On the Town Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "On the Town" is a somewhat missed opportunity to showcase this vibrant Technicolor musical in the best possible light. Shot by Harold Rossen, who lent his expertise to the visually stunning "Singin' in the Rain," expectations were naturally high for this release. However, the 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray disc does not seem to have benefited from Warner's Ultra Resolution process, a detail that is conspicuously absent both in the studio's press materials and in the visual quality of the film itself. While colors are adequately reproduced, resulting in a presentation that is pleasing in its vibrancy, there's a noticeable lack of sharpness and detail across the board. The absence of grain and the presence of electronic sharpening in some scenes detract from what could have been a much more film-like texture, particularly in dynamic sequences that are begging for a higher bitrate than the average 23.91 Mbps provided on this BD-25 disc.

Fans of "On the Town" who have anticipated its Blu-ray release may argue that this edition is the best the film has ever looked, and while there might be truth to that statement, it underscores the limitations rather than celebrates the achievements of this high-definition transfer. Compared to the Warner Archive Collection's consistent excellence in replicating the film-like quality of less mainstream titles, it's clear that Warner Home Video can and should offer better for its catalog films with wider appeal. Despite rumors of impending improvements to their transfer processes, such advancements have yet to be seen with the release of "On the Town" as part of the new Frank Sinatra Collection. The disc's visual presentation falls short of both contemporary expectations for high-definition formats and Warner's own established standards, making for a viewing experience that leaves a bit to be desired in terms of detail and textural fidelity.

The audio presentation of "On the Town" on Blu Ray, encoded in a lossless DTS-HD MA 1.0 mono track, displays a finely preserved source material that admirably withstands the test of time. Within the inherent limitations of the era's recording capabilities, this track manages to deliver a performance that respects the original sound dynamics of the musical. The soundstage, while understandably constrained by its mono nature, provides clear and direct delivery of both dialogue and the musical numbers, ensuring that none of Leonard Bernstein's intricate compositions nor Roger Edens' contributions lose their intended effect. It is noteworthy that the dynamic range, although limited by contemporary standards, avoids the extremities of harsh highs and boomy lows, establishing a balanced audio experience throughout.

The meticulous studio-recorded vocal performances are reproduced with clarity, ensuring that every lyric and dialogue piece is intelligible, which is crucial for a musical as vocally dynamic and expressive as "On the Town." The mix does well to highlight the myriad of textures in Bernstein's scores and Edens' arrangements without allowing any single element to overshadow others. This even-handed treatment extends to the handling of ambient sounds and musical cues, which are woven seamlessly into the fabric of the overall sound presentation.

Technical specifics aside, what stands out in this audio restoration is its respect for authenticity and fidelity to the original source material. This Blu Ray's audio track serves not just as a nostalgic trip to the golden era of musicals but also as a testament to the enduring power of careful audio preservation. The result is a listening experience that feels both timeless and immediate, inviting listeners into the heart of New York with clarity and warmth that few remasters achieve.

The Blu-ray release of "On the Town" surpasses its previous DVD versions by including a richer array of extras, enhancing the viewing experience with a glimpse into the era's cinematic environment. Notably, the addition of "Mr. Whitney Had a Notion," a short film about Eli Whitney, and "Doggone Tired," an animated piece directed by Tex Avery, alongside the traditional trailer offer viewers both educational content and entertainment. These extras, presented in 480i resolution, maintain their original aspect ratio of 1.37:1, preserving the historical authenticity of the materials. This curated selection provides a well-rounded complement to the main feature, catering to those interested in the broader context of American cinema in the late 1940s.

Extras included in this disc:

• Mr. Whitney Had a Notion: A 1949 MGM short showcasing Eli Whitney's invention of the cotton gin and his contribution to musket manufacturing.

• Doggone Tired: A 1949 MGM cartoon directed by Tex Avery about a rabbit's humorous efforts to tire out a hunting dog.

• Trailer: Original trailer that references "Anchors Aweigh" to entice audiences.

On the Town," the 1949 cinematic marvel co-directed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly, recently made its Blu-ray entrance, timed perfectly with the Broadway revival’s accolades. This movie, a landmark project from the Arthur Freed Unit at MGM, distills the essence of three sailors’ shore leave into a day-long escapade across New York City. Despite its variance from the original 1944 musical—particularly Roger Edens' overhaul of Leonard Bernstein's "too fancy" score in favor of his compositions, and significant book alterations to suit Kelly and Frank Sinatra’s dynamic duo—it has stood the test of time as a post-war rom-com staple.

The narrative was cleverly adapted for its screen life by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, emphasizing the camaraderie and romantic pursuits of Gabey (Kelly), Chip (Sinatra), and Ozzie (Jules Munshin), while navigating the censorship limitations of its era. Notably, the film capitalized on New York locales thanks to Kelly's vision, incorporating authentic scenes that lend a genuine atmosphere to the sailors' explorations, despite some of its now-cringeworthy moments of dated humor and stereotypes.

The portrayal of New York through the sailors' eyes, particularly Gabey’s pursuit of Miss Turnstiles and the ensuing adventures leading to heartfelt, albeit temporary, connections, encapsulates a whimsical yet poignant exploration of love and identity. While some original elements were sacrificed for mainstream appeal and compliance with the Hays Code, "On the Town" remains a nostalgic snapshot of 1949 America, brought to life with vibrant performances and timeless tunes that survived Edens' selective score retention—securing its place as a beloved classic in both film and musical theatre history.

On the Town" is a classic musical that, despite some of its perceived shortcomings, stands out as a pivotal example of ensemble performance in the golden era of Hollywood. While some may argue that the film serves more as a showcase for Gene Kelly's immense talent, it's imperative to recognize that the success of this production lies in the combined strength and chemistry of all six main actors. Their performances breathe life into characters that navigate a somewhat diluted script and a score that, aside from the iconic "New York, New York" by Leonard Bernstein, lacks the memorable impact expected from such a production. Directors Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen managed to orchestrate a captivating cinematic experience, highlighting why even with its flaws, "On the Town" captivated audiences.

The Blu-ray presentation of "On the Town," while not without its issues, represents the best version of the film we are likely to receive. Drawing attention to the technical aspects, it's clear that certain limitations exist, which might slightly hinder the full potential of this cinematic piece. However, considering these constraints, this release still offers a passable viewing experience for collectors and fans of classic musicals. The preservation of visual and audio quality is commendable, providing a glimpse into the lavish production values and spirited performances that characterize this era.

In conclusion, although "On the Town" on Blu-ray may not fulfill the highest expectations set by contemporary standards, it stands as an essential addition to the collection of any aficionado of classic cinema. The blend of Kelly's choreographic genius with Sinatra's charm, amidst a backdrop of quaint but underwhelming musical numbers, encapsulates a moment in film history worth revisiting. Given the unlikelihood of an improved re-release, this edition remains a valuable—if imperfect—rendition of a timeless musical tale. Viewer discretion is advised, balancing nostalgia with critical observation for an informed choice.