Three Little Words Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of the "Three Little Words" Blu-ray release by Warner Archive is an exemplary showcase of restoration expertise. Utilizing a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 format, this transfer originates from a meticulous 4K scan of the original nitrate Technicolor negatives. The resulting image is a stunning visual experience, characterized by its vibrant and lush color palette that maintains authenticity without veering into garishness. Particularly striking is the contrast between the rich blue backgrounds and Arlene Dahl's prominent red hair, complemented by an array of delicate pinks, pale yellows, and pea greens which provide a delightful visual banquet. The presentation is anchored by deep, inky blacks and bright whites, with superb clarity and contrast that together elevate the viewing experience.

Technically faithful to the original 1.37:1 aspect ratio, this 1080p transfer leverages the advanced sharpness of high definition to reveal subtle textures in clothing, props, and set backgrounds that were previously unseen. The flesh tones are remarkably lifelike and visually pleasing, while the enhanced detail in shadow delineation enriches the overall imagery. Thanks to Warner Archive’s rigorous efforts, earlier imperfections such as blotches found in previous DVD releases have been meticulously corrected. This Blu-ray offers a pristine representation with no age-related artifacts disrupting the presentation. The film has been skillfully divided into 40 chapters, ensuring an accessible and seamless navigation throughout this enhanced visual treat. For enthusiasts of MGM musicals, this release provides an indispensable visual experience that emphatically surpasses its DVD predecessor.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Three Little Words" is exceptionally well-executed, leveraging a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track that notably enhances the viewing experience. The audio mix delivers robust sound characteristic of musical productions, where the dynamic range provides a refreshing depth to both music and dialogue. Users can expect clear discernibility of song lyrics and dialogue at all times. The enhancements in audio clarity and vitality do justice to the lush visuals restored from the original nitrate three-strip film.

The sound mix remains faithful to its era, capturing the essence and nostalgia of the original theatrical release. Despite the mono format, the depth of tone and solid fidelity offered enrich the orchestrations seamlessly. It's worth noting that sonic accents, such as tapping feet, come through with crisp precision, enhancing the auditory experience without interference from any age-related surface noise typically associated with older films. This pristine audio track not only complements the visual richness but also stands out for its lack of inconsistencies like hiss or pops, maintaining a professional quality throughout.

In conclusion, while one might wonder how André Previn’s Oscar-nominated score adaptation would resonate in stereo, the current audio offering is thoroughly appealing. The blend of music and sound effects is handled with expert precision, ensuring both are vibrant and immersive. Supported by optional English subtitles, this sound mix elevates the viewing experience by seamlessly integrating delightful musical numbers with flawless technical execution.

The Blu-ray edition of "Three Little Words" offers a comprehensive range of extras, faithfully transitioned from the 2007 DVD release. The featurette, "Three Little Words: Two Swell Guys," provides an informative contrast between the calm, real lives of the songwriting protagonists and their dramatized screen portrayals, featuring insights from industry luminaries like Gloria DeHaven and Arlene Dahl. A fascinating 'Roaming Through Michigan' travelogue presents scenic vistas from the FitzPatrick Traveltalk series, complemented by Tex Avery's whimsical cartoon "Ventriloquist Cat." The "Paula Stone's Hollywood USA" radio promo offers a refreshing deviation from conventional publicity with intimate interviews with Fred Astaire and Harry Ruby. Rounding off the collection is an evocative theatrical trailer capturing Fred Astaire's acknowledgment at the 1949 Oscars. The addition of a song selection menu enhances accessibility, ensuring a thoroughly engaging experience for classic film aficionados.

Extras included in this disc:

• Three Little Words: Two Swell Guys: A reflective featurette exploring the film's background.
• Roaming Through Michigan: A picturesque Traveltalk series installment.
• Ventriloquist Cat: Tex Avery's playful animated short.
• Paula Stone’s Hollywood USA: Radio promo with candid star interviews.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original preview with Astaire’s Oscar presentation.
• Song Selection Menu: Direct access to musical numbers.

"Three Little Words" stands out as a captivating addition to MGM’s musical biographic collection. It showcases the lives and careers of songwriters Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby, who, despite their less renowned status compared to peers like Irving Berlin and Cole Porter, left a significant mark on Tin Pan Alley with catchy tunes such as "Who's Sorry Now?" and "I Wanna Be Loved By You." Directed by Richard Thorpe, this film thrives in its simplicity, avoiding the extravagance of typical Technicolor musicals produced by MGM and focusing instead on character-driven storytelling. The film balances nostalgia with genuine character portrayals, enlivened by the remarkable performances of Fred Astaire as Bert Kalmar and Red Skelton as Harry Ruby.

Astaire’s performance lends a touch of elegance, blending dance and comedy as he portrays the quick-tempered yet creatively driven Kalmar. Vera-Ellen shines as Jessie Brown, displaying a delightful chemistry with Astaire in their dance numbers, highlighted by choreography from Hermes Pan that remains true to their vaudeville roots. Skelton’s portrayal of Ruby offers a more subdued comic relief, bringing depth to a film that could easily have focused solely on musical prowess. Both Astaire and Skelton complement each other's performances, anchoring the narrative with warm chemistry that uplifts the lighter storyline elements.

The film skillfully weaves Kalmar and Ruby's musical successes with their personal dramas, creating an engaging buddy film with moments of humor and mild romance. The largely uncomplicated story is punctuated by memorable musical numbers, skillfully integrated to showcase each performer’s strengths. Unlike some of MGM’s grander projects, "Three Little Words" relies on its star power and the timeless charm of its story, ensuring its enduring appeal to fans of classic musicals. This Blu-ray release maintains high production quality with video codec 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 and audio DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono, bringing home the nostalgic charm of this notable musical biopic.

"Three Little Words" stands out as a visually stunning and thoroughly engaging offering from Warner Archive. The Blu-ray release capitalizes on an exquisite restoration, utilizing nitrate three-strip black-and-white separations in the pristine 1.37:1 standard format to recreate the lushness of the original Technicolor. While perhaps not as ostentatious as typical Hollywood songwriter biopics, the film's strength lies in its charm and concise storytelling. Featuring the reliable pairing of Fred Astaire and Red Skelton, coupled with a melodious Kalmar-Ruby score, the movie retains a captivating simplicity that endears it to a wide array of audiences.

The technical merits of this release are notable, provided by a new 4K scan of original nitrate Technicolor negatives, which offers an impressive visual experience with vibrant hues and sharp detail. The DTS-HD Master Audio (mono) enhances the auditory enjoyment, supported by optional English subtitles for accessibility. Additionally, this version includes bonus features such as repurposed content from the 2006 DVD release and useful standard-definition demonstrations highlighting advancements in home video technology over the years. The inclusion of a convenient main menu with song and chapter selections enhances the user interface.

Concluding, "Three Little Words" is a quintessential MGM musical that shouldn't be overlooked. It provides ample opportunities for its cast to display their talents, particularly Vera-Ellen's dance sequences and Arlene Dahl’s introduction as a musical lead. For enthusiasts of classic musicals and casual viewers alike, this Blu-ray is a valuable addition to any collection. It’s both a delightful trip down memory lane and a testament to the enduring appeal of classic cinema artistry. Highly recommended for everyone seeking both nostalgia and technical excellence in home cinema presentation.