- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
- Messages
- 18,409
- Real Name
- Robert Harris
While Kismet has always been a part of the M-G-M pantheon of musicals, it was never high on my personal list.
I've seen it on film several times, and on older home video releases, and it never really stood out as anything special.
Until I popped the new WB Archive Blu-ray into a player, and was able to see the incredibly sumptuous colors and resolution via my LG 42" flat panel. I was actually surprised by the quality and tones of the color, as early Eastman Color seldom looked this good on prints. Someone dug deep into the film elements, and extracted everything that the emulsion contained.
Possibly time to re-evaluate.
Not a great deal of time, but here it is, in very few words.
Warner's has performed yeoman-like work on Kismet. It's from a new IP, derived from the camera original, and the color is astounding.
Audio, which is DTS- HD MA, I presume to be proper. I'm currently hearing it via high end audiophile speakers, implanted somewhere beneath the panel. Love to hear it in 5.1, but cannot.
Based upon the Broadway play, and filmed three times previous to this 1955 CinemaScope version (1920, 1930 and 1944), and once after, in 1967 as an MOW.
Bottom line. A magnificent disc from Warner Archive.
Did I mention directed by Vincente Minnelli from the Freed unit?
Image - 5
Audio - 5 (presumed)
Recommended.
RAH