Bells Are Ringing Blu-ray Review

"Bells Are Ringing," shot in Cinemascope by the acclaimed cinematographer Milton R. Krasner, benefits immensely from Minnelli's meticulous attention to detail regarding production design, costume, and lighting. Minnelli's masterful use of color is evident throughout the film, such as in Ella's opening number, where her distinctive light blue dress contrasts beautifully with the kaleidoscopic palette of the Susanswerphone set. The Blu-ray, presented in 1080p and AVC-encoded, showcases these details vividly, thanks to a 2K scan of a recently manufactured interpositive corrected by Warner's senior colorist. Although early Cinemascope lenses impart a characteristic softness, the image quality is remarkable for its detail and clarity, enhancing Minnelli’s meticulously constructed scenes, from the bustling meeting with bookies to vibrant Times Square walks and chic café sequences.

This Warner Archive Collection Blu-ray transfer maintains a high average bitrate of just under 35 Mbps, ensuring varied, vivid, and saturated colors, from the bright reds and intense blues of Ella's attire to the lush hues of supporting character outfits. The image features a natural grain pattern that adds to its film-like quality, with excellent background element discernment and shadow delineation. While some fluctuations in color and density occur briefly at scene changes due to optical dissolves, they are minor distractions in an otherwise pristine presentation. The skin tones remain natural, while the deep black levels and crisp whites offer a consistently balanced appearance throughout the film. A momentary inconsistency in framing and texture appears late in the feature but does not detract from the overall viewing experience. This transfer enhances the vibrant charm of "Bells Are Ringing," making it a visual feast for fans of classic musicals.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Bells Are Ringing" is truly remarkable, showcasing a meticulously crafted DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Warner Bros' decision to use original recording session masters along with the dialogue and effects track has resulted in a sound mix that feels both expansive and enveloping. The instrumentation, especially André Previn's Oscar-nominated scoring, benefits immensely from the lossless encoding, surrounding the listener and effectively supporting the vocal performances. Dialogue clarity is exceptional, with critical effects like ringing telephones crisply rendered. The dynamic range impresses, especially considering the film’s nearly 60-year age.

The track's fidelity and separation across the stereo channels contribute to a rich, bold soundscape that breathes new life into this classic musical. The front channels deliver excellent stereo separation, while weighty bass frequencies provide added depth. The soundtrack indeed shines during musical numbers, with a slight level boost injecting extra energy into the songs. Vocal prioritization is spot-on, allowing Dean Martin’s smooth baritone and Judy Holliday’s vibrant performance, particularly in 'I'm Going Back,' to come through with crystalline quality. Remarkably, there are no age-related imperfections, such as hiss, pops, or crackles, and distortion remains absent throughout. This active and full-bodied audio track will undoubtedly thrill musical enthusiasts from beginning to end.

The Blu-ray release of "Bells Are Ringing" effectively inherits all the extras from the 2005 DVD, including a remastered trailer in 1080p. Notably, the "Just in Time" featurette, while concise, provides substantial insights into Judy Holliday's life and career, featuring Hal Linden, Frank Gorshin, and archival footage of Comden and Green. The outtakes showcase two excised songs and an alternate take, highlighting Holliday’s comedic flair and providing a comparative look at different versions of "The Midas Touch." Despite being in standard definition, the collection of extras augments the film’s historical and cultural context.

Extras included in this disc:

• Bells Are Ringing: Just in Time Featurette: Hal Linden-led retrospection on Judy Holliday and the film’s production.
• Outtakes:
  • Is It a Crime?: A spirited performance by Judy Holliday.
  • The Midas Touch Alternate Take: An extended rendition by Hal Linden with showgirls.
  • My Guiding Star: A ballad performed by Dean Martin.
• Trailer: Remastered theatrical trailer in 1080p.

The 1960 film adaptation of "Bells Are Ringing" offers a vibrant showcase for Judy Holliday’s multifaceted talent, transcending typical musical fare with depth and charm. Directed by Vincente Minnelli and produced by Arthur Freed, the film retains much of its Broadway roots while adapting to the big screen. Holliday reprises her Tony Award-winning role as Ella Peterson, an endearing, busybody answering service operator who enthusiastically meddles in the lives of her clients, transforming their fortunes for the better. The screenplay, penned by legends Betty Comden and Adolph Green, thrives on witty dialogue and sharp characterizations, complemented by Jule Styne's melodious compositions. Highlights include standout numbers like “Just in Time” and “The Party’s Over,” deftly performed by the cast.

Central to the narrative is Ella's evolving relationship with Jeffrey Moss, a struggling playwright played by Dean Martin. Posing as an elderly confidante, Ella offers him the guidance and encouragement he desperately needs while falling in love from afar. Holliday's adeptness at slipping into various personas for her different clients—including a musical dentist and a Marlon Brando-aspiring actor—adds layers of humor and heart to the film. Meanwhile, subplots involving a misunderstood police inspector and a gambling scheme at Susanswerphone add zany complications that are expertly woven into the overall storyline. This deft blend of storyline threads ensures a lively pace that never overstays its welcome.

Despite initially being overshadowed by grander productions of its time, "Bells Are Ringing" has garnered a dedicated fan base for its first-class entertainment value. Its appeal lies not only in its snappy tunes and lovable characters but also in Holliday’s heartfelt performance, which injects warmth, humor, and authenticity into every scene. Vincente Minnelli's direction carefully balances this intimacy with accessible, relatable situations that resonate even today. While the film may have faded from widespread recognition over the decades, it remains a delightful gem within the musical genre—always deserving of reevaluation and appreciation.

The Warner Archive Collection's Blu-ray release of "Bells Are Ringing" beautifully preserves the charm and ebullience of Judy Holliday in her final film role. Directed by Vincente Minnelli, this romantic musical comedy captures Holliday's radiant talent as a meddling switchboard operator with an uncanny ability to fix her clients' lives. Set against the backdrop of catchy tunes like "Just in Time" and "The Party’s Over," the film deftly combines humor, romance, and a timeless narrative.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation is superb. The video transfer offers a significant improvement over the 2005 DVD, delivering crisp and vibrant visuals that do justice to Minnelli's direction and the production design. The audio quality likewise impresses, providing clear and dynamic sound that enhances both the musical numbers and dialogue. Supplementary materials are sparse but include some rare features that add value to this release, appealing to both dedicated fans and new viewers alike.

In conclusion, while Judy Holliday's life was tragically cut short, "Bells Are Ringing" remains a testament to her unparalleled comedic prowess and joyous spirit. This Blu-ray edition not only serves as a definitive preservation of her legacy but also brings Holliday's last—and arguably best—work into the digital age with finesse. Highly recommended for anyone who wishes to experience or revisit this delightful cinematic gem.