- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
- Messages
- 18,315
- Real Name
- Robert Harris
It's Always Fair Weather was released in the fall of 1955, as the era of classic M-G-M musicals was winding down. It's the tale of three war buddies, who go their separate ways in the decade after their return from Europe, and meet again on the M-G-M lot.
Where many of the M-G-M productions, especially those from the Freed unit have gloriously stood the test of time, and even some of his later productions shine today, this one may come in a step down.
That noted, the new Warner Archive release will be a must own for M-G-M musical fans, and Warner has done everything possible to make it as presentable as possible -- and that quite presentable.
From a tech perspective, it's a bit like a swan among a gaggle of geese, in that it's early Eastmancolor, as opposed to the then standard issue Ansco, used on Brigadoon and Seven Brides. Three-strip Technicolor was till being shot, so there's quite a mix of possibilities beginning around 1952 and going into 1955.
Dupes are cut in, which means you'll see the drop in quality, and color, which is generally pleasing, occasionally moves a bit toward cyan or overly colorful in some flesh tones. It is what it is.
When the final shot in the film hits, it's a surprise. Try and figure out why.
Even for easily Eastman, the grain structure is comfortable, along with decent black levels and shadow detail in original production photography.
It's also early CinemaScope, which gives us an aspect ratio of 2.55, along with some nice six decade old stereo.
The reason for me to watch the film?
Gene Kelly's incredible dance number -- on roller skates.
Image - 3.75
Audio - 5
4k Up-rez - 3.75
Pass / Fail - Pass
Recommended
RAH
Where many of the M-G-M productions, especially those from the Freed unit have gloriously stood the test of time, and even some of his later productions shine today, this one may come in a step down.
That noted, the new Warner Archive release will be a must own for M-G-M musical fans, and Warner has done everything possible to make it as presentable as possible -- and that quite presentable.
From a tech perspective, it's a bit like a swan among a gaggle of geese, in that it's early Eastmancolor, as opposed to the then standard issue Ansco, used on Brigadoon and Seven Brides. Three-strip Technicolor was till being shot, so there's quite a mix of possibilities beginning around 1952 and going into 1955.
Dupes are cut in, which means you'll see the drop in quality, and color, which is generally pleasing, occasionally moves a bit toward cyan or overly colorful in some flesh tones. It is what it is.
When the final shot in the film hits, it's a surprise. Try and figure out why.
Even for easily Eastman, the grain structure is comfortable, along with decent black levels and shadow detail in original production photography.
It's also early CinemaScope, which gives us an aspect ratio of 2.55, along with some nice six decade old stereo.
The reason for me to watch the film?
Gene Kelly's incredible dance number -- on roller skates.
Image - 3.75
Audio - 5
4k Up-rez - 3.75
Pass / Fail - Pass
Recommended
RAH