Plot: What’s it about?
Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby) and Phil Davis (Danny Kaye) have just returned from their tours of duty in World War II, looking to become a popular song and dance team. The two are close friends and since they both possess the skills, it seems like the task won’t be too much of a hassle in the end. And of course, the two take little time to climb the ladder of show business and become sensations. The former soldiers still knock ’em dead, but now in front of audiences on stage, as opposed to on the battlefield. Soon enough, Phil decides to play their hand at romance and hooks them up with a pair of performing sisters. Betty (Rosemary Clooney) and Susan (Vera-Ellen) also have tremendous skills, so it seems natural for these two pairs to perform together and perhaps even take things further than a professional relationship. So when the sisters trek off to an in to perform, the fellows follow and discover that their former general runs the place, but is in serious financial troubles. So the guys team up with their new ladies in an effort to save the inn and the general, but will their plan work?
This film has become somewhat of a tradition come the holidays, though perhaps not as much as It’s A Wonderful Life or A Christmas Story. But good holiday films are always welcome, so I am pleased that Paramount has issued White Christmas, especially in such fine form. A new transfer, sound mix, and selection of extras have all been packed on, which means this is a real winner in all respects. As is the case with most holiday movies, this one has some moments heavy with sap, but come on, you have to expect that to some degree, right? It never goes too far or becomes too deep though, so the film doesn’t sink into the sappiness in the end. I find this to be a very warm and likable movie in all respects, but it never gets too complex, so don’t expect much beyond light entertainment. It has a few sparks into more than that, but it lacks the heartstring pullers of the true Christmas classics. But that doesn’t mean this isn’t worth a look, as I know it will be given a few spins once the tree goes up. If you’re a fan of holiday cinema or just love this movie, this disc is more than worth the price, whether you purchase or rent.
I’m sure you’ll all recognize the name of Michael Curtiz, although this isn’t one of the films he usually known for. This might be fluffy entertainment, but Curtiz still brings a skillful hand to the table and delivers it in fine form. While Curtiz was never among the very best in his craft, he was among the better filmmakers and this film is a perfect example of his work. He takes the elements he has, weaves them together, and it all turns out better than you might expect. I think Curtiz was a very well rounded filmmaker for his time and even after all these years, his work still holds up well. Other films directed by Curtiz include The Adventures Of Robin Hood, Mildred Pierce, The Jazz Singer, Yankee Doodle Dandy, and Casablanca. The cast of White Christmas is headed up by Bing Crosby (Holiday Inn, Stagecoach) and Danny Kaye (The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty, Birth of a Star), both of whom are in typical fine form. Also in the mix here is Rosemary Clooney (Red Garters, Radioland Murders), who I feel is the real show stealer in this picture. All three leads combine to deliver a wonderful film and display some terrific chemistry. The cast also includes Dean Jagger (Alligator, Game of Death), Vera-Ellen (The Belle Of New York, On The Town), and Mary Wickes (Cimarron, Sister Act).
Video: How does it look?
White Christmas is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. This film was made in 1954 and as such, doesn’t look perfect, but this is a very nice transfer nonetheless. I saw less debris and grain than I expected, while compression flaws are minimal at worst. The colors look rich and bold at all times, but the hues never run or bleed, no matter how full the tones become. The flesh tones also look solid, with no distortion or discolorment in the least. The contrast is also sharp and true, as detail level is high and the black levels seem dead on. This is a very good treatment for this classic, although some further restoration work would be welcome.
Audio: How does it sound?
This disc sports a new Dolby Digital 5.1 track, which sounds pretty good, especially in the musical portions of the movie. I didn’t think this remix would work out too well in the end, but I was proven wrong and I am glad. The surrounds are used, but never forced and that ensures that the audio is natural, which makes all the difference in the world. Some new mixes for older films tend to pressure the surrounds, so I am pleased this one just allows it to flow in a normal fashion. The musical sequences sound terrific and the dialogue is also sharp, no problems here in the least. This disc also includes a restored edition of the original mono track, a French mono option, and English subtitles.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes the film’s original theatrical trailer, re-release trailer, and an audio commentary with star Rosemary Clooney. I am pleased this track was created, but she seems to be watching more than talking, which is a let down. But she does share some information, which I suppose is better than no commentary track at all, right? So kudos to Paramount for packing on this track, but I do wish it was better edited or re-recorded to fill in some of the silent spaces. Also included is a seventeen minute interview with Clooney, which is very informative and worth a look, perhaps even more info packed than her commentary track.
