A Chorus Line Blu-ray Review

MGM's 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray presentation of "A Chorus Line" is a commendable effort that gives the film an impressively clear and sharply detailed image. Utilizing a 2.34:1 aspect ratio, Ronnie Taylor's cinematography benefits greatly from the high average bitrate of 33.86 Mbps, ensuring fluidity and clarity even during the film's most kinetic dance sequences. The pristine source material results in a fine, natural-looking grain pattern, while deep and solid blacks enable musical numbers spotlighted against darkness to stand out remarkably. The color palette spans the gamut from muted backstage tones to the spectacularly vibrant golden finale, illustrating a well-balanced spectrum that enhances visual storytelling.

Despite being nearly three decades old, "A Chorus Line" shows no notable signs of wear. The natural grain structure is reminiscent of celluloid, delivering a nostalgic yet crisp viewing experience. The New York cityscape shots are rendered with an appealing sharpness, contrasting effectively with the stark interiors of the theater. High shadow detail ensures that scenes set in dimly lit environments, such as those featuring Michael Douglas in a dark auditorium, retain their depth without suffering from crush. Colors, though used sparingly throughout, are vibrant when they do appear; dance attire and the 'One' finale outfits exhibit bright, beautifully saturated hues that add visual flair.

Close-up shots present a mixed bag—some display remarkable sharpness while others appear subtly soft—but overall, no digital artifacts or inappropriate enhancements detract from the viewing experience. This Blu-ray transfer arguably surpasses many other catalogue titles from its era and should satisfy both long-time fans and new viewers alike.

The Blu-ray release of "A Chorus Line" features the two-channel Dolby Surround mix from its general release, expertly formatted as a lossless DTS-HD MA 2.0 track. Despite the absence of a 5.1 remix, this stereo track excels when played through a competent surround decoder. The audio presentation boasts remarkable stereo separation, with the orchestral score eloquently divided between the left and right fronts and skillful pans accompanying the singers' movements across the stage. The chorus's sounds are routinely directed to the surrounds, creating an immersive experience that rivals any discrete mix.

The audio quality is outstanding, offering marvelous shadings, fidelity, and depth of tone that fill the room with ease. Stereo separation is superb, maintaining distinct channel action during both musical and dramatic sequences, which significantly enhances the soundscape’s impact. The dynamic range is excellent, adeptly handling bright highs and deep bass without distortion. Notably, the track is free from pops, crackles, or hiss, ensuring pure and reliable audio playback.

Moreover, the music is rendered beautifully despite the strong use of synthesizers, with dialogue and lyrics always clear and appropriately prioritized. While some might argue that a more expansive mix could have been ideal for such a high-energy musical, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 track delivers a performance that will satisfy even the most dedicated Broadway enthusiasts. The original recording quality shines through, making this audio presentation an unexpected delight for listeners.

Fox’s Blu-ray release of "A Chorus Line" is notably sparse in the realm of extras, with the inclusion of only the original theatrical trailer. This trailer, presented in 1080p and maintaining the film's 2.35:1 aspect ratio, offers a brief but nostalgic look back into the '80s zeitgeist. It’s worth mentioning that previous extras, such as the featurette on Marvin Hamlisch from the 2003 MGM DVD release, have been excluded in this version. Despite the missing content, Fox has not deviated from its typical approach to MGM catalog titles, employing BD-Java for disc mastering, which unfortunately lacks a main menu and bookmarking capabilities.

Extras included in this disc:

• Original Theatrical Trailer: A brief, nostalgic glimpse into the '80s era.

Based on a rich and beloved source material, the adaptation of "A Chorus Line" into a film becomes an intriguing, yet flawed study of what makes stage productions distinct from their cinematic counterparts. The film sets its audition proceedings on the actual stage, with a massive group of hopefuls vying for roles under the keen eye of director Zach (Michael Douglas) and his assistant Larry (Terrence Mann). This structure mirrors the real-life struggles and aspirations of performers, presenting a tapestry of ambitions woven into song and dance. Yet, the screenplay by Arnold Schulman splinters Michael Bennett's compelling vision by overemphasizing the backstage drama between Zach and his ex-lover, Cassie (Alyson Reed). This shift detracts from the broad, communal narrative of striving dancers, instead turning it into a ponderous romance.

Director Richard Attenborough's approach exacerbates these script issues by physically isolating Zach in a small pool of light, echoing, but failing to capture the dramatic tension of his voice-over role in the stage version. Michael Douglas, while capable, doesn't transcend the limits of his underdeveloped character, resulting in scenes that should vibrate with anxiety and ambition instead falling flat. The narrative drag is only occasionally interrupted by competent renditions such as Audrey Landers' "Dance: Ten; Looks: Three" and the palatably energetic "Surprise, Surprise" from Gregg Burge's Richie Walters. Particularly distressing is the botched handling of "What I Did for Love," which shifts from a dancer's poignant anthem to a mere lamentation of personal loss.

The film's effort to resonate with contemporary trends falls short, transforming a timeless Broadway classic into what feels like a dated product of the 1980s. The heavily synthesized orchestrations, attempts at populist appeal through forceful vocals, and the replacement of key original songs with lackluster alternatives undermine the film’s intent. Resultantly, instead of conveying the soulful passion of theater life, this adaptation leaks energy intermittently and misses out on exuding the charm and solidarity that defined "A Chorus Line" on stage.

Richard Attenborough’s film adaptation of "A Chorus Line" undeniably falters when compared to its Broadway progenitor. The film struggles to capture the spontaneity, energy, and emotional resonance that made the original musical a seminal piece of American theater. The decision to introduce subpar new songs and delete key elements from the original production weakens the narrative's impact significantly. Moreover, the expanded storyline does little to enhance the audience's connection with the characters or the plot. Attenborough, known for his epic cinematic endeavors, fails to translate the intimate and raw essence of the stage to the screen, leaving the viewer with a stilted and anachronistic experience that feels trapped in its 1980s context.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation is competent but not spectacular. The video transfer is above average, providing clear and vivid imagery that brings out the film's color palette effectively. The audio, framed by a robust DTS-HD stereo track, is excellent and serves to highlight the musical numbers well, despite their criticized execution. However, the lack of substantive supplementary materials is a significant drawback. With only a paltry trailer included, audiences are left without insightful context or enhanced features that could have mitigated some of the film's shortcomings.

In conclusion, unless you are an ardent collector of all things related to "A Chorus Line," this Blu-ray adaptation is unlikely to satisfy. It lacks the vivacity and authenticity of the Broadway show and fails to offer substantive extras that might otherwise justify its place in a home collection. The 2008 documentary "Every Little Step" remains a far more authentic and engaging portrayal of this classic musical’s spirit and history. For anyone seeking to truly understand and appreciate "A Chorus Line," waiting for a live touring production is highly recommended.