Rodgers and Hammerstein scores again!
This wonderful film from 1956 has been preserved on Blu Ray. I know there have been criticisms on a very respectable review site for Blu Ray discs about perceived image quality issues, though the soundtrack was given a very high rating by the same individual. I mostly concur with those impressions, but now knowing what was necessary to restore this film makes the image issues rather less significant by far. Only a few scenes do appear to have problems with color of the flesh tones and overall sharpness, but considerable credit goes to Fox and Cineric for making a herculean effort to work with the very non-standard Cinemascope 55mm film employed for this movie. The only other movie filmed in Cinemascope 55 was “Carousel,” and upon release both were projected in standard 35mm. The format was then abandoned.
Technical issues aside, this is one of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s finest musicals, with the legendary Yul Brynner playing his role as the King with total commitment. Deborah Kerr is positively lovely as Anna, and is supported vocally by Marni Nixon, who dubs for her so well you’d never know it wasn’t Deborah herself singing. Cinephiles will also enjoy seeing a very young Rita Moreno, who plays Tuptim. While studio-bound, the magnificent sets appear glorious on this Blu Ray release, which in my opinion is a major step up from the DVD I have owned for over 20 years.
For the very reasonable price I paid from a seller who delivered the product promptly and very carefully packed, I could not have been more pleased. For those who have not seen this film and appreciate what a fine musical can offer, I urge you to do so.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned