One of the Great Technicolor M-G-M musicals, the George Sidney / Arthur Freed Show Boat, has come to life in a huge way via Warner Archive’s new Blu-ray.
Based upon new scans of the original camera negatives, color literally jumps off the screen. This is one of those productions that cry out for a huge screen. And when I tell you the color and resolution is off the charts gorgeous, just believe.
Everything is absolutely perfect.
And then, there’s the audio, with a bit of major history behind it. Early jacket inserts may note DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono, but the new release actually has two tracks, the original mono, as well as a stereo track produced from music stems for the 1994 laserdisc release, and apparently unheard since that time.
But the history is something that those with higher end systems will easily hear.
Show Boat was a major step forward in audio recording in 1951. When you get to William Warfield’s majestic rendition of Ol’ Man River, you’ll be hearing the very first experimental magnetic music recording at M-G-M.
Don’t give this one a second thought. Just grab a copy.
Pictorially magnificent, with great audio, it’s a cinephile’s necessity.
Image – 5
Audio – 5
Pass / Fail – Pass
Upgrade from DVD – Yes
Very Highly Recommended
RAH
Based upon new scans of the original camera negatives, color literally jumps off the screen. This is one of those productions that cry out for a huge screen. And when I tell you the color and resolution is off the charts gorgeous, just believe.
Everything is absolutely perfect.
And then, there’s the audio, with a bit of major history behind it. Early jacket inserts may note DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono, but the new release actually has two tracks, the original mono, as well as a stereo track produced from music stems for the 1994 laserdisc release, and apparently unheard since that time.
But the history is something that those with higher end systems will easily hear.
Show Boat was a major step forward in audio recording in 1951. When you get to William Warfield’s majestic rendition of Ol’ Man River, you’ll be hearing the very first experimental magnetic music recording at M-G-M.
Don’t give this one a second thought. Just grab a copy.
Pictorially magnificent, with great audio, it’s a cinephile’s necessity.
Image – 5
Audio – 5
Pass / Fail – Pass
Upgrade from DVD – Yes
Very Highly Recommended
RAH
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