Bathing Beauty Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive's Blu-ray release of "Bathing Beauty" presents a meticulously restored version of this Technicolor classic, akin to their recent work on other MGM Technicolor musicals. Using the original negatives, the 1080p transfer effectively captures the film's vibrant hues and intricate details, creating a breathtaking visual experience even on smaller screens. This restoration reinstates the original 1.37:1 theatrical aspect ratio and employs the AVC codec to ensure exceptional clarity and color depth.

The film boasts an impressively sharp and clean image with remarkable textures and naturally preserved film grain. The colors are rich, typical of MGM's signature style, with no signs of misregistration, offering a visually compelling experience. While minimal instances of light posterization and macro blocking are present, they do little to detract from an otherwise near-perfect presentation. With the movie divided into 28 chapters, viewers can enjoy a seamless navigation through this beautifully restored piece of cinematic history.

The Blu-Ray audio presentation of "Bathing Beauty" is a standout with its DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio mix, showcasing a nicely restored split-channel presentation derived from the original mono source elements. This audio format delivers clean and crisp dialogue with a surprisingly good dynamic range, establishing a purist-minded effort for enthusiasts. Consistency is key, with each aspect of the mix contributing to a seamless and authentic listening experience that respects the historical context of the film's release.

Attention to era-specific fidelity is evident, as the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono sound mix effectively preserves the original intent. Notably, the mix boasts strong fidelity without succumbing to age-related imperfections such as hiss, crackle, or pops. Dialogue and song lyrics are conveyed with impressive clarity, while background music and sound effects are skillfully integrated, enhancing the overall auditory experience. The inclusion of optional English (SDH) subtitles during the main feature further caters to a broad audience, though it is important to note they are not available for additional content.

Overall, this audio presentation serves as a testament to a meticulous restoration process that preserves the film's auditory charm while delivering robust contemporary quality.

The Blu-Ray release of "Bathing Beauty" offers a robust selection of DVD-era extras that enhance the viewing experience. The extras include a well-curated mix of vintage promotional materials and engaging short films. Collectors will appreciate the inclusion of the "Private Screenings with Esther Williams," an insightful 1996 TCM interview conducted by Robert Osborne, which provides personal anecdotes and historical context surrounding Williams' work. The disc also features the Oscar-winning animated short "Mouse Trouble," showcasing Tom and Jerry's timeless antics, and "Main Street Today," an impactful World War II-era short aimed at encouraging public involvement. Additionally, the Song Selection menu allows instant access to 15 key musical moments and performances from the film, enriching the audience's appreciation of its musical heritage.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: A vintage promotional piece.
• Mouse Trouble: 1944 Tom & Jerry animated short.
• Main Street Today: A 1944 patriotic short.
• Private Screenings with Esther Williams: Interview by Robert Osborne.
• Song Selection: Access to 15 musical cues.

Bathing Beauty, directed by George Sidney, is a colorful musical romantic comedy that offers an intriguing blend of slapstick humor, engaging musical performances, and vibrant Technicolor cinematography. It's Esther Williams' first major film as a lead and her swimming skills undeniably shine, especially in the finale's synchronized swimming showpiece designed by John Murray Anderson. However, Williams and co-star Red Skelton, though charming individually, lack chemistry as the central couple. The plot, involving a convoluted mix-up where Williams and Skelton's wedding is interrupted by an actress pretending to be his wife, descends rapidly into a chaotic yet entertaining mess typical of mid-century musicals.

Although the narrative is meager and often takes a backseat, Bathing Beauty compensates with its strong musical offerings. Featuring bands at their peak like Xavier Cugat's Orchestra and Harry James, plus performances by the talented organist Ethel Smith, the film is an exuberant auditory experience. Red Skelton stands out with his energetic pantomime routines and comedic ballet antics, providing substantial comic relief. Meanwhile, Williams conveys her star power through vivid Technicolor appearances, ensuring her subsequent MGM swimming musicals’ popularity.

This Warner Archive Blu-ray edition captures Bathing Beauty's technical marvels vividly, showcasing its sparkling visuals and crisp sound with high-quality restoration efforts. Despite the shallow plot akin to later musical comedies starring outside talents, the film's engaging performances and musical numbers make it a worthwhile watch for genre enthusiasts. For fans of Golden Age musicals or the allure of mid-20th-century Technicolor films, Bathing Beauty is a glittering piece of cinematic confectionery that thrives on charm rather than narrative substance.

"Bathing Beauty" on Blu-ray delivers a vibrant Technicolor spectacle that effectively captures the essence of Esther Williams' initial foray into musicals. Though the storyline offers limited depth, the film compensates with visually stunning scenes and engaging musical numbers. Williams' charm and dynamic performances shine, contributing to the film's lasting appeal. The Blu-ray release meticulously restores the film's vivid color palette and sound quality, showcasing Warner Archive's commitment to high-definition excellence. This release provides an immersive viewing experience, particularly for audiences appreciative of classic cinema and musical performances.

Warner Archive enriches this Blu-ray edition with bonus features, reminiscent of its DVD predecessor but enhanced with contemporary upgrades. These extras offer insightful context and value, making it a worthwhile addition for collectors and enthusiasts of vintage films. The seamless combination of audio-visual quality and special features highlights Warner's dedication to preserving cinematic history in a format that does justice to the original production. Such enhancements elevate the viewing experience, making "Bathing Beauty" a notable example of Warner Archive's proficient handling of classic film releases.

In summary, while "Bathing Beauty" might hold niche appeal due to its simple narrative, its visual and musical appeal is undeniably captivating in this Blu-ray edition. The superior restoration quality and thoughtfully curated extras ensure this release stands out among similar catalog offerings. Fans of Esther Williams and the broader audience with an appreciation for Technicolor artistry will find this release particularly rewarding. "Bathing Beauty" on Blu-ray comes highly recommended not just as a nostalgic trip but as a testament to the era's cinematic flair and Warner Archive's exceptional restoration capabilities.