Words and Music Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Words and Music" is a compelling visualization rooted in precise restoration techniques. Sourced from a new 4K scan of the original Technicolor negatives, it delivers a stunning 1080p transfer with impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail. The transfer's integrity is upheld through its disc encoding, which remains consistent apart from negligible macro-blocking artifacts. This pristine restoration, primarily driven by the efforts of Warner Archive, will certainly resonate with purists who appreciate authentic film experiences.

The technical prowess extends through a vibrant 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 presentation, revitalizing the film beyond its previous 2007 DVD iteration. While effectively capturing the lush cinematography attributed to Oscar-winning talents Charles Rosher and Harry Stradling Sr., the transfer's fidelity is remarkable. It retains the film's original light grain, preserving its cinematic essence. The meticulous color reproduction renders vibrant reds, yellows, greens, and elegantly nuanced pastels, securing a space for realism amidst opulence. This attention encompasses detailed scrutiny in set pieces and costumes while amplifying the allure in close-ups of legendary stars such as Lena Horne, Judy Garland, Cyd Charisse, and Janet Leigh.

The movie maintains its theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1, ensuring an authentic viewing experience akin to its original exhibition. The Technicolor imagery is sharp and the clarity remarkable, accentuating natural flesh tones against a backdrop of well-defined blacks devoid of age-related flaws. While the occasional softness may arise, it scarcely detracts from the overall presentation's remarkable crystal clarity. Divided into 40 chapters, this Blu-ray instance guarantees delight for aficionados of MGM musicals and devotees of classic film restoration.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track of the Blu-Ray for "Words and Music" delivers an impressive audio experience, maintaining clarity across lively musical numbers and quieter dialogues alike. The soundstage exhibits surprising depth, with dynamic range effectively capturing everything from lush orchestrations to subtle sonic details. The recordings are devoid of age-related disturbances such as hiss or crackle, ensuring an immersive listening experience throughout. The mix handles diverse scenarios deftly, be it rowdy group settings or intimate conversations, bringing out the best in each segment.

Moreover, the robust sound of this track is particularly emphasized during musical performances, where brassy highs and weighty lows are embraced without distortion. Garland's vocals come through powerfully clear, accentuated by a wide dynamic scale that enriches the musical renditions. Accompanying sound effects, such as cracking walnuts or shattering china, are distinct and contribute to a lively auditory environment. Notably absent is any indication of deterioration, which might have been expected given the age of the original material, thus preserving the integrity and purity of the audio.

Optional English (SDH) subtitles are available during the main feature, enhancing the experience for audiences who wish to follow song lyrics or dialogue closely. While the 2007 DVD offered commendable sound quality, this lossless track provides heightened fidelity and tonal richness, invigorating the musical sequences with renewed vibrancy and appeal.

This Blu-ray release of Words and Music delivers a rich array of DVD-era extras, primarily focusing on insightful historical content and engaging retrospectives. The standout feature is the Audio Commentary by Richard Barrios, who provides an engaging, though occasionally repetitive, analysis of Rodgers and Hart's journey, offering clarification on MGM’s chronological liberties. Also notable is the A Life in Words and Music featurette, which offers a multifaceted look at the film more vivid than the biopic itself, with interviews from notable figures such as Mary Rodgers and Mickey Rooney. For music enthusiasts, the unused musical sequences and audio outtakes, featuring performances by Perry Como and others, are valuable highlights. The inclusion of vintage shorts like The Cat That Hated People and Going to Blazes! provide additional historical context and entertainment. The package is rounded off with the original theatrical trailer and an extensive song selection menu for quick access.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: An insightful analysis by historian Richard Barrios.
• A Life in Words and Music: A retrospective featurette with notable interviews.
• Unused Musical Sequences: Rare songs by Perry Como with visuals.
• Audio Outtakes: Performances by Gene Kelly, Lena Horne, among others.
• The Cat That Hated People: A comedic Tex Avery short from 1948.
• Going to Blazes!: A 1947 firefighting tutorial short by MGM.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Vintage promotional material.
• Song Selection: Instant access to main musical performances.

"Words and Music" navigates the illustrious yet fictionalized journey of the famed composer Richard Rodgers and lyricist Lorenz Hart. Directed by Norman Taurog, the film draws attention with its rich tapestry of musical spectacles, highlighting classic songs such as "Blue Moon," "The Lady is a Tramp," and "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue." These performances, delivered by luminaries like Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, and Lena Horne, stand as the film's undeniable strengths. Despite the deliberately distorted portrayal of Rodgers and Hart's personal and professional lives, the sheer musical strength offers a compelling engagement, captivating audiences through MGM's meticulous stagecraft and performance craftsmanship.

However, the storytelling crumbles under Hollywood's craving for melodrama, with biographical inaccuracies hampering its credibility. Characters like Rodgers, played by Tom Drake with lackluster enthusiasm, and Mickey Rooney's over-the-top depiction of Hart, further weaken the narrative. The film dedicates significant screen time to Hart's dramatized personal tribulations which are devoid of any real exploration into his genuine struggles such as his alcoholism and concealed homosexuality. These elements could have enriched the narrative yet are glossed over due to the era's stringent moral codes, detracting from any authentic engagement with the personal tribulation behind Hart’s genius.

While the film’s biographical narrative certainly leaves much to be desired, it excels as a vibrant musical revue. The musical numbers breathe life into the film with June Allyson’s delightful "Thou Swell" showcasing her vivacious charm, and Lena Horne offering impressive renditions of Rodgers and Hart's classics. Garland's robust performance in "Johnny One-Note" amplifies her indomitable stage presence, declaring why she stood out amongst MGM's star roster. Despite a faltering storyline marred by fabrication and dramatic liberties, "Words and Music" manages to shine through its vivid musical performances, ensuring its legacy as an essential MGM musical spectacle of the era.

Norman Taurog's 1948 film Words and Music epitomizes the classic MGM musical biopic of its era, blending spectacle with a liberal interpretation of historical accuracy. While the narrative might be criticized for its creative liberties and somewhat disjointed storytelling, the movie compensates with standout performances from Golden Age luminaries like Judy Garland, Lena Horne, and Gene Kelly. The film is an auditory and visual delight, offering powerful renditions of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart's compositions that remain mesmerizing to this day.

The Blu-ray release by Warner Archive significantly elevates Words and Music with a superb A/V restoration sourced from 4K scans of the original nitrate Technicolor negatives. This meticulous work breathes new life into the film, enhancing its vibrancy and auditory clarity, particularly in the crystalline lossless audio. Additionally, the disc is generously supplemented with DVD-era extras that celebrate the enduring allure of MGM musicals, offering both historical context and deeper appreciation for genre enthusiasts.

In conclusion, while Words and Music may not serve as a textbook biography of Rodgers and Hart, it excels as a vibrant celebration of their musical genius. The Warner Archive Blu-ray release is an exemplary product that not only preserves but enriches this classic film, making it a recommended addition for fans of musical cinema. The high-quality restoration and abundance of extras ensure that this release transcends its status as a mere curiosity, establishing it as an essential piece for collectors and aficionados.