Blu-ray Review A Few Words About A few words about...™ Blue Skies -- in Blu-ray (1 Viewer)

[RobertMG]

Blue Skies, released by Paramount in 1946 is a bit of an oddity. Directed by Stuart Heisler, it's "based upon an original idea" by Irving Berlin, using his songs.

Never a great film, it has some wonderful moments, which make it worthwhile, such as Mr. Astaire doing Puttin' on the Ritz.

One of 35 Technicolor productions released in 1946 (for those into numbers), and one of 3 from Paramount. To place things in a bit of perspective, there were 26 films in the process in 1945, 28 in 1944, 25 in 1943, 17 in 1942, 19 in 1941, 16 in 1940, 13 in 1939, 13 in 1938, 7 in 1937. Point being, especially until the 1950s, they were rarities.

Historically speaking, this isn't a major Technicolor production, so one would be correct in presuming that a digital restoration (think Warner Archive) is in not in order. It isn't.

What we're given by Universal via Kino is more than good enough to make the point. Color seems generally accurate, even if imperfect, and overall registration is fine. Shadow detail is lacking.

Image – 3.5

Audio – 5

Pass / Fail – Pass

Upgrade from first DVD – Yes

Works up-rezzed to 4k - Okay

RAH

I think has Mark Sandrich not passed away he would have directed Blue Skies? It might have been a bit better under his direction. https://33.media.tumblr.com/988613804864f15ee6df300051be4233/tumblr_mx1iw9JW8h1sno1suo4_250.gif

 

[David Weicker]

I just posted this in the 'Thoughts on Kino' thread, but I was curious if RAH has a comment (since he gave a 5/5 for Audio)

I just watched the new Kino Blu-Ray of Blue Skies.

It looks terrific. Wonderful colors. Sharp detail on medium shots and close-ups as expected. A beautiful looking presentation.

HOWEVER, there is a problem with the sound. They apparently forgot to add the tap mix. You can hear some muffled tap sounds during Fred's dances, but the normal full percussion 'instrument' is missing. I know technically that taps were generally rerecorded later (and belong the the Foley department, not the music department). Perhaps when Kino did a new scan, they didn't grab all the audio elements.

I compared the new Blu-Ray to my LD, my VHS, and the prior DVD (as well as tape recordings of broadcasts from decades ago). It is wrong.

 

[marcco00]

my blu is coming on tuesday. i will hold on to the dvd also, i don't know why but i always do!
meanwhile, i got this book delivered this week. i've had the paperback for many years, but i couldn't pass up this cover! will display this on my bookcase in the Astaire section

 

[AnthonyClarke]

If necessary, I'll graft a dvd version of the audio onto a grab from the new UHD just to see that sequence as it should be fully experienced ..... that's if I can find an NTSC DVD of Blue Skies. I don't think I have the patience to find a fix for the PAL speed-up factor!
I'd love to hear other reactions to this mystery of the missing taps.

 

[RobertMG]

Blue Skies, released by Paramount in 1946 is a bit of an oddity. Directed by Stuart Heisler, it's "based upon an original idea" by Irving Berlin, using his songs.

Never a great film, it has some wonderful moments, which make it worthwhile, such as Mr. Astaire doing Puttin' on the Ritz.

One of 35 Technicolor productions released in 1946 (for those into numbers), and one of 3 from Paramount. To place things in a bit of perspective, there were 26 films in the process in 1945, 28 in 1944, 25 in 1943, 17 in 1942, 19 in 1941, 16 in 1940, 13 in 1939, 13 in 1938, 7 in 1937. Point being, especially until the 1950s, they were rarities.

Historically speaking, this isn't a major Technicolor production, so one would be correct in presuming that a digital restoration (think Warner Archive) is in not in order. It isn't.

What we're given by Universal via Kino is more than good enough to make the point. Color seems generally accurate, even if imperfect, and overall registration is fine. Shadow detail is lacking.

