Ziegfeld Follies Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Ziegfeld Follies" by Warner Archive demonstrates remarkable attention to quality and fidelity. Ensuring high-definition clarity, the 1080p transfer is derived from either 2K or 4K scans of the best available source materials. Viewers can expect a clean, crisp picture devoid of dirt, debris, or major damage, as well as free from artificial enhancements such as excessive noise reduction and sharpening. The varied film grain and color saturation across segments faithfully reflect the original era of filming, with some sections displaying tighter grain and bolder colors indicative of differentiated source elements. Moreover, ultra-soft focus shots particularly highlight the vintage allure during glamorous close-ups.

Warner Archive's mastery is further evident in their efficient compression technique. Utilizing a dual-layered disc with a high bit rate, the transfer astutely avoids compression artifacts or banding, maintaining the authenticity and visual opulence expected from high-quality catalog releases. The vibrant Technicolor photography by distinguished cinematographers George Folsey and Charles Rosher is notably preserved, with vivid reds and dazzling blues illuminating the screen, alongside standout visuals like Lucille Bremer’s yellow dress in “Limehouse Blues” and deep pinks in the opening ensemble.

Amidst faint film grain aiding a cinematic feel, the clarity and contrast significantly enhance detail and depth, rendering surprisingly natural flesh tones. Close-ups of iconic stars such as Ball, Garland, Horne, and Grayson are razor-sharp, underscoring the film’s glamorous intent. With not a single blemish affecting the pristine source material, this release stands as a testament to Warner Archive's expertise in presenting visually rich productions in their finest form. The Blu-ray maintains the intended aesthetic of "Ziegfeld Follies," highlighting its brilliant allure with exemplary video quality.

The Blu-ray release of "Ziegfeld Follies" offers two distinct DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mixes, a split mono track and a reimagined stereo experience. The stereo track undoubtedly enhances the viewing experience, providing robust and dynamic sound fidelity that significantly improves the musical numbers. Notably, the MGM orchestra is presented with impressive clarity and depth, showcasing a full range of sound that complements the visual spectacle, despite the original Academy ratio visuals. While the mono track suffices for casual listening, the stereo mix delivers a more immersive auditory experience with excellent channel separation and vibrant presence.

The stereo mix stands out exceptionally in high points such as "This Heart of Mine," where orchestral music, ambient crowd noise, and vocals blend seamlessly to capture the era's opulent stage performances. Vocals from stars like Garland and Horne, along with Grayson's high notes, are rendered without distortion, maintaining clarity throughout. Comedy sketches benefit too, with articulations from Fanny Brice and Red Skelton translated with crispness and detail. Warner Archive has meticulously crafted a stereo presentation that transcends its time by utilizing original soundtrack recordings to offer a clear and lively audio experience.

Moreover, the release includes English SDH subtitles, though only for the main feature and not for extras. Despite this minor shortcoming, "Ziegfeld Follies" on Blu-ray stands as a testament to Warner Archive's dedication to preserving and enriching classic cinematic audio experiences, converting them into modern enjoyment through their expert sound engineering.

The Blu-ray release of "Ziegfeld Follies" features a robust collection of extras, combining archival and new content that appeals to both film aficionados and casual viewers. The disc boasts immediate song selection access, enabling users to jump directly to 26 main musical numbers. It also includes the intriguing vintage short, "The Luckiest Guy in the World," from the "Crime Does Not Pay" series, providing a glimpse into past cinematic moral narratives. Animation enthusiasts will appreciate two classic cartoons, "The Hick Chick" and the playful "Solid Serenade." The "An Embarrassment of Riches" featurette offers valuable insights into the production's challenges, enriched by interviews with MGM legends and film historians. Additional audio-only extras explore deleted scenes and alternate takes from figures like Fred Astaire and Fanny Brice. Lena Horne’s Spanish rendition of "Love" adds an international flair, while the original theatrical trailer completes this compelling suite of bonuses.

Extras included in this disc:

• Song Selection: Access to 26 main song breaks from the film.
• Vintage Short: The Luckiest Guy in the World: A moralistic short from the Crime Does Not Pay series.
• Classic Cartoons: Includes "The Hick Chick" and "Solid Serenade."
• Featurette: An Embarrassment of Riches: Details of the film's troubled production.
• Audio-Only Extras: Ten audio clips of unused musical sequences and performances.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional piece.

"Ziegfeld Follies" on Blu-ray offers a visually stunning homage to the iconic Broadway revues produced by Florenz Ziegfeld Jr., masterfully capturing the opulence and star power of MGM's golden era. The film features a dazzling array of musical performances and comedy sketches executed by top-tier talents like Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, and Lena Horne, among others. While the lack of a cohesive narrative might be disorienting for some viewers, the film thrives as a variety show with back-to-back acts showcasing an impressive range of styles and techniques, from Astaire's enchanting "This Heart of Mine" to Garland's dynamic comedic parody in "A Great Lady Has an Interview."

The production, initially shelved for a year, is laden with spectacular sequences that marry elegant sets with vibrant costumes, producing visual feasts marked by sophistication and artistry beyond its 1946 release. Despite its episodic nature, the performances mostly shine, though some comedic elements appear dated. The standout musical routines maintain high energy and artistic merit, notably Astaire and Kelly's dance collaboration in "The Babbitt and the Bromide," which is both a highlight of the film and of the musical genre on screen.

Technical restoration on Warner Archive’s Blu-ray brings these lavish performances to life with a crystal-clear 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 presentation and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo sound, presenting the film with an authenticity that respects its original cinematic experience. Though not universally appealing due to its structure, "Ziegfeld Follies" emerges as a fascinating piece of entertainment history, celebrating the grandeur of theatrical spectacle and the illustrious careers of its star-studded cast.

"Ziegfeld Follies" is a vibrant cinematic homage to Florenz Ziegfeld's famed theatrical revues, brought to life by the adept hands of director Vincente Minnelli and producer Arthur Freed. The film assembles an illustrious roster of MGM stalwarts including Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, and Gene Kelly. While its comedic sketches don't always withstand the passage of time, the musical sequences remain timeless, affirming the enduring appeal of these classic stars. This production is not flawless, but its charm and grandeur are undeniable, offering both a nostalgic treat and a compelling glimpse into cinematic history.

The Blu-ray release by Warner Archive is a commendable effort featuring an exceptional Technicolor transfer and both stereo and mono audio tracks. Enthusiasts of film restoration will appreciate the comprehensive array of vintage bonus materials that significantly heighten its value. For ardent fans of classic musicals, this release promises a fulfilling viewing experience. However, newcomers to the genre may prefer to preview before purchase, owing to the film's occasionally uneven pacing.

In conclusion, "Ziegfeld Follies" transcends mere entertainment, capturing the essence of a glamorous era through iconic performances that continue to resonate. The Blu-ray presentation amplifies this experience with top-tier audio-visual quality and enriching supplemental content, ensuring it remains a cherished piece in any film aficionado's collection. This release is a solid recommendation for those who appreciate the golden age of Hollywood musicals.