Kiss Me Kate Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Kiss Me Kate" captures the vibrant essence of the original Ansco Color cinematography by Charles Rosher in both 2D and 3D formats. The film's preferred ratio of 1.75:1, as intended by director George Sidney, is closely preserved at 1.78:1 on Warner's Blu-ray. MPI's meticulous restoration has revived the film’s bold and striking colors, providing a visual treat with richly saturated hues and a fine grain pattern. The detail is generally impressive, though sharpness can waver slightly in 2D due to the coarser grain that contrasts with the finer resolution achieved in 3D. The color intensity, particularly in theatrical scenes filled with multi-colored costumes and sets, adds an allure that revitalizes this classic musical.

In 3D, "Kiss Me Kate" excels, delivering an immersive and dynamic experience that makes full use of the stereoscopic process. The opening sequence and various staged performances showcase an array of eye-popping visuals, such as Ann Miller's "Too Darn Hot" number, where scarves and props are flung towards the audience, enhancing the film’s playful use of 3D effects. George Sidney's direction skillfully integrates these elements into the narrative, with strategic use of set design, camera angles, and foreground placement to accentuate the depth of each scene. The restored deleted footage adds further depth to the viewing experience.

Overall, while the 2D version is impressive with excellent contrast and clarity, the 3D version truly stands out, offering a superior level of detail, sharpness, and color vibrancy that captivates and delights. Fans of classic cinema will appreciate the meticulous care taken in this restoration, which ensures "Kiss Me Kate" can be enjoyed as it was originally intended. Whether in 2D or 3D, this Blu-ray release is a testament to the enduring appeal of this Hollywood musical masterpiece.

The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track for "Kiss Me Kate" on Blu-ray showcases an expertly executed remastering effort, utilizing original recording stems and magnetic masters. This meticulous approach translates into an impressive auditory experience, characterized by a rich orchestral presence across the front soundstage and exceptional clarity of vocal reproduction. While this clarity does highlight the tonal discrepancy between studio-recorded singing and soundstage-recorded dialogue, it remains true to the source material. Critical sound effects, such as the beer mug smash in "I Hate Men," are rendered with impactful force and balanced bass extension, maintaining a natural sound without harshness.

The front channel stereo separation significantly enhances the spatial elements of the soundtrack, with specific movements, such as Howard Keel's performance in "Where Is the Life Which Late I Led?" being distinctly audible. The track respects the period authenticity, avoiding modernization of the film’s sound while providing a wide dynamic range that encapsulates André Previn and Saul Chaplin's Oscar-nominated arrangements spectacularly. Notable examples include the diverse musical styles blended seamlessly in "From This Moment On." The brass sections and strings benefit from this dynamic range, soaring powerfully without distortion, while percussion elements, including bongo drums and Ann Miller's tap sequences, are well articulated.

Dialogue throughout the film benefits from pristine clarity devoid of age-related artifacts like hiss, pops, or crackles. This nuanced mix successfully captures the varied vocal styles of the leads, accentuating Howard Keel's robust bass and Kathryn Grayson's soprano trills. The stellar audio quality on this Blu-ray release will be particularly appreciated by aficionados of Hollywood musicals, Cole Porter’s compositions, and fans of the film’s dynamic stars.

The Blu-ray edition of "Kiss Me Kate" offers a robust collection of extras, adeptly carried over from the 2003 DVD release alongside a new MGM cartoon addition. The standout feature is the engaging and detailed featurette "Cole Porter in Hollywood: Too Darn Hot," narrated by Ann Miller. This piece delves into Cole Porter's involvement, casting choices, and 3D production techniques, albeit with a minor factual error regarding the film's 3D screenings. Supporting content includes the nostalgic "Mighty Manhattan, New York's Wonder City," the entertaining "Barney's Hungry Cousin" cartoon, and a classic theatrical trailer that heightens excitement for the musical.

Extras included in this disc:

• Cole Porter in Hollywood: Too Darn Hot: Detailed featurette on the making of the film.
• Mighty Manhattan, New York's Wonder City: Vintage short celebrating Cole Porter's hometown.
• Barney's Hungry Cousin: 1951 MGM cartoon featuring Barney Bear.
• Theatrical Trailer: Classic promotional trailer full of musical clips.

"Kiss Me Kate" represents a pinnacle of American musical cinema, anchored by Cole Porter's celebrated score and George Sidney’s vivacious direction. Adapted from the successful Broadway musical, the film adroitly combines backstage tribulations with Shakespearean theatrics, emphasizing both the tempestuous relationship between the lead characters Fred Graham (Howard Keel) and Lilli Vanessi (Kathryn Grayson) and their on-stage personas. Dorothy Kingsley's screenplay opens with the nuanced balance of professional tension and personal animosity, before cascading through an array of Porter’s timeless songs and brilliantly choreographed dance sequences that burgeon with enthusiasm and wit.

Central to the film's appeal are its musical performances, delivered with exceptional charm and vitality. Ann Miller's standout routines, particularly during "Too Darn Hot" and "From This Moment On," showcase athleticism and precision, enhanced by the presence of then up-and-coming choreographic sensation Bob Fosse. Miller’s exuberant presence is complemented by the seamless blend of backstage chaos and lyrical prowess in numbers like "So in Love" and "Brush Up Your Shakespeare." The film's 3D restoration breathes new life into these sequences, enabling audiences to fully appreciate playful visuals, like props thrusting towards them and performers engaging directly with the space’s dimensionality.

The meticulous 3D restoration on Blu-ray reinstates the film's original splendor. This visual reimagining transforms previously flat sequences into vibrant spectacles, enriching audience engagement. The dual 3D and 2D presentation options provide flexibility while preserving the musical’s historical integrity. Overall, "Kiss Me Kate" transcends as an exemplary blend of screenwriting, musical composition, and dynamic performance, further magnified by pioneering 3D capabilities, making it a quintessential piece in MGM’s musical oeuvre.

Warner's Blu-ray release of "Kiss Me Kate" encapsulates the essence of one of Hollywood's most delightful musicals, seamlessly transitioning from stage to screen. This adaptation of Cole Porter's Broadway hit, centered around a bickering couple staging a musical rendition of Shakespeare's 'The Taming of the Shrew,' blends backstage drama with onstage antics in a highly entertaining manner. The sophistication of Porter's humor, coupled with memorable tunes and captivating performances, is all the more enhanced in this high-definition 3D experience. The meticulous restoration ensures both the 2D and 3D versions are presented with crisp visuals and vibrant colors, making justice to the cinematic artistry of the original film.

The Blu-ray presentation is exemplary, boasting a highly immersive 3D transfer that rivals modern efforts in its depth and clarity. The 3D rendering of the film is not just an added gimmick but an essential component that enriches the viewer's experience by adding spatial depth and immediacy to the action, effectively drawing the audience into the live theater setting. Additionally, the 5.1 lossless audio track significantly enhances the vitality and richness of Porter's score, ensuring every song and dance number is enjoyed to its fullest potential. The inclusion of vintage extras further provides valuable historical context, making this release not just an enjoyable viewing but an insightful one as well.

In conclusion, "Kiss Me Kate" on Blu-ray is a must-have for both musical enthusiasts and 3D fans alike. This release not only allows viewers to appreciate the technical marvels achieved over sixty years ago but also brings new life to a classic through its impeccable restoration. Whether you're revisiting an old favorite or discovering it for the first time, this Blu-ray edition is highly recommended for its artistic fidelity and immersive qualities.