Image – 3.5

Audio – 5

Pass / Fail – Pass

Upgrade from first DVD – Yes

Works up-rezzed to 4k - Okay

RAH

Hi Mr H! Did you pick up any problem with the Taps that people are raising? Do you think Universal would even have such sound elements on the film?

 

[AnthonyClarke]

I have to thank Marco for noting his favourite book on our mutual favourite, Fred Astaire, 'Starring Fred Astaire'. I immediately went to Abebooks and looked it up. Given current postal costs to Australia, this is usually a hazardous enterprise. But it paid off and the wonderful tome arrived this morning.
The cover is creased and needs some token repair. The book itself is pretty well virginal, except for the blank page three being marred by felt tip scribble by someone named Fred Astaire, who has not only signed it, but dated it too ... 1980, three years after publication. The previous owner has saved in the book press cuttings from Fred's wedding that year to Robyn Smith. The cuttings come from from 'The Register' and 'The Star' which accompaning advertisements suggest come from Orange County, which sounds very Californian.
The outrageous cost, which I was very happy to pay, amounted to $14 for the book and $5.50 airmail postage. How about that!
Thanks Marco...... and by the way, Fred's signature is very elegant indeed. Just like the man.....

 

[marcco00]

I have to thank Marco for noting his favourite book on our mutual favourite, Fred Astaire, 'Starring Fred Astaire'. I immediately went to Abebooks and looked it up. Given current postal costs to Australia, this is usually a hazardous enterprise. But it paid off and the wonderful tome arrived this morning.
The cover is creased and needs some token repair. The book itself is pretty well virginal, except for the blank page three being marred by felt tip scribble by someone named Fred Astaire, who has not only signed it, but dated it too ... 1980, three years after publication. The previous owner has saved in the book press cuttings from Fred's wedding that year to Robyn Smith. The cuttings come from from 'The Register' and 'The Star' which accompaning advertisements suggest come from Orange County, which sounds very Californian.
The outrageous cost, which I was very happy to pay, amounted to $14 for the book and $5.50 airmail postage. How about that!
Thanks Marco...... and by the way, Fred's signature is very elegant indeed. Just like the man.....

You are welcome Anthony!! boy are you lucky to have the great man's signature!! it was meant to be, enjoy!!! and damn i live in california, i missed out!!

 

[octobercountry]

Is the problem with the audio mix the reason why Kino pulled the film from their website? Are they re-pressing this title?

 

[Malcolm R]

Is the problem with the audio mix the reason why Kino pulled the film from their website? Are they re-pressing this title?

Yes and yes.

 

[octobercountry]

Yes and yes.

Thanks! I've never seen this film; think I'll pick up a copy after it is once again available.

 

[borisfw]

KL just sent me Blue Skies with an order i put in in mid March. Originally the order was held up for another title being out of stock.Then it was put on hold because Blue Skies had been pulled from stock. Then they send me the the order with Blue Skies with an email telling me i'll get a replacement disc for Blue Skies when it becomes available. Odd.

 

[RobertMG]

KL just sent me Blue Skies with an order i put in in mid March. Originally the order was held up for another title being out of stock.Then it was put on hold because Blue Skies had been pulled from stock. Then they send me the the order with Blue Skies with an email telling me i'll get a replacement disc for Blue Skies when it becomes available. Odd.

Great customer service, we are all getting to keep the original release and the corrected version -- they do customer service proud

 

[Joel Arndt]

Be on the lookout for your replacement disc. I received mine today.

 

[RetroGuy]

Mine arrived in the mail today, too!

 

[dukiejosh54]

I got mine as well. It has fingerprints and a few scratches on the disc from being shipped in the paper sleeve backwards.

 

[marcco00]

thanx for the head's up guys, mine just arrived...yay!! now to dig thru my stash for a 2-disc blu ray case to change out, and then mark which one is which!!