The Strawberry Blonde Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Strawberry Blonde" boasts a remarkably impressive 1080p transfer, the result of a meticulous 4K scan sourced from the original nitrate camera negative. Warner Archive's restoration work shines, delivering an image that encapsulates the elegance of cinematographer James Wong Howe’s acclaimed style. Exceptional clarity is apparent throughout, with fine detail and textures exquisitely rendered in both costume and production design elements. The video presentation maintains strong contrast and flawlessly graded grays that enrich the overall cinematic experience.

This transfer faithfully maintains the film's original 1.37:1 theatrical aspect ratio, employing the AVC codec to ensure optimum quality. The resulting presentation displays no signs of posterization, banding, excessive noise reduction, or digital sharpening, granting it an authentic, film-like appearance. Rich blacks and stable whites enhance shadow details, providing viewers with a superior viewing experience devoid of any nicks, marks, or digital anomalies. Every subtle element—from the intricate texture of costumes to the minute details in crowded background scenes—is sharply realized, with close-ups revealing impressive clarity down to individual pores and wrinkles.

Though a handful of scenes may exhibit minor softness, these instances do not detract from the overall exceptional quality of the transfer. The disc is encoded without flaws and is divvied into 28 chapters for easy navigation. This Blu-ray presentation stands as a testament to Warner Archive's dedication to preserving cinematic history, undoubtedly pleasing enthusiasts of classic films and delivering one of the finest black-and-white transfers available on the format today.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix of "The Strawberry Blonde" delivers an exceptionally clear and authentic sound experience, remaining true to the origins of its original nitrate track. The audio restoration process appears to have been executed with great precision, successfully removing most signs of wear without compromising the texture, resulting in a nearly flawless presentation. The mix exhibits a wide dynamic range, capably handling the high and low notes of Heinz Roemheld's Oscar-nominated score. Dialogue clarity is maintained throughout, easily comprehensible amidst consistent background music that enriches the period setting, while preventing it from overshadowing the vocal delivery.

The sound mix captures sonic details with impressive fidelity—subtle elements such as background saloon noise and piano tinkling are rendered crisply, enhancing the film's atmospheric authenticity. With no noticeable distortions like hiss or pops, the audio remains clean and engaging from start to finish. The repetition of the song "The Band Played On" can feel slightly excessive, yet it integrates smoothly within the mix due to the skillful modulation of sound elements. This restoration ensures that the audio quality meets, if not surpasses, its original viewing experience, offering viewers a superior auditory immersion. English (SDH) subtitles are available for those who require them during the main feature.

This Blu-ray release of "The Strawberry Blonde" significantly surpasses its DVD predecessor by incorporating an abundance of historical extras, enriching the viewing experience. Notably, it includes two vintage radio adaptations, providing a unique auditory glimpse into past performances. The Screen Guild Radio Broadcast features the original cast, though the audio is marred by noticeable defects. The Lux Radio Theater Broadcast offers a longer and better-preserved adaptation with a different stellar cast, showcasing their talent in this medium. Additionally, a range of era-specific shorts enhances the appeal, from the glamorous "Polo With the Stars," featuring celebrated personalities of yesteryear, to the classic "Tortoise Beats Hare," an expertly restored cartoon. The inclusion of these meticulously restored materials exemplifies Warner Archive's dedication to preserving cinematic history.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: A delightful vintage promotional short.
• Screen Guild Radio Broadcast: A rough-sounding adaptation with the original cast.
• Lux Radio Theater Broadcast: A longer, better-conditioned adaptation with Rita Hayworth and Don Ameche.
• Polo With the Stars: A restoed short exploring polo with famous stars.
• Tortoise Beats Hare: A classic Merrie Melodies cartoon directed by Fred Tex Avery.

Raoul Walsh’s "The Strawberry Blonde," newly available on Blu-ray, remains a delightful romantic comedy-drama from 1941, blending nostalgic charm with notable performances. The film, set primarily in the 1890s, hinges on the appealing dynamic of its lead actors: James Cagney as Biff Grimes, Olivia de Havilland as Amy Lind, and Rita Hayworth as Virginia Brush. Cagney shines in this atypical, lighter role, departing from his usual tough-guy image for a character marked by both pugnacity and vulnerability. His portrayal is invigorated by the playfulness and lively exchanges with de Havilland and Hayworth. The film’s nostalgia for turn-of-the-century New York City is emphasized through its use of period-specific music, although the frequent repetition of tunes like “The Band Played On” may test some viewers’ patience.

The screenplay by Julius J. and Philip G. Epstein marries broad comedy with surprising drama, containing elements of melodrama under Walsh’s direction. Though primarily comedic, the film features dark narrative turns, such as Biff’s stint in jail and Hugo Barnstead’s (Jack Carson) manipulative antics. The plot unfolds through a somewhat clumsy flashback structure which offers an insightful yet slightly disjointed look at Biff's past. While Cagney anchors the story, the supporting cast, including Carson and a scene-stealing Alan Hale as Biff’s father, adds depth and color to the proceedings.

Overall, "The Strawberry Blonde" thrives on its engaging performances and the synergy between its talented cast members. Rita Hayworth’s role as Virginia heralds a breakout performance that contributed significantly to her burgeoning stardom of the early 1940s. This Blu-ray release not only revives the film’s visual and auditory elements with a high-quality restoration but also enhances its historical allure with relevant bonus features, celebrating its enduring appeal as classic Hollywood entertainment.

Raoul Walsh's "The Strawberry Blonde" remains a timeless romantic comedy, delighting audiences with its endearing performances and its immersive portrayal of the 1890s. Anchored by the magnetic chemistry between Cagney and de Havilland and featuring Hayworth in a standout role, the film expertly balances romance with comedic flair, showcasing Walsh’s versatility beyond his renowned gangster dramas. Despite some repetitiveness in its period-specific musical scores and a slightly dated flashback format, the charm is palpable, continuously eliciting smiles from viewers.

The Warner Archive Blu-ray release expertly revitalizes this classic with an exceptional 4K scan of the original nitrate camera negative, ensuring the film’s visual integrity is preserved with stunning clarity. Additionally, the remastered audio heightens the viewing experience, perfectly complementing the film’s vintage aesthetic. The collection of period-appropriate extras further enriches the offering, making it an invaluable addition for both ardent aficionados and new audiences.

In conclusion, "The Strawberry Blonde" on Blu-ray is an exemplary restoration that underscores the enduring allure of Walsh’s classic. The superior audio-visual quality paired with thoughtfully curated supplements makes this edition not just a viewing but a comprehensive cinematic experience. Highly recommended for both devoted fans and first-time watchers seeking to explore a slice of golden-era Hollywood charm.