4K UHD Review: Singin’ in the Rain

Last released in 2012 as part of an impressive Ultimate Collector’s Edition, Warner Brothers has brought Singin’ in the Rain to 4K UHD in time for the films 70^th anniversary. Boasting a wonderful technical presentation that makes the most of its technicolor visuals and memorable musical numbers and an impressive 5.1 remix of the original audio elements (the disc also offers 5.1 remix of the original audio elements). Although some of legacy special features haven’t been included on this 4K set, this is still a solid package.

For a synopsis and appreciation of the film, please see the link above. Whatever the format, the Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen musical is one of the greats. A wonderful story of Hollywood behind-the-scenes, time hasn’t dulled the impact of the performances. Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds are some of the strongest dancers in movie history. Jean Hagen’s portray of Lina Lamont is unforgettable. One wonders how Hagen didn’t have a bigger career.

Singin’ in the Rain has always looked wonderful but the 4K transfer manages to up the ante. The almost original 1.37:1 has been faithfully preserved. The spotless picture jumps off the screen. Awash in technicolor, hues, the music and dance numbers offer a new vibrancy. Final detail is excellent, offering wonderful texture in the theatrical costumes. The colors are riveting. The garish lighting and color schemes of the various stages come alive with pop and a sense of realism. A must see for fans, newcomers to the film will be impressed by the vividness of this 1953 gem.

As stated earlier, the 4K comes packaged with two English soundtracks—the lossless track found on previous releases and the original theatrical audio for the first time in lossless dual mono. While the mono track lacks the obvious fullness of the lossless track, it offers an opportunity to hear a facsimile of the way it was originally heard in theaters.

Additional language tracks include Dolby Digital mono tracks in Italian, French, Spanish, German and Japanese are available. English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Korean and Mandarin (Simplified) subtitles are also available.

The 4K UHD disc offers the following special features: *

• Audio Commentary: Debbie Reynolds, Donald O’Connor, Cyd Charisse, Kathleen Freeman, co-director Stanley Donen, screenwriters Betty Comden and Adolph Green, filmmaker Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge) and author Rudy Behlmer discuss the film’s legacy.
• Musical Numbers: Access to the films music breaks—”Fit as a Fiddle,” “All I Do Is Dream of You,” “Make ‘Em Laugh,” “You Were Meant For Me,” “Beautiful Girl,” “Moses Supposes,” “Good Morning,” “Singin’ in the Rain,” the “Broadway” pieces, “You Are My Lucky Star” and more.

Special features available on the Blu-ray:

• Audio Commentary: Identical to the one on the 4K.
• Singin’ in the Rain: Raining on a New Generation HD, 50:48)
• Jukebox
• Theatrical Trailer (HD. 4:07)

*For additional details on the special features, please see the link above.