Stars and Stripes Forever Blu-ray Review
Score: 58
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
Stars and Stripes Forever shines with gorgeous Technicolor visuals and captivating performances, though it could use an audio upgrade to match its visual fidelity.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 73
“Stars and Stripes Forever” on Blu-ray boasts a stunning 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer, delivering pristine, detailed visuals with no digital artifacts or compression issues. The restoration's colorful Technicolor tones and preserved film grain enhance the viewing experience, making this 59-year-old film look exceptionally fresh and vivid.
Audio: 53
The original mono DTS-HD Master Audio track is clean and well-rounded but lacks the immersive quality needed to fully appreciate John Philip Sousa's grand marches. Despite occasional audio imbalances, purists will appreciate the preservation of the uncompressed Linear PCM 1.0 form, though a 7.1 mix would better capture the music's dynamic range.
Extra: 41
The Blu-Ray extras for 'Stars and Stripes Forever' offer insightful content on Sousa's legacy and the film's history, though marred by aspect ratio distortion and poor audio quality; highlights include expert discussions, an alternate UK title sequence, interactive galleries, and a detailed booklet.
Movie: 61
"Stars and Stripes Forever" on Blu-ray offers a feel-good, technically faithful depiction of John Philip Sousa’s life, though it diverges into fictional subplots to add drama. With its upbeat musical numbers and old-fashioned charm, it's an educational and entertaining look at simpler times, perfectly remastered for today's audiences.
Video: 73
"Stars and Stripes Forever" makes its way to Blu-ray with an impressive 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that elevates the film’s visual experience to an almost unparalleled level for a movie of its age. Presented in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio, this restoration likely surpasses its theatrical presentation due to meticulous digital cleanup. The transfer is devoid of any specks, hairs, or debris and boasts stable brightness without fluctuations. Film grain is authentically preserved, contributing to the film’s texture without any digital noise reduction (DNR) or edge enhancement artifacts. The result is a visually pristine and dynamic picture where fine details, such as the texture of Sousa's Marine uniform’s gold epaulets and tassels, are remarkably crisp and clear.
The allure of the Technicolor process is prominently showcased in this release, with rich and bold colors standing out vividly against soft, creamy highlights. Patriotic hues such as red, white, and blue are exceptionally vibrant and luminous, enhancing the thematic essence of the film. The image possesses a remarkable three-dimensionality, making aged color films appear lifelike with well-defined facial pores, individual hair strands, and fabric textures. Despite the film’s age, there is no visible compression-driven noise, and aliasing is impressively absent even in scenes with intricate patterns.
Overall, the black levels can be inconsistent; they are typically deep and detailed but occasionally clip and obscure textures. One noted exception involves a daytime outdoor scene where contrast and black levels appear slightly off, resulting in whites turning gray and blacks appearing overly intense. However, these minor inconsistencies do not detract significantly from the viewing experience. The restoration process has commendably eschewed modern touch-up techniques such as edge enhancement and DNR, ensuring this classic film maintains its high video quality in its Blu-ray iteration.
Audio: 53
The Blu-ray release of "Stars and Stripes Forever" preserves the film's original mono soundtrack in uncompressed Linear PCM 1.0 format, a choice that will surely please purists. The audio quality is impeccable for a mono track—clean, well-rounded, and devoid of any tinniness or brashness typical of mid-century films. John Philip Sousa's grand marches, however, beg for a full 7.1 channel presentation to fully convey their bombastic nature. Despite this, the mono audio does hold up remarkably well, balancing dialogue and musical elements finely, though at times requiring adjustments due to the lower volume of the vocal tracks compared to the music.
Those with high-end multi-channel home theater setups may find the mono format somewhat limiting, as the movie's iconic marching music deserves to be experienced more immersively. The Mono DTS-HD Master Audio track feels confining, with all sounds emanating exclusively from the center speaker, reducing the grand scale of Sousa's compositions to a more subdued experience. Notable is the absence of any audio defects such as crackling or popping, ensuring a clean listening experience.
