The Fantasticks Blu-ray Review

The Fantasticks" Blu-ray video presentation delivers an exemplary visual experience with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in its original 2.44:1 widescreen aspect ratio. The film benefits from the meticulously crafted cinematography of Fred Murphy, which highlights the picturesque countryside and vibrant palette characteristic of the film. The high definition transfer brings out exquisite detail, making scenes such as Joel Grey's expressions and the waving fields of wheat visually compelling. Shadow detail is impressively handled, evident in the intimate scenes set within darker environments like the movie theater showing "Romeo and Juliet." The film maintains a beautifully filmic appearance devoid of artificial digital enhancements, though minor dirt particles occasionally appear.

Additionally, this Blu-ray debut in 2.35:1 aspect ratio maximizes the vibrant color scheme, allowing primary colors to vividly pop off the screen. Closeups and medium shots showcase particularly strong detailing, though some wider shots may appear marginally soft and out of focus. Despite these minor discrepancies, black levels remain robust and shadows well-defined with minimal instances of crush. Noteworthy is the inclusion of both an HD transfer of the theatrical cut and an SD transfer of the original cut, contributing to a commendable overall presentation. Minimal nicks or dirt on the print do surface, albeit infrequently and requiring keen observation to notice. This lively HD transfer thus ensures a visually engaging and dynamic viewing experience for "The Fantasticks.

"The Fantasticks" Blu-ray offers a commendable audio presentation through both a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix and a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. The 5.1 mix effectively highlights Jonathan Tunick's intricate orchestrations, lending a broad and immersive experience. Dialogue and singing are exceptionally supported, with prioritization remaining clear even during the film's chaotic moments. Fidelity throughout both tracks is impeccable, ensuring a high-quality auditory experience free of any unwanted noise or dropouts.

However, while the 5.1 track successfully maintains background music and sound effects in a surround format to enhance the atmospheric depth, it occasionally falls flat during the vocal performances. This shortfall can be attributed to the fact that much of the singing was recorded live on set and not originally intended for surround sound mixing. In contrast, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 track presents a fuller, warmer, and more vibrant auditory experience, especially in the larger, more dynamic song and dance numbers. The 2.0 track delivers strong imaging, balanced levels, and crystal-clear clarity, making it preferable for those seeking an engaging auditory presentation.

In summary, both audio options on "The Fantasticks" Blu-ray provide high fidelity and clear dialogues but cater to different auditory preferences. The 5.1 mix excels in its orchestral spread and atmospheric background details, while the 2.0 track offers a richer, more cohesive experience for vocals and musical numbers. Both tracks are well-engineered, ensuring a pleasant listening experience devoid of technical issues like hisses, pops, or dropouts.

The Blu-ray release of "The Fantasticks" provides an intriguing array of extras, making it an essential for fans of the film and musical alike, despite the omission of the Additional Footage from the Special Edition DVD. The disc's standout is Michael Ritchie's original version in standard definition, offering a unique viewing experience that reinstates "Try to Remember" prominently. The Isolated Score Track in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 delivers exceptional auditory richness. The meticulous audio commentaries from Michael Ritchie, Jean Louisa Kelly with Bruce Kimmel, and Chris Willman with Nick Redman provide diverse perspectives on the film's adaptation and its theatrical legacy, enriching the contextual understanding for viewers. The theatrical trailer and MGM's 90th Anniversary Trailer add historically rich touches.

Extras included in this disc:

• Isolated Score Track: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1.
• Original Theatrical Cut: Michael Ritchie's preferred cut in 480p.
• Theatrical Trailer: A marketing-driven trailer.
• MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer: Celebratory trailer in 1080p.
• Audio Commentary: Director Michael Ritchie.
• Audio Commentary: Actress Jean Louise Kelly and Bruce Kimmel.
• Audio Commentary: Journalist Chris Willman and Nick Redman.

"The Fantasticks" Blu-ray delivers a film adaptation of Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones' beloved off-Broadway musical that evokes a mix of nostalgia and romance with varying degrees of success. Originating as an intimate stage production characterized by minimalist set designs and poignant performances, the film's transformation into a widescreen cinematic experience posed both opportunities and challenges. Director Michael Ritchie's 1995 adaptation, afflicted by delays and later edited by Francis Ford Coppola, provides a sumptuous visual spectacle, with expansive landscapes reminiscent of classic American musicals like "Oklahoma!". However, this scaling up sometimes undermines the original's charm and delicate artificiality.

The film retains the basic plot of Matt Hucklebee (Joey McIntyre) and Luisa Bellamy (Jean Louisa Kelly) falling in love against a backdrop of a fabricated feud between their fathers, Ben Hucklebee (Brad Sullivan) and Amos Bellamy (Joel Grey). Their orchestrated discord, aimed at fostering romance between their children, is disrupted by the carnival interloper El Gallo (Jonathan Morris), whom they enlist to stage a series of events leading to a supposed happy resolution. This intrigue, punctuated by El Gallo's masterful illusions and the rich orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick, attempts to recapture the essence of the original stage production's intentionally unpretentious theatricality on the big screen.

The modifications Coppola introduced—especially the excision of key songs like "Try to Remember"—shortened the runtime but arguably stripped the narrative of its soulful pacing. The resulting film feels both rushed and diluted in parts, prompting purists to look towards the longer original cut for a more fulfilling rendition. Despite these production tribulations, the Blu-ray release asserts itself compellingly via live-sung sequences and visually enchanting settings, making it an ultimately heartwarming adaptation worth revisiting, especially for those unfamiliar with the stage version.

'The Fantasticks’ Blu-ray provides a compelling revisit to a musical with a storied past, finally presenting the true Original Cut to fans and newcomers alike. Known for being the longest-running Off-Broadway production, the film adaptation had a rocky release, leaving many devotees disappointed by the theatrical cut. This Blu-ray release remedies that, showcasing the intended version with excellent technical prowess and a plethora of supplemental materials. The film itself, brimming with charm and emotional resonance, succeeds in captivating viewers, providing a deeply affecting experience especially for those who keep their cynicism at bay.

Technical aspects of this Blu-ray are exceptionally handled, boasting strong picture and audio quality. The stunning visual clarity and vibrant colors vividly bring the film’s whimsical world to life, while the robust audio ensures that every musical number and spoken line is delivered with pristine clarity. Of particular note are the three individual commentary tracks included in this release, which offer a treasure trove of insights and behind-the-scenes details, enriching the viewing experience for both ardent fans and casual viewers.

I recently music-directed a cabaret where the singers performed one of my all-time favorite Schmidt and Jones tunes, the acerbically hilarious 'Not My Problem' from Celebration. It offers more astringent content than the sweeter sentiments in 'The Fantasticks' but showcases why their songwriting endures. 'The Fantasticks' doesn’t engage in such philosophizing, yet it exudes an undeniable charm and emotionalism that make it deeply affecting. Despite its flaws, when taken on its own terms, it holds distinctive pleasures. With top-notch technical merits and appealing supplements, this Blu-ray release comes highly recommended.