A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

For those new to Technicolor, let's get some of the process's anomalies out of the way to aid in better understanding what's on screen.

An American in Paris (AAiP) was photographed in the Technicolor three-strip process, which pre-dated Eastman Color negative stock by two decades. The process was able to achieve a highly controlled image in either natural or manipulated color via printing from its three black and white negative images to matrices to a clear receiver stock.

Because there were three separate rolls of film, registration could be a problem -- it was never perfect -- which became more difficult after the original elements would shrink differentially over the decades.

To make things even more difficult two of the records were photographed in bi-pack, meaning that the image made its way through the first before hitting and exposing the emulsion of the second (the cyan negative, controlling red), which was flopped, and never achieved perfect focus.

All of this had little impact on original prints, which because of the early optics used to create the matrices, the dyes, mordant and blanks in use during the era, were not sharp. There was an "apparent" sharpness via contrast, but not anything close to the resolution of the image exposed to the original negatives. This became even less of a problem when one adds projector weave, optics and focus into the mix.

What this means is that in 1951, when AAiP was released, the problems were there but the viewer couldn't see them.

I'm mentioning this because Warner's new Blu-ray release of the M-G-M Academy Award winning Best Picture is sharper than anyone has ever seen it, which means that for those with a tendency to check out the image a foot from the screen, that there will be occasional fringing of red, having nothing to do with registration, which is handled beautifully via Warner's proprietary Ultra-resolution process.

The bottom line is that those lucky enough to have large screens and 1080p systems, will see AAiP in a way that audiences in 1951 could not have imagined. And you're in for a treat.

Considered one of the finest musicals from the Dream Factory, Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron and compatriots, directed by Vincente Minnelli has been brought to Blu-ray with perfection.

While I still don't understand why it was delayed domestically, with only a standard definition release, I'm pleased that it finally arrived.

An American in Paris on Blu-ray is a remarkable film, brought to Blu with perfection.

Very Highly Recommended!

RAH

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

Bob, over at Haineshisway.com, Bruce Kimmel constantly complains about Warners transfers of classics without any blue in them. True, American has never been as razor sharp as here (I bought the SD several months ago), But all of the blue seems to be gone from the trasnfer, same with the redone Gigi.

Any omment here, Mr. Harris ?

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

Have NEVER seen this film. Never had considered it the type of fare I
would want to see considering the fact that it's ballet on film (or at
least that is how I always perceived it to be).

That was then and this is now.

Those who attended the HTF MEET last October at Warner Brothers
studios had the opportunity to see a side-by-side showing of the
original WB DVD release against the new Blu-ray transfer. The
transition from one to the other was nothing short of STUNNING.
I think every one of us who was in that audience that afternoon
were blown away by what we saw. This is one of those rare moments
when you just shake your head in amazement at what can be done
to respectfully improve upon the original elements in such a manner
that this film now looks like technicolor "eye candy."

Suffice to say the moment the Blu-ray was announced, I placed
my preorder (along with Gigi). I look greatly forward to watching
this for the first time on Blu-ray.

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

I don't understand what could have happened at MGM at the time of filming AAiP where, of all the musicals that were recorded prior and subsequently, this particular work was not deemed to need multi-track recordings. The ballet alone is a shame that that remarkable orchestra can not be heard in its full glory (let alone all the other classic performances of this gem).

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

Whatever blue was in the original negatives appears to have been harvested in this scan. I don't know what the SD looks like. Please keep in mind that Technicolor dye transfer re-prints, as opposed to the original nitrates had a rather different look, with heightened color and contrast. Much like comparing silver frame prints of The Ten Commandments from 1956 to those from the late '60s and early '70s. A totally different animal.

Gigi is another story, as the OCN is faded 5248, and additionally problem masters. In order to achieve decent facial tones, yellow must be added, which can do heavy damage to anything blue.

To my eye AAiP looks fine, however.

RAH

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

After reading the informative comments from Mr. Harris and your impressions from the HTF MEET, I can't wait to see this film on Blu-ray. It will be my first viewing too.

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

For those who don't know, only the last eighteen minutes of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is a ballet (and one of the greatest ever produced on film).

The rest is a standard musical in the MGM sense of the word: joyous, bubbly, and artfully produced, directed, and performed but definitely not a ballet film.

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

Ed, The gm musicals that have survived in strange early optical stereo are those films that were recorded on several optical tracks. By the time of AMERICAN, mgm was recording on three channel mag stereo, but those were decomposing and transferred to mono reel to reel only.

The American Rhino records CD is all mono, but rhino found stereo for a later Gershwin compilation, that included Ill Build a Starway to Paradies in stereo.

Bovbv Harris, I have seen American in Paris many times from original prints, NOT eastman prints, and the blue is pretty much gone from this new transfer,
sharp as it is.

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

These are Technicolor b&w negatives. A color cannot disappear unless purposefully removed.

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

Bob, you are quite right, but many Warners transfers are missing blue over and over. Why?

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

...if I remember it correctly, there was great concern that the ballet would make the film "unbalanced" in that the dialogue ceases aprox. 20 minutes before the film's conclusion. It might have been perceived as "taking a chance" but, I believe, all the artists involved knew exactly what they were doing (what a remarkable studio!).

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

The first time I saw this film it was showing late on the local PBS station. I was 18 or 19 at the time and that final dance sequence blew me away on so many levels. It is definitely one of my favorite movie "scenes" of all time. I think it could only be improved if Cyd Charisse had gotten the female role instead Leslie Caron.

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

The L.A. River runs right past the back of the lot, and much like Thames water helping the longevity of London processed Eastman negative at Technicolor, it might possibly sap the blue which is needed to give the mighty and majestic L.A. River its bright turquoise sheen.

