingly robust dynamic range. Although there is an occasional gauzy distortion and some intermittent background hiss, these minor drawbacks do not significantly impede the overall clarity of dialogue or vibrancy of musical numbers. The dialogue remains comprehensible throughout, with vocals cleverly prioritized amidst the orchestrations' highs and lows, creating an engaging listening experience that belies the film’s considerable age.

Additional audio elements further enhance the track’s authenticity and appeal. The occasional subtle surface noise during quieter scenes is apparent yet unobtrusive, only serving to remind viewers of the recording's historical authenticity without detracting from the content. Background effects and tapping sequences are sharply executed, with each sound moment distinctly articulated to provide a satisfying sense of presence.

While the inadvertent omissions, such as the lack of English (SDH) subtitles for the bonus features, detract slightly from the package's completeness, the core audio track still stands out as a commendable restoration effort. For those engaged by both the filmic nostalgia and an authentic auditory experience, this audio mix delivers deftly balanced orchestrations and resonant clarity, rendering it a worthy component of Warner Archive’s Blu-ray offerings.

The Blu-ray extras for "Broadway Melody of 1940" present a curated selection of vintage features, enhancing the historical context of this classic film. Key highlights include "Cole Porter in Hollywood: Begin the Beguine," a succinct featurette hosted by Ann Miller that offers insights into the film’s production and Porter's renowned score. Additionally, "Our Gang Comedies: The Big Premiere" showcases the infectious antics of the Little Rascals amidst a glamorous Hollywood setting, while "The Milky Way" delivers an Oscar-winning animated short unprecedentedly restored in its Blu-ray debut. Complementing these is the film's original theatrical trailer. These extras are efficiently restored, albeit ported from previous releases, and provide a nostalgic exploration for both fans and scholars interested in cinematic history.

Extras included in this disc:

• Cole Porter in Hollywood: Begin the Beguine: A featurette hosted by Ann Miller, detailing the film's production and Porter’s score.
• The Big Premiere: A 1940 Our Gang short capturing classic childhood chaos.
• The Milky Way: An award-winning animated short newly restored.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original lively promotional piece for the film.

Norman Taurog's "Broadway Melody of 1940," the series' final installment, triumphantly concludes MGM's acclaimed Broadway Melody films. Known for its exceptional musical showcases, this entry distinguishes itself through the unmatched pairing of Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell, two titans of dance from this era. A highlight is their extraordinary tap duet to Cole Porter's "Begin the Beguine," marvelously executed on a reflective glass floor with a striking visual backdrop. The film combines elements of comedy and romance, deftly woven through a charming yet clichéd plot that sees Astaire's character Johnny Brett mistakenly lose an opportunity to his partner due to a mix-up, leading to an engaging exploration of themes of ambition and friendship.

In addition to "Begin the Beguine," the soundtrack, enriched by Cole Porter's compositions, includes notable numbers like "I've Got My Eyes on You" and "I Concentrate on You," adding layers of auditory delight to the film. The storyline marches forward with toe-tapping sequences such as "Please Don’t Monkey with Broadway" performed by Astaire and George Murphy, and Powell's ambitious solo "I Am the Captain." While Powell and Murphy’s chemistry in “Between You and Me” lacks precision in contrast to her synchronization with Astaire, the Savoy Cafe scene where Astaire debuts with Powell solidifies their incredible dynamism.

Despite occasional narrative slowdowns due to subplots, such as Murphy’s alcoholic exploits and peculiar musical cameos, the superb choreography and engaging performances drive the film. The restoration on Blu-ray enhances the viewing with impressive video and audio quality, reaffirming its value for enthusiasts of classic musicals, marking an era where black-and-white elegance meets seamless choreography. Broadway Melody of 1940 stands as a testament to the breathtaking talents of its stars while resonating with humor and nostalgia from MGM's Golden Age.

"Broadway Melody of 1940" is a remarkable entry in MGM’s esteemed musical series, featuring an unprecedented pairing of Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell. Though the film may lack a complex plot, it compensates with visually stunning numbers and memorable songs, notably the finale set to Cole Porter's "Begin to Beguine". This film remains a significant chapter in both artists' illustrious careers, cementing its status as a milestone in Hollywood's Golden Age.

The Warner Archive Blu-ray release does justice to this classic. A brand new master created from a 4K scan of nitrate preservation elements ensures a pristine visual experience, while the audio quality enhances every musical number. Additional features from the 2003 DVD are included, adding value to this release. The restoration is commendable and elevates the film to its best-ever presentation, offering fans a chance to appreciate its nostalgic charm with modern clarity.

In conclusion, "Broadway Melody of 1940" on Blu-ray is a must-have for enthusiasts of Fred Astaire, Eleanor Powell, and vintage Hollywood musicals. The combination of legendary talents and meticulous restoration makes it a noteworthy addition to any collection at an appealing price point. Highly recommended for both dedicated followers and newcomers to the genre.