State Fair Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "State Fair" offers a solid yet imperfect experience with its 1080p AVC encoded transfer, preserving the film's original CinemaScope 2.37:1 aspect ratio. While the palette generally exhibits vivid colors, fluctuations in color temperature occasionally result in reds leaning towards orange. The visual scope is well-exploited, particularly in Walter Lang’s meticulous wide framing. However, differences between studio shots and on-location scenes, including those likely taken by a second unit, are apparent, with on-location sequences demonstrating more pronounced color drainage. Elevated resolution highlights these variations and occasionally reveals the seams in the compositing work, notably visible in certain process photography instances.

Grain is detectable, particularly in earlier sequences, yet it does not detract significantly from the viewing experience. Key positive attributes include solid black levels, bright whites, and rock-solid checkered patterns, maintaining natural and stable flesh tones. Close-ups are impressively detailed, revealing the vibrant expressions of younger stars and preserving intricate background details. Clever shadow delineation aids in averting any crush issues. Nevertheless, print damage—manifesting as marks, scratches, and vertical lines—periodically intrudes and momentarily shifts attention away from the narrative. These brief instances are notable but do not overwhelmingly degrade the overall experience.

Overall, this transfer presents an enjoyable representation of "State Fair," though it reveals its age when compared to other releases from Twilight Time's portfolio. The faithful rendering in Cinemascope’s 2.35:1 aspect ratio maintains sharpness across chapters while cinematic warmth and detail are mostly upheld. Minimal debris during credits and isolated scratches are acknowledged, yet the restoration is commendable considering the film's vintage.

The Blu-Ray edition of "State Fair" presents two notable audio tracks: DTS-HD Master Audio 4.0 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, carefully crafted to enhance the viewing experience. The 4.0 track in particular provides an immersive audio landscape, especially during the bustling fair sequences. This track excels in stereo separation across front channels, creating a broadened soundscape that enriches Alfred Newman’s lush orchestrations. Richard Rodgers' compositions are delivered with clarity, accompanied by a substantial dynamic range that maintains fidelity across the spectrum, capturing the highs and lows without distortion.

Meanwhile, the 2.0 track ensures a balanced placement of dialogue and song lyrics, which remains a highlight of the presentation. Both tracks effectively prioritize vocal clarity, ensuring that dialogues and lyrics are rendered impeccably without any age-related artifacts such as hiss, pops, or crackles interfering with the listener's experience. Whether in musical interludes or spoken sequences, the crisp audio fidelity grants audiences an engaging listening experience that complements the film’s visual storytelling.

Notably, the tracks successfully sidestep typical issues found in older films with no noticeable hum or flutter affecting audio quality. The inclusion of optional English subtitles further supports accessibility, making this release approachable for a wide range of viewers. "State Fair" delivers soundtracks that truly honor the work of Rodgers and Hammerstein, through meticulous sound reproduction that reinforces the emotive strength of its classic songs and dialogue.

The Blu-ray extras for "State Fair" present an intriguing combination of archival and new content. The Audio Commentary with Pat Boone is noted for its lack of depth and sporadic nature, only mildly engaging Boone enthusiasts with sporadic personal anecdotes and reflective commentary. The Isolated Music Track, offered in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, provides a purist experience and is accessible via the Setup Menu. The featurette, From Page to Screen to Stage, delivers a comprehensive historical overview of "State Fair," tracing its journey from novel to various screen adaptations and the 1990s stage version. The State Fair TV Series Pilot attempts to recreate a family-oriented narrative reminiscent of "The Waltons," presenting an engaging ensemble cast. Two Original Theatrical Trailers showcase the film's youthful energy and musical essence. These supplementary features collectively provide a multifaceted exploration of the cultural imprint and adaptations of this classic tale.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: A casual track by Pat Boone with minimal insights.
• Isolated Music Track: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.
• From Page to Screen to Stage: Insightful examination of the film’s adaptations.
• State Fair TV Series Pilot: A nostalgic attempt at a family series.
• Theatrical Trailers: Vintage previews highlighting key aspects of the film.

The 1962 rendition of State Fair attempts to evoke the charm of its predecessors with a dynamic cast including Pat Boone, Ann-Margret, and Bobby Darin. However, while the film maintains the foundational plot elements from the beloved 1945 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, it fails to capture the magic that made its predecessor a classic. The cultural shift to the jet age and changes in musical tastes seemed to overshadow its quaint appeal. Director José Ferrer's efforts add new musical numbers and relocate the story to Texas, giving it a veneer of authenticity but ultimately the film feels overextended and lacks the kinetic energy found in more contemporary musicals of the era such as West Side Story.

Musically, Richard Rodgers' new compositions are competent but do little to rejuvenate the material. Ann-Margret's performances provide energetic highlights, particularly in "Isn't It Kind of Fun?" — though they cannot fully uplift the film. Pat Boone's natural performance is commendable, lending a degree of charisma missing from some other cast members. Meanwhile, Bobby Darin's portrayal as Jerry Dundee falls flat due to an excessive smarminess that detracts from his character's romantic potential.

While State Fair enjoys a splashy production and a few standout moments—like Alice Faye's long-awaited screen return—overall, it suffers from an indistinct sense of time and novelty. While Boone's refreshed interpretation adds a new dimension not seen in the earlier version, Pamela Tiffin's portrayal remains uninspired. The film’s overly ambitious length and additional narrative layers inadvertently weigh it down. Despite these setbacks, fans of traditional musicals may appreciate this version for its nostalgic value, but it is evident that the film struggles to escape the substantial shadow cast by its iconic predecessors.

The 1962 version of "State Fair" brings Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical back to life with a touch of modern flair yet struggles to surpass its predecessors in impact. Despite the engaging performances from talents like Pat Boone, Bobby Darin, and Ann-Margret, the story's simplicity prevents it from reaching new heights. This rendition attempts to infuse the beloved tale with additional allure and fresh musical numbers, but the result is merely a charming reinvention rather than a groundbreaking contribution to musical cinema.

Technically, Twilight Time's Blu-ray release provides viewers with commendable video and audio fidelity, making it an attractive choice for collectors and fans of classic musicals. The limited edition offers a respectable array of supplements that expand on the film's nostalgic appeal, though it appears predominantly tailored towards dedicated aficionados of Rodgers and Hammerstein's repertoire.

In conclusion, while "State Fair" on Blu-ray may not redefine the genre, it remains a pleasant, albeit lesser-known, piece of musical history. Its availability as a limited edition with just 3,000 copies enhances its value for enthusiasts seeking to complete their collections. However, as cinema history has shown, it lacks the universal acclaim that would place it alongside the era-defining achievements Fox would achieve just a few years later with a more famous Rodgers and Hammerstein adaptation.