Meet Me in St. Louis Blu-ray Review

Warner Brothers Home Entertainment delivers a visually stunning presentation of "Meet Me in St. Louis" on Blu-ray, utilizing an AVC/MPEG-4 encoded 1080p transfer framed in the 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The restored three-strip Technicolor image is exceptional, preserving the warmth and vibrancy synonymous with old Hollywood. Skin tones appear rosy, and colors like the reds and greens are lush and saturated, offering a breathtaking visual experience that leaps off the screen. The sharpness and detail of the image are remarkable, revealing intricate patterns in wallpaper, carpets, and dresses. The grain structure is fine and consistent, enhancing the period setting without becoming obtrusive. Lighting and shadow details, especially in close-ups and interiors, are exquisitely portrayed, reflecting the masterful cinematography.

The Technicolor palette is faithfully reproduced, with crimson reds, verdant greens, and other hues maintaining their appropriate temperatures without over-saturation. Details are strikingly sharp, especially in elements like Tiffany lamps and background textures. Black levels are deep and rich, particularly effective in the Halloween scenes, yet shadow delineation remains intact without any crushing. Whites also hold solid integrity, especially noticeable in elaborate costume designs. Minnelli's expert use of close-ups adds to the visual allure, with shots of Judy Garland in particular exhibiting a lushness that reflects an artistic adoration from the director. The transfer is largely free from artifacts such as edge enhancement or digital noise reduction (DNR), maintaining a clean and authentic filmic quality.

Overall, Warner has treated "Meet Me in St. Louis" with a level of respect and detail befitting its status as a classic M-G-M title. The Blu-ray outclasses prior DVD releases with superior clarity, contrast, and period-true color reproduction, making it a definitive visual experience for fans of classic cinema and musicals. Minor blemishes are virtually nonexistent, marking this Blu-ray as a superior effort in preserving and showcasing one of Hollywood's golden treasures.

The audio presentation of "Meet Me in St. Louis" on Blu-ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.0 surround track, which is a significant upgrade over the original optical mono sound. This new mix wisely refrains from excessive surround effects, opting instead to enrich the sound with added depth. Although the surround speakers engage minimally and only during musical numbers, the overall dynamic range is notably broader. This enhancement allows Judy Garland's iconic voice to shine with greater clarity and fullness, while Conrad Salinger's orchestrations exhibit more pronounced highs and lows. The dialogue remains firmly anchored in the front channels, ensuring intelligibility at all times.

The implementation of the lossless audio track results in a more immersive experience, especially palpable during musical sequences. The track's fidelity is impressive, capturing nuances such as the rustling of dresses and the Halloween bonfire's flames with remarkable precision. While occasional faint hiss and minor pops are present, these do not detract from the enjoyment. The mix retains a hint of the original recording's boxiness, but the overall cleanup is excellent, removing most of the age-related artifacts like snap, crackle, and pop. The midrange is particularly rich, enhancing Garland's performances in classic songs like 'The Trolley Song' and 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.'

Despite dropping the original mono track, the Blu-ray compensates with a music-only track available in the special features section. This track isolates Garland’s vocals and Salinger’s orchestrations, offering an additional layer of appreciation for purists and audiophiles. Overall, this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.0 mix strikes a fine balance between honoring the original intent and modernizing the soundtrack for contemporary audiences.