While some argue that remixing the original mono track to stereo or surround sound might compromise the film’s integrity, especially given its historical significance, the argument remains compelling. The optional English SDH, Spanish, and French subtitles are clearly presented in easy-to-read white lettering, adding convenience for non-native speakers or those with hearing impairments. Ultimately, while purists will appreciate the preservation of the original audio format, others might feel that a more contemporary multi-channel mix would do better justice to Sousa’s rousing marches.
Extras: 41
The Blu-ray extras for "Stars and Stripes Forever" provide a comprehensive dive into both the film's historical context and John Philip Sousa's lasting influence on American music. Despite the insightful and engaging content, the presentation suffers due to inappropriate aspect ratios and persistent audio issues that can detract from the overall experience. Each feature is packed with valuable information, from detailed discussions by experts about the film’s authenticity and Sousa’s musical legacy to visual supplementary material like alternate main title sequences and galleries. The additional included booklet offers further enrichment with photos and actor bios.
Extras included in this disc:
- From Our National March to the Silver Screen: Discussion of the film's place in history and its comparison to Sousa’s real-life biography.
- John Philip Sousa's Contribution to American Music: Insight into Sousa's legacy and innovations.
- U.K. Alternate Main Title Sequence: Original black & white opening sequence for the UK release.
- Galleries: Interactive pressbook gallery, advertising gallery, and stills gallery.
- Trailers: American and U.K. theatrical trailers.
- Booklet: 14-page booklet with photos, actor bios, and film information.
Movie: 61
"Stars and Stripes Forever," the 1952 biographical musical of John Philip Sousa, offers a nostalgic depiction of the composer’s life and works, complemented by the arrival of its Blu-ray release. The film takes considerable liberties with historical facts to amplify entertainment value, transforming Sousa's relatively peaceful life into a more dynamic narrative. Clifton Webb stars as Sousa, delivering a convincing performance that blends the composer's meticulous nature with a flair for showmanship. Notably, the movie introduces fictional characters Private Willie Little (Robert Wagner) and Lily Becker (Debra Paget) to inject drama and romance, elements absent in Sousa's actual biography. These additions add layers of humor and light-heartedness, contrasting sharply with the expectations set by modern, darker musical biopics.
Visually and thematically, the film epitomizes early 1950s cinema while attempting to recreate the late 19th century. Despite the decades between the movie's production and its setting, the sets and costumes provide a charming, if somewhat anachronistic, portrayal of the era. Storylines delving into societal norms, such as propriety in public performances and courting rituals, offer educational insights into Victorian American culture. The film portrays Sousa’s career from leading the Marine Corps Band to forming his own civilian band, culminating in his composition of "Stars and Stripes Forever." Although not historically accurate, the narrative tweaks, including a pro-war patriotic conclusion tied to the Spanish-American War, serve to underscore the film's celebratory tone.
Overall, "Stars and Stripes Forever" may lack in substantive plot but excels as an entertaining window into America’s past musical heritage. Its Blu-ray release enhances visual clarity and sound quality, allowing modern audiences to appreciate both the spectacle of Sousa’s compositions and the wholesome narratives characteristic of mid-20th-century American cinema. While it may not attain the status of a classic, this film remains a valuable piece of Americana worthy of viewing.
Total: 58
"Stars and Stripes Forever" may not rank as the ultimate mid-century 20th Century Fox musical, but its charm is undeniable. The film is slightly thin on plot, yet it compensates with a delightful selection of march tunes and old-fashioned Victorian charm. Clifton Webb’s portrayal of John Philip Sousa is impeccable, from his neat mustache to his pince-nez glasses, embodying the famed composer with precision. Fox’s Blu-ray restoration is remarkable, presenting stunning Technicolor visuals that translate beautifully into high definition. This film is particularly recommended for aficionados of late 19th-century American music and those who appreciate a nostalgic trip to bygone innocence.
Despite not being the most iconic '50s film, "Stars and Stripes Forever" offers an engaging and educational experience. The narrative, while straightforward, is brimming with interesting historical insights about American music, coupled with a cast that brings a playful humor to the rigid societal norms of the time. The Blu-ray release truly excels in picture quality, delivering beyond expectations for a film nearly six decades old. However, it's worth noting that the mono Master Audio track, despite being lossless, could have benefited from a stereo or surround sound upgrade to better highlight Sousa’s grand compositions.
In conclusion, "Stars and Stripes Forever" shines through its spirited musical numbers and vivid Technicolor presentation. While it might lack in narrative depth, it more than makes up for it with historical charm and outstanding restoration efforts by Fox. For classic film enthusiasts and band music lovers, this Blu-ray is a worthy addition to any collection.
Blu-ray.com review by Casey BroadwaterRead review here
Video: 100
And yet, there's no trace of the preservationists' handiwork�no compression issues, no digital artifacts, or at least none that you'd notice without a good deal of pixel peeping....
Audio: 80
Purists will be pleased to see that the film's original mono soundtrack has been preserved in uncompressed Linear PCM 1.0 form, but there are definitely times when those with multi-channel home theater...
Extras: 50
From Our National March to the Silver Screen (SD, 16:38): A series of Sousa and 20th Century Fox experts discuss the film, it's place in history, and how it compares to the bandleader's actual biography....
Movie: 70
Then, in a brilliantly conciliatory let's all get along move, he bring out an all- black choir to assist the band with a performance of a song usually associated with President Lincoln, "The Battle Hymn...
Total: 70
Stars and Stripes Forever is far from the best mid-century 20th Century Fox musical--it's a bit too short on story--but it earns a lasting appeal with winning march tunes, good old fashioned Victorian...
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 80
The black levels are the only inconsistent issue, at times rich and revealing great details within, other time clipping and chewing up any and all textures that lie within them....
Audio: 60
The purpose of this film is to give you a higher appreciation for the music of John Philip Sousa, the iconic marching music that deserves to be heard in the best possible format - yet the mono audio doesn't...
Extras: 40
All of the video special features are in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, but crunched down to fit the 1.37:1 screen size of the film, causing each non-1.37:1 special feature to look annoyingly slim and distorted....
Movie: 60
Another fun educational benefit from watching this 1952 film is that it firmly establishes the societal morals and values for the period in which it was set – the late 1800s....
Total: 60
While the mono Master Audio track is lossless, considering how important Sousa's grand music is to the film, a stereo or surround conversion of the audio really would have helped and enhanced the Blu-ray...
Director: Henry Koster
Actors: Clifton Webb, Robert Wagner, Debra Paget
PlotJohn Philip Sousa, a dedicated musician and composer, starts as a conductor for the United States Marine Band. His remarkable talent and innovative compositions quickly earn him recognition and admiration. Sousa's ambition to introduce American music with a fresh, patriotic spirit leads him to form his own band. The new band begins to attract massive attention, bringing Sousa fame and success, while revolutionizing the marching band genre with unforgettable compositions. Alongside him are Private Willie Little, a young and enthusiastic musician, and Willie's fiancée, Lily, a charming and talented vocalist who becomes an essential part of Sousa's ensemble.
As the band tours extensively, they face numerous challenges and triumphs, navigating the ups and downs of life on the road. Sousa's relentless commitment to his craft often places a strain on his personal relationships, particularly with his supportive yet often worried wife, Jennie. Despite these struggles, Sousa's passion for music and dedication to his band drive him forward, leaving a lasting impact on American culture. Audiences are moved by the resounding spirit of Sousa's compositions, which encapsulate the essence of patriotism and national pride. The story follows Sousa's incredible journey, highlighting the personal and professional strides he makes in his quest to create a legacy of inspiring music.
Writers: Lamar Trotti, Ernest Vajda, John Philip Sousa
Release Date: 16 Feb 1953
Runtime: 90 min
Rating: Approved
Country: United States
Language: English