Plot: What’s it about?
Gabey, Chip, and Ozzie are thrilled to be in New York, especially since the sailors have a twenty-four hour shore leave to spend there. With only one day to spend in the town before they have to report back, they know they have to use their time wisely. While there are many things the guys want to do, the main objective is to score some dames, and enjoy some romance. As the sailors explore the city and the sights, they each manage to find and fall for a beautiful woman. While each sailor has their own agenda, love and romance step in to change plans, and take the guys on a real tour of the most breathtaking sights, the women they’ve just met!
This is the other Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra as sailors on leave musical, the other being Anchors Aweigh. I won’t waste time trying to discuss which one is better, because they both make for an interesting and fun movie. The two are quite similar, so if you like this one, make sure to check that one out as well. This is a musical, so those who abhor singing and dancing in movies need to steer clear of this one. If you do like this type of movie, On The Town is a film you don’t want to miss, it’s one of the best from this time period. I usually don’t like musicals from this period, but I did enjoy this and Anchors Aweigh, so maybe some of you will be surprised also. The production value involved here is excellent, as the on location scenes look awesome, and even the sets look impressive. The musical numbers are well framed and provide some sing along moments. If you like musicals from this time period, or want to give them a try, this is a lock for your collection. While the disc lacks supplement, the movie itself makes a rental worthwhile.
This feature was directed by the team of Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, and the camerawork and production design are amazing. Kelly is better known as a performer, but he also directed the classic Singin’ In The Rain, so he has some talent behind the camera as well. Donen is a name we’d expect to see listed as director, since he co-directed Singin’ In The Rain with Kelly, as well as his own films, such as Charade, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, and The Pajama Game. Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra provide their usual above standard turns here, with Kelly besting Sinatra in the musical numbers, but Sinatra gaining the edge in the traditional acting segments. The supporting cast includes Betty Garrett (Take Me Out To The Ballgame, Neptune’s Daughter), Jules Munshin (Easter Parade, Silk Stockings), Ann Miller (Carolina Blues, The Opposite Sex), and Vera-Ellen (White Christmas, Three Little Girls In Blue).
Video: How does it look?
On The Town is presented in a full frame transfer, which is the original aspect ratio. The image is very good, especially given the age of the film. There is some grain and print wear, but nothing to the degree of distraction. The colors appear perky and bright, and flesh tones are natural and consistent. The contrast is little on the dark side, but this doesn’t obscure much detail. The transfer is free from compression errors as well.
Audio: How does it sound?
The audio is presented via the original mono track, which offers an adequate audio experience. Given the limitations of the mono format, this sounds quite good, better than most tracks of this type. The music sounds good, and the dialogue is crisp and well separated.
Supplements: What are the extras?
The disc includes talent files and the theatrical trailer.
