Viva Las Vegas Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Viva Las Vegas" features a 1080p, VC-1 encoded transfer in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio, which, despite being over a decade old, remains a strong candidate among catalog releases. The image quality, although not as groundbreaking as it might have been in 2007, is still impressively sharp and detailed. Cinematographer Joseph F. Biroc’s work is accentuated with elegant compositions of the film’s dance numbers and the climactic auto race, showing the prowess in widescreen shot execution. The source material is well-preserved with minimal print damage and a light grain that retains a cinematic texture. However, some scenes exhibit slight smoothness and flatness, likely due to the limitations of early digital transfers.

Color reproduction is vibrant, with the bright lights of the Las Vegas strip providing a visual feast; bold reds are striking but occasionally bleed. Blacks are deep and solid, offering excellent contrast that adds depth to dimly lit scenes and shadows within the men's formal attire. Minor compression artifacts like video noise, false contouring, and halos around characters emerge but remain minimally distracting to the overall viewing experience. These issues stem from Warner's decision to use a low bitrate of 20.42 Mbps on a BD-25 disc, leaving over 6 GB of space unused which could have been allocated to improve video fidelity.

In technical terms, while a re-encoded transfer with updated technology could potentially deliver enhanced clarity and mitigate minor artifacts, the existing Blu-ray release stands resilient. It provides a visually engaging experience that honors both the colorful spectacle of Las Vegas and the expertly crafted cinematography of Biroc. Fans of the film will find much to appreciate in this video presentation, despite the relatively minor shortcomings inherent in its older technical execution.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Viva Las Vegas" offers both a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track and a Dolby Digital 5.1 track, with the latter set as the default. Additionally, an English Dolby Digital mono track, along with French and Spanish Dolby Digital mono tracks, provide options for purists. The remixed 5.1 audio is relatively conservative and front-oriented, but it dramatically enhances the clarity and dynamic range of the studio-recorded songs, making good use of the likely stereo masters. One notable aspect is the marked difference in vocal quality between the actors' speaking and their singing voices, attributable to the higher recording quality during musical numbers.

For a 1964 film, the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track is surprisingly effective. The fidelity of the original elements may be dated, but the dynamic range is commendable. The highs are smooth and clean, and there's substantial low-end kick, especially noticeable in the musical sequences with an active subwoofer enhancing the bass. Though the surround effects aren't exceptionally discrete, the processed bleeds add depth to the rear soundfield. Ambient effects are present and provide a lively atmosphere, while dialogue remains well-balanced and intelligible, even during musical segments.

Though it doesn't push the boundaries of modern surround sound capabilities, the effort to rehabilitate and upgrade the original audio elements, while retaining an option for the mono track, makes this Blu-ray a noteworthy release. The soundtrack’s dynamic range and overall clarity are superior given its age, effectively showcasing MGM's incidental scoring by George Stoll and enhancing race car effects with decent impact. Overall, the audio treatment provides a rich experience that respects the original while offering significant improvements for contemporary audiences.

The Blu-ray extras for "Viva Las Vegas" retain their 2007 charm, despite no new additions apart from the DigiBook. The disc introduces content seamlessly, true to Warner's early mastering style, with the main menu readily accessible. Steve Pond's commentary offers a rich narrative with insights into Elvis' film career and specifics about "Viva Las Vegas," making it a must-listen for fans. The "Kingdom: Elvis in Vegas" featurette provides an engaging retrospective, highlighting Elvis' unique connection with Las Vegas, accentuated by enlightening interviews. The theatrical trailer, featuring Ann-Margret prominently, rounds out the collection nicely. The DigiBook is a visual treat, filled with vintage photos and production details, enhancing the overall experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Steve Pond: Insights on Elvis' film career and the making of the movie.
• Kingdom: Elvis in Vegas: A 2007 featurette on Elvis' relationship with Las Vegas.
• Theatrical Trailer: Standard-definition trailer showcasing Ann-Margret.
• DigiBook: Collection of publicity stills, behind-the-scenes photos, and promotional materials.

Viva Las Vegas: A Blu-ray Movie Review

For the fiftieth anniversary of Elvis Presley's highest-grossing film, Warner Home Video has re-released the 2007 Blu-ray of "Viva Las Vegas" in a DigiBook edition. This film is a quintessential Elvis classic where the plot takes a backseat to showcasing the undeniable charisma of the King. Elvis plays Lucky Jackson, an aspiring race car driver who, after winning money at the gambling tables, aims to buy a super-powered engine for the first-ever Las Vegas Grand Prix. However, his plans derail when he encounters Rusty Martin, played by the equally magnetic Ann-Margret. The resulting chase through Las Vegas nightspots introduces some of the film’s most entertaining musical numbers and dance routines. Notably, the chemistry between Elvis and Ann-Margret – who were having an affair during filming – adds palpable sizzle to their on-screen relationship.

In terms of direction, George Sidney's work ensures that "Viva Las Vegas" remains engaging despite its thin narrative. Sidney's prowling camera and dynamic pacing help maintain a lively atmosphere throughout its 85-minute runtime. Sally Benson’s screenplay leans into the Elvis film formula, presenting a string of musical performances that double as impressive travelogues showcasing Las Vegas. Though Elvis' rivals and auxiliary characters are lightly sketched, the supporting roles are functional enough to keep the focus on the star duo. The real magic, however, lies in Ann-Margret’s performance. As perhaps the only co-star to match Elvis' screen presence, Ann-Margret electrifies each scene, enhancing the film’s entertainment value considerably.

The action climax featuring the Grand Prix race holds up remarkably well today with its genuine stunts and dynamic use of Las Vegas’s natural settings, including Hoover Dam. Of course, the soundtrack remains one of “Viva Las Vegas”’ enduring highlights. Elvis's rendition of the title track has become synonymous with the city itself, epitomizing his lasting influence on popular culture. This Blu-ray re-release captures all these elements in good quality, retaining its allure even decades later.

The Blu-ray release of "Viva Las Vegas" is a noteworthy addition to any Elvis Presley enthusiast's collection. This 50th Anniversary Edition, packaged in an attractive DigiBook format, offers a visually and audibly invigorated presentation of the film. The transfer quality delivers an exceptional balance of color and clarity, effortlessly capturing the vibrancy and charm of Las Vegas in the '60s. The audio track remains robust, preserving the iconic soundtrack and dialogue with notable fidelity. The palpable on-screen chemistry between Elvis and Ann-Margret elevates the film beyond its status as a typical Presley vehicle, making for an engaging viewing experience even for those who aren't die-hard fans of The King.

While the content of this edition largely mirrors previous releases, the inclusion of some new extras enhances its value. These additions provide a deeper contextual understanding and appreciation for the film's production and legacy, making it a comprehensive package for both collectors and newcomers. However, it is essential to note that these supplemental materials alone may not justify a repurchase for those who already own prior editions.

In conclusion, some people like to collect DigiBooks, and for them, the new one for "Viva Las Vegas" should be a welcome addition to their collection. For anyone who doesn't already own the Blu-ray, the DigiBook edition is the one to get. The film itself is classic Elvis, and the Blu-ray is about as good a presentation as we're likely to see. Recommended for fans of the King's films. A blind buy isn't recommended until you have at least sampled an Elvis film or two. They're a genre unto themselves.