I viewed my disc this morning in its entirety. If I didn't read your audio comments, I probably wouldn't have noticed any audio issues. However, with that said because I was paying real close attention to the audio, I did noticed some of the issues you mentioned, but it wasn't enough to take me out of watching this great film.Please do not misread my comments.
The audio is in no way “unintelligible.”
It has the characteristic sibilance, and noise levels of being derived from the wrong element.
Many people will not notice the problem.
Which does not excuse the fact that it’s there.
IMO, most people will be very happy with this release. Sure, it could have been better, but it's much improved over the MGM Vintage Classics DVD. What bothers me more is that this great film should have been released with an audio commentary.