Stormy Weather Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Stormy Weather" is a commendable display of high-quality restoration work. The AVC encoded 1080p transfer, presented in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio, is remarkably clear and vibrant. While the elements are not entirely pristine, any visible wear and tear, such as minor dirt and white flecks, are minimal and do not detract from the viewing experience. The black levels and grey scale demonstrate excellent depth and contrast, contributing to the overall sharpness and clarity. The presentation remains free from image instability, and the absence of space-hogging supplements ensures an artifact-free visual experience on the BD-25.

This transfer is as lush and silky smooth as Lena Horne's iconic vocals, making "Stormy Weather" feel almost brand new. The superior clarity and contrast, coupled with a faint layer of natural grain, deliver an image that is both bold and sleek while retaining its classic filmic essence. The varied grey scale, characterized by deep black levels and well-defined whites, enhances the depth and makes fine details stand out distinctly. Close-ups reveal facial features with remarkable precision, and only a few negligible nicks appear in the pristine source material. Moreover, there are no issues with noise, pixelation, or digital doctoring, ensuring that the visual integrity of this vintage musical is preserved beautifully.

The audio presentation of "Stormy Weather" on Blu-ray, delivered through DTS-HD Master Audio Mono, offers a clear, well-modulated sound experience with a satisfying dynamic range. Notably, the musical numbers shine, presenting fresh, lively, and resonant audio that enhances the viewing experience. Despite the inherent limitations of a monaural track, the vocals and instrumentals possess excellent fidelity and pleasing depth. Dialogue reproduction is clear, ensuring comprehensibility throughout the film. Occasional pops and crackles are minimal and do not significantly detract from the overall audio quality.

While comparisons are drawn between the original soundtrack and the isolated score, it is evident that the isolated score provides a more vigorous and vivid listening experience. However, the original mono track still holds its ground, delivering essential elements like dialogue and score effectively. Minor issues, such as a brief sputter noted at around the 27:45 mark, are rare and do not recur upon replaying. Additionally, subtle sound effects, like falling rain and Robinson's tapping, add to the nuanced audio mix.

Overall, this Blu-ray release of "Stormy Weather" demonstrates a noticeable improvement over previous DVD versions in both audio clarity and dynamic range. The DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track may not reach modern high-definition audio standards but excels for a film from its era. This presentation should satisfy enthusiasts of classic musicals and admirers of Lena Horne, providing a rich auditory experience that complements the high-quality visual restoration.

The Blu-ray extras of "Stormy Weather" provide a valuable, culturally nuanced perspective that enriches the viewing experience. Dr. Todd Boyd, a critical studies professor at USC, offers an engaging audio commentary that delves into the cultural significance and racial politics reflected in the film. His discussion illuminates both how 'Stormy Weather' breaks and perpetuates stereotypes, examining the impact of African-American contributions to music and dance. Though Boyd’s commentary is somewhat deficient in discussing the film's production history and fails to fully contextualize some influences, it remains an insightful listen. Additionally, the isolated score track in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 is a vibrant inclusion, though with notably subdued or absent vocals.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Dr. Todd Boyd's discussion on cultural and social themes in the film.
• Isolated Score Track: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 with diminished or absent vocals.

"Stormy Weather," a cinematic gem from Hollywood’s Golden Age, stands out not only for its exceptional musical offerings but also its significant cultural impact. This 1943 film ambitiously sought to celebrate African-American contributions to entertainment, despite the era's pervasive racial prejudices. Lena Horne’s performance remains iconic, her ethereal rendition of the title song being one of the film's standout moments. Alongside Horne, Bill Bojangles Robinson anchors the narrative with his portrayal of Bill Williamson, a dancer recounting his journey in show business to a group of children. The supporting cast boasts luminaries such as Cab Calloway, Fats Waller, and the Nicholas Brothers, whose electrifying routines cement the film's status as a musical tour de force.

However, "Stormy Weather" is not without its complexities. While it bravely elevates African-American talent, it simultaneously grapples with stereotypes that are unsettling to modern audiences. Scenes featuring minstrel traditions and other racially insensitive depictions underscore the persistent struggle between showcasing talent and adhering to the biased norms of the time. Despite this, the film’s portrayal of black artists as confident individuals pursuing their dreams offers a progressive, albeit imperfect, reflection on race relations.

Technically, "Stormy Weather" is a marvel. The Blu-ray release enhances its visual and auditory splendor, even though it remains in black and white rather than the lavish Technicolor of many contemporaneous musicals. The audio transfer is equally commendable, preserving the richness of its DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 track. Packaging includes a thoughtful booklet with insights from film historian Julie Kirgo. While the story may feel disjointed due to its revue-like structure, the film's historical significance and dynamic performances make it an enduring classic in Hollywood’s musical pantheon.

Twilight Time's Blu-ray release of "Stormy Weather" provides a showcase for some of the most mesmerizing talents of the 20th century, featuring the unmatched performances of Lena Horne, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Cab Calloway, and the Nicholas Brothers. With its all-black cast and progressive depiction of the African-American experience, this film is both a significant cultural artifact and an exhilarating musical experience. The Blu-ray format enhances this presentation, featuring a superb video transfer and solid audio quality that do justice to the film's vibrant production values.

Despite its historical significance and brilliant performances, "Stormy Weather" does have its share of flaws. The narrative is often flimsy and fragmented, which can detract from the film's overall impact. The script’s reliance on dated and sometimes problematic stereotypes makes for a viewing experience that is occasionally jarring to contemporary eyes. Nevertheless, the electrifying song and dance numbers elevate the film, offering moments that transcend its narrative shortcomings. Twilight Time's edition may skimp on additional supplements, but the quality of the primary content compensates for this omission.

As Dr. Boyd points out in the commentary on this Blu-ray, in some ways "Stormy Weather" is a problematic viewing experience for contemporary eyes, but the film's ebullient performances help to overcome some of the clunkier plot machinations as well as some of the unfortunate stereotypes that mark this film as the product of a (hopefully) bygone age. Horne and Robinson are magical as the leads, and the supporting cast is wonderful. Technical merits are very strong and with an understanding of the context of the film's production mindset, "Stormy Weather" comes highly recommended.