The Great Ziegfeld Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive presents an impressive 1080p Blu-ray transfer of "The Great Ziegfeld," derived from a 4K scan of the best available preservation elements. Despite minor variations in source quality, the overall image maintains a high standard and reflects a notable improvement over previous DVD releases marred by considerable print damage. The transfer faithfully replicates the film's original 1.37:1 aspect ratio using the AVC codec, showcasing Oliver T. Marsh's cinematography with a strong nitrate shine and supportive film grain. Although slight softness is observed in some scenes, it does not detract from the intricate detail in the lavish costumes and set designs, giving the film a stable and satisfying appearance.

The meticulously restored Blu-ray offers a pristine image with rich blacks, bright whites, and varied grays, producing a well-balanced and depthful picture. This results in a film-like experience that honors the work of Marsh, assisted by noted cinematographers Folsey, Freund, Gerstad, and June in capturing the vibrant musical sequences. The image exhibits excellent shadow delineation, avoiding crush while delivering sharp details and vivid close-ups of Powell, Rainer, and Loy. Softness does occur sporadically along with minimal dirt or debris near the film's end but these are minor imperfections within an otherwise exemplary presentation.

Particularly spectacular are sequences such as the extended showgirl costume parade, which remarkably demonstrates the transfer's strength in rendering deep black levels and crisp whites. The Blu-ray divides the film into 42 chapters, offering convenient navigation throughout its extensive runtime. Fans of "The Great Ziegfeld" can confidently consider this Blu-ray a definitive visual presentation, as it represents an exceptional rendering that elevates the film's renowned glamor and grandeur well beyond its prior home media incarnations.

The Blu-ray release of "The Great Ziegfeld" features an audio presentation using a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track, capturing the film's vintage charm while enhancing its sound clarity and dynamic range. This remastered mix successfully eliminates old DVD artifacts, presenting dialogue and musical numbers with crisp fidelity. The film, richly endowed with musical performances, benefits from a wide dynamic scale that envelops the room with lush orchestrations and resonant vocal timbres. It balances the dialogue's clarity and the music's energy, providing a seamless and vibrant listening experience.

Despite being primarily dialogue-driven, the audio mix breathes life into the lively musical segments, especially noticeable during the roadshow elements such as the overture and intermission music cues. Some minor hiss is present, particularly in quieter sections of the first half, but it remains unobtrusive, ensuring that the overall auditory experience remains intact. While surface noise is minimally present, the remastering process has notably cleansed the sound of age-related imperfections, preserving the film's original dynamic range and sonic richness.

Overall, this Blu-ray audio track manages to maintain a fine balance between restoring its historical audio authenticity and providing an engaging, modern playback experience. Optional English (SDH) subtitles are available with the main feature for added accessibility. The result is a well-rounded auditory presentation that faithfully supports both the dialogue and vibrant musical interludes of "The Great Ziegfeld."

The Blu Ray release of "The Great Ziegfeld" offers a well-rounded selection of bonus content, mostly carried over from previous editions, set in a keepcase with vintage poster-themed artwork. The extras provide a glimpse into the film's historical and cultural impact. The Premiere Newsreel captures the 1936 New York premiere with appearances by stars like Harpo Marx and Kitty Carlisle. Ziegfeld on Film presents a mini-documentary that compares Ziegfeld's actual life with its cinematic representation, featuring interviews with Luise Rainer and relatives. Toytown Hal, a Merrie Melodies short from 1936, debuts restored on Blu-ray. Leo is on the Air unfolds as an MGM radio show episode spotlighting songs from the movie. The Theatrical Trailer includes promotional insights from iconic figures such as Ed Wynn and Jack Benny. Lastly, a Song Selection Menu allows instant access to seventeen musical moments from the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Premiere Newsreel: Historical New York premiere footage featuring notable celebrities.
• Ziegfeld on Film: Documentary with insights from Luise Rainer and Ziegfeld's family.
• Toytown Hal: 1936 Merrie Melodies animated short.
• Leo Is on the Air: MGM radio show episode highlighting film songs.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original preview with promotional content.
• Song Selection Menu: Access to seventeen musical moments from the film.

Robert Z. Leonard's "The Great Ziegfeld" is a lavish 1936 musical biopic that ambitiously seeks to encapsulate the life of Broadway impresario Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. Spanning nearly three hours, the film oscillates between spectacular musical numbers and a meandering narrative, often diluting its dramatic potential. The movie is buoyed by its extravagant production design and some captivating performances, particularly by William Powell as Ziegfeld and Luise Rainer, whose portrayal of Anna Held won her an Oscar. The production captures the opulence of Ziegfeld's legendary Follies with breathtaking set pieces and choreographed sequences that strive to emulate Busby Berkeley's famed style. However, the film's episodic structure and diluted character study frequently stall its momentum, causing the ambitious epic to struggle under its own weight.

The narrative follows Ziegfeld's rise from a struggling promoter at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893 to Broadway tycoon. Despite the intriguing premise, the screenplay, burdened by constraints from Ziegfeld's widow Billie Burke, misses opportunities to delve into the more complex aspects of his character. Consequently, the film delivers a rather sanitized version of Ziegfeld’s life. Myrna Loy, second-billed as Billie Burke, enters late in the film which limits her contribution to the dynamic chemistry she shared with Powell in previous works. Nevertheless, the cast's performances, including Frank Morgan’s comic relief, are commendable, acting as the glue holding this ambitious project together.

Despite its inconsistencies, "The Great Ziegfeld" stands as a significant artifact of Golden Age Hollywood cinema. The film’s enduring appeal lies in its visual grandiosity and its evocative portrayal of a bygone theatrical era. It may not delve deep into Ziegfeld's storied life but offers a spectacle that continues to engage audiences with its display of glamour and pageantry.

Robert Z. Leonard’s "The Great Ziegfeld" presents a compelling but convoluted view of an ambitious life spanning four decades, combining both genuine achievements and fictional embellishments. While William Powell's performance anchors the narrative, the film struggles with pacing, hampered by extraneous scenes that could have benefited from more stringent editing. The biopic's storyline feels one-dimensional, and the three-hour runtime tests endurance even for classic film enthusiasts. Though the film is celebrated for its lavish and glossy production numbers, these elements alone are insufficient to sustain interest throughout its extensive length.

The Warner Archive's Blu-ray release salvages the experience by delivering impressive audiovisual quality from a 4K scan of preservation elements. The transfer significantly improves the viewing experience, enhancing clarity and detail, ensuring that viewers appreciate the opulent musical numbers at their full potential. The audio track complements the visual fidelity, while engaging supplemental materials provide added value to this release, making it particularly appealing for aficionados of the film or its stars. Despite the dated racial stereotypes that persist as a blemish on its historical context, the thorough restoration and additional content contribute to the film's intrigue.

In conclusion, while "The Great Ziegfeld" is marred by an overly protracted narrative and simplistic biographical depth, it remains a noteworthy historical artifact due to its opulent production and legacy as a Best Picture Oscar winner. With the enhanced presentation offered by Warner Archive’s Blu-ray, this release is a valuable acquisition for dedicated fans of Golden Age cinema and newcomers alike. Its rock-bottom pricing further elevates its worth, making it an enticing offer for collectors and classic film enthusiasts.