Can you give me an absolute -- a shot that you feel is missing blue by time code?

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

Of course, it would have been a completely different movie, but the ballet with Cyd Charisse would have been mind blowing! She was a great partner with Kelly as well as Astaire, "The Band Wagon" being a film very special to me; (I still cannot get over her passing...I thought she was the next wonder of the world!). (My wife always said that any clothes I bought her over the years were either those for Jane Powell or Cyd Charisse.)

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

Cyd Charisse was my favorite female dancer from those great musicals even over Ginger Rogers. IMO, she should have been a greater star and done more acting outside of those musicals.





Crawdaddy

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

...sorry, double post...(even though it appears ahead of the intended post!)...

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

Yes. There was never anyone quite like her!

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

It also didn't hurt that as a 5' 8" dancer, at least 5' were legs.

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

...not to take away from the AMiP discussion, but, what 5'!, what 8"...by any standards, she was perfect! ...(just a subjectively objective opinion).

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

Can't wait. Life won't be complete until I have every major (and a few minor) musical in 1080p.

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

I agree. They can't come fast enough for me, so the recent announcement that Blu-ray versions of SINGIN' IN THE RAIN and MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS and A STAR IS BORN will be coming in the next one to three years was a little dismaying. Glad to get them, but that's a LONG wait!

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

We also saw footage from the upcoming A Star is Born and
I don't think I need to emphasize how much care Warner also gave
to that title.

The fortunate thing for us is that all these really important titles
are under the care of a studio that would do more for them than
probably most any other.

I have also decided to start collecting musicals on Blu-ray. I don't
have many in my sDVD collection (The Music Man, 1776, The Sound
of Music) and I think it's finally time I start owning some of these
films.

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

I just watched this film completely for the first time ever.

Thought it was a pretty damn good film. Wasn't overly pleased
with the musical numbers, that is, until the film's final 20+ minutes
where I witnessed the most amazing dance number I have ever seen
on screen.....I mean....WOW!

The thing that disappoints me about this film is the limitations of
technology at the time. First, this is a film that begs for cinemascope.
Secondly, the audio is awfully flat. Can you imagine how much better
that dance sequence would have been widescreen with a more robust
audio that really pulled you into it all?

I noticed a technical glitch that was probably magnified by the
Blu-ray format. When Lise and Jerry share a cab ride, you can see
the rear screen effect putting very hard trace lines around the actress.
It looks very unnatural and I wonder if this is what audiences originally
saw.

The film looks incredibly clean, but I noticed a lot of sparkling in the
final moments of the film as Jerry races down the stairs into the arms
of Lise.

Other than that, this is a first-rate film done beautifully on Blu-ray.

Trivia: Noticed actress who played Aunt Harriet on "Batman" and actor
who would play Dr. Bellows on "I Dream of Jeannie"

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

If you look a wee bit harder you'll notice Noel Neill who played Lois Lane in THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN during its last five seasons as the art student who wants to talk about his lack of perspective whom Kelly abruptly dismisses right before he meets Milo (Nina Foch).

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

I wonder if the absence of a loss-less audio track contributes to the flat audio here, Ron?

I understand the limitations of certain 1950s recordings...but at the same time Matt notes in his official HTF review of the BD release that the audio is only a 192 kbps DD 1.0 soundtrack while the clips of AAiP on That's Entertainment sopund much, much better.

I've decided to hold off on this title because of this audio treatment. AAiP is a marginal title for me...but I probably would have pulled the trigger with better audio reviews.

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

I knew she looked familiar.


There is a TRUEHD track that I went in and selected. Isn't that the
lossless? I haven't done much reading on this title so forgive me if
I am missing something.

Yeah, audio wasn't anything to write home about.

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

...Joe Caps, who posts here often, responded to my previous query re: the original recording sessions, which were recorded in multi-track but then reduced to mono due to...you know, I don't remember what he said! Oh, well! It's really a shame that, of all musicals at MGM, these original recordings could not be salvaged.

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

I don't have the disc, but Matt's review and a couple of others on the 'net are pretty clear that there are only DD 1.0 tracks in English, Spanish, German, Italian & French. According to Matt, the snippets of AAiP used on That's Entertainment really sound good compared to this BD. It's too bad.

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

Lossless really makes a difference, even for "old mono" movies. So many DVDs that sound "dead" that most folks just assumed is the sound of old mono soundtracks, open up with shockingly life-like clarity and realism on my old (lossless) PCM laserdiscs... really ticks me off that WB stuck with the low bit-rate Dolby on this. Even must maxing out the mono lossy track with 640 or even 448 would have made a big improvement.

We've been told that this title was "already in the pipeline" when WB finally got their act together with setting a studio-wide policy for supplying lossless on all BD titles. Let's hope this gets revisited at some point... and let's hope that WB really sticks by its word on future BD releases... yes, even "old mono" movies.

p.s. all sources have indicated that this title has lossy only, and that's what several reviews have indicated. I should have my screener (running late obviously) this week and will check myself and also compare against the "That's Entertainment" clips which have TrueHD.

Re: A few words about...™ An American in Paris -- in Blu-ray

According to the liner notes on the Rhino soundtrack CD of AN AMREICAN IN PARIS, there were some multidirectional recordings done but not for the entire score. Some of those recordings have not survived, but the ones that have were included on the soundtrack CD. Warners opted not to use any multidirectional audio tracks for the audio track of the Blu-ray.

According to the liner notes for the CD, the 18 minute ballet was NOT recorded using multidirectional mics! I find that absolutely shocking! What were they thinking!