Funny Face
50th Anniversary Edition
Release Date: Available now (original release date October 2, 2007)
Studio: Paramount
Packaging/Materials: Single-disc DVD keepcase
Year: 1957
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 1h43m
Video (Feature): 1.85:1 anamorphic
Audio (Feature): Dolby Digital: English 5.1, English mono, French mono, Spanish mono, Portuguese mono
Video (Special Features): Mix of 1.78:1 anamorphic and 1.33:1 standard
Audio (Special Features): Stereo
Subtitles: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French
MSRP: $14.99
The Feature: 3/5
No one - especially haters of the movie musical - would argue there's anything natural about bursting into song and dance, but there's something particularly awkward about Stanley Donen's 1957 musical "Funny Face." Set in the glamorous fashion world, the film stars Fred Astaire as a fashion photographer, Kay Thompson as his magazine editor and Audrey Hepburn as the "ugly duckling" intellectual they manipulate into the modeling industry's next big thing. Sometimes the awkwardness comes from a shot held a split-second too long at the end of a number, like with Thompson's opener "Think Pink." Most of the time it's the inherent lack of romantic chemistry between Astaire and Hepburn, which makes their characters' meet-cute, first kiss, and romantic arc feel forced and wooden. But for all its faults the film has some irresistible charms, namely its classy visual design (influenced by fashion photography legend Richard Avedon) and perfect casting of Hepburn as the embodiment of feminine beauty and style. And though some might complain about the recycling of Gershwin tunes, musical numbers featuring their infectious melodies and lyrics are the most enjoyable and least contrived in the film. Finally, there's Fred Astaire, who despite being almost 60 at the time effortlessly owns every song and dance scene, a true master of his art. No, "Funny Face" is not the quintessential movie musical, but it's got enough eye and ear candy to make it worthwhile viewing, at least on a rainy autumn afternoon.
Video Quality: 4.5/5
The transfer is an undeniable improvement from the 2001 release. Gone are the dust, dirt and print damage, along with the excessive grain and compression artifacts. Edge halos are still present, though lessened considerably. Black levels have also been restored so clipping is no longer a problem. The previous release also had a dingy veneer - the new release simply looks cleaner and brighter, allowing the detail, deep colors and overall visual aesthetic to finally shine. The opening credits sequence has also been restored to what I assume is its original aspect ratio. This is a no-brainer upgrade for owners of the previous release.
Audio Quality: 4/5
The Dolby Digital 5.1 and mono tracks sound indistinguishable from those on the previous release. The 5.1 mix is largely front and center focused, with surround activity picking up during musical numbers. The mono track naturally lacks the wider front soundstage of the 5.1 mix, but in many respects sounds more natural, the dialogue in the 5.1 mix tending toward the hollow side, though always clear and intelligible. The purist in me favors the mono track, though I can't deny the increased vivacity of the musical numbers in the 5.1 mix.
Special Features: 3/5
The Fashion Designer and His Muse (8m11s): Fashion experts talk about the legendary Hepburn-Givenchy fashion and style collaboration.
Parisian Dreams (7m43s): Writers talk effusively about the virtues of Paris as a film setting.
Paramount in the '50s - A Retrospective Featurette (9m37s): A promotional look at Paramount's notable films from the 1950s. Ported from the 2001 release.
Photo Gallery: Over 50 promotional and on-set stills from the production. Unfortunately those included in the 2001 release don't seem to be included.
Theatrical Trailer (2m25s)
Recap
The Feature: 3/5
Video Quality: 4.5/5
Audio Quality: 4/5
Special Features: 3/5
Overall Score (not an average): 4/5
A flawed but visually appealing movie musical gets a transfer that finally does its images justice. Owners of the original DVD release of "Funny Face" will want the 50th anniversary edition for its remarkably improved video transfer. Though the special features package has been expanded slightly, there is nothing especially noteworthy in the additions.