The Blu-ray release of "Meet Me in St. Louis" offers an exceptional array of extras that deepen the appreciation of this Golden Age Hollywood classic. Presented in a beautifully bound Digibook, the package includes comprehensive materials such as insightful commentaries, nostalgic television specials, and historical documentaries. John Fricke's audio commentary stands out for its meticulous research and inclusion of archival recordings from integral figures like Margaret O'Brien and composer Hugh Martin. The disc also features heartfelt contributions from Liza Minnelli, whose introduction adds personal context and warmth. Additional highlights include a retrospective on Judy Garland's career, a fascinating 1972 documentary on MGM, and rare vintage shorts featuring Garland's early performances. The set is rounded off with an engaging TV pilot and valuable audio recordings, making it indispensable for enthusiasts of classic cinema and Judy Garland.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction by Liza Minnelli: Liza Minnelli's heartfelt introduction sharing personal memories.
• Audio Commentary: Historian John Fricke introduces archival recordings from cast and crew.
• 'Meet Me in St. Louis': The Making of an American Classic: Retrospective documentary narrated by Roddy McDowell.
• Hollywood: The Dream Factory: Insightful 1972 documentary on MGM.
• Becoming Attractions: Judy Garland: TCM special hosted by Robert Osborne featuring 13 trailers.
• TV Pilot: Meet Me in St. Louis: Unaired 1966 episode featuring Shelley Fabares.
• Bubbles: 1930 Vitaphone short featuring a young Judy Garland.
• Skip to My Lou: 1941 short with songwriters Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane.
• Audio Vault: Includes music-only track, deleted song, and 1946 Lux Radio Theater broadcast.
• Theatrical Trailer: Reissue preview from 1955.
• CD Sampler: Features four notable songs from the film’s soundtrack.

"Meet Me in St. Louis" arrives on Blu-ray with a masterfully restored 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer that retains the nostalgic charm of MGM's Technicolor era, showcased in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The preservation of the three-strip Technicolor process offers vibrant and true-to-the-era visuals that make the film a visual delight; rosy skin tones, velvety blacks, and bright reds draw viewers into a candy-colored recreation of early 20th-century Americana. The newly presented DTS-HD Master Audio 5.0 mix astutely enhances the original mono without detracting from its authenticity, adding depth especially to the film's iconic musical numbers.

Judy Garland, initially reluctant to take on the role of 17-year-old Esther, imbues her character with a memorable combination of winsome charm and emotional resonance. Vincente Minnelli's direction turns what could be a simplistic story into an evocative narrative filled with poignant family dynamics and enchanting musical sequences. Garland's performances of "The Boy Next Door," "The Trolley Song," and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" are profoundly touching and seamlessly integrated into the film’s fabric, thanks to contributions by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane. Margaret O'Brien's notable portrayal of Tootie earned her a Juvenile Academy Award and adds an element of mischievous charm that complements Garland's elegance.

The film's meticulously crafted mise-en-scène, from its art direction to George Folsey's stunning cinematography, underscores Minnelli’s impeccable attention to detail. Each frame exudes the opulence of MGM's golden age, harmoniously blending the narrative’s gentleness with Technicolor grandeur. Despite its ostensibly minimal dramatic tension, "Meet Me in St. Louis" remains a timeless cinematic treasure, celebrated for its idyllic escapism and insightful depiction of familial warmth, perfectly preserved and now more accessible than ever on this beautifully crafted Blu-ray edition.

"Meet Me in St. Louis" is often overlooked as a holiday movie, yet it stands as one of the most heartwarming films of its era, making it perfect Christmas viewing. The film features the poignant "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," which, despite its melancholic tone, contributes to the film's lasting appeal. Fundamentally, the movie is designed for all seasons, capturing attention with its charming, small-scale story. Warner Brothers has delivered an excellent Blu-ray release, boasting stellar video and audio quality that enhances the overall experience.

Musical aficionados will be thrilled with Warner's top-notch release of this Hollywood gem. The Blu-ray edition is exemplary, with superb video and audio fidelity complemented by a wealth of high-quality supplements. "Meet Me in St. Louis" remains a quintessential family musical, with a universally relatable storyline and characters, timeless songs delivered with passion and energy by the indomitable Judy Garland, and beautiful Technicolor visuals that transport audiences through time. The enduring charm and magic of Garland, Minnelli, and MGM shine brightly throughout the film, making it a delight for viewers of all ages.

In conclusion, "Meet Me in St. Louis" is a quietly impactful film that charms effortlessly with its modest narrative and enduring musical numbers. The Blu-ray release from Warner Brothers is a stellar presentation that enhances the film's appeal, making it highly recommended not just for musical lovers but for anyone looking to experience a timeless classic. Don’t miss this opportunity to hop aboard and revel in the magic once again.