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It’s Always Fair Weather Blu-ray Review

“It’s Always Fair Weather” is an uneven musical.

Directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen (the team that collaborated on one of the best movies of all-time in “Singin’ In The Rain”) reunited again with “It’s Always Fair Weather.” The story follows 3 soldiers (Ted, Doug and Angelo) coming home. Before they go their own separate ways, they vow to reunite 10 years later. The promise is kept, but things are not the same for the three friends. Not only have they clearly drifted apart, but none of their lives are what they envisioned. Along the way, the film injects several key subplots involving Doug’s advertising work, a TV show, Ted falling for an advertising exec named Jackie, and Ted getting mixed up with gangsters.

Despite having the same directing talent as “Singin’ In The Rain,” “It’s Always Fair Weather” certainly isn’t in the same league as that timeless classic. The problem with this 1955 musical is that it’s all over the place. It starts out as a story about friends and that veers from that concept wildly as it focuses on other subplots. In fact, a majority of the story is just about Ted (played by Gene Kelly). Obviously, Kelly has the star power in this movie, but it’s strange to see the other characters (namely Angelo) get short changed.

I will say the film does have a particular edge to it as it explores themes about dreams, friendship, and the TV biz, but that only gets the film so far. Most of the time it drags and meanders about.

One thing that is notable about ‘Weather,’ however, are its dance numbers. Say what you will about the film itself, but there’s no denying that this film contains 2 of the best dance numbers in cinematic history. If you watch the trash can lid foot dance set piece and the Gene Kelly rollerskating number and aren’t blown away by them, you may not be human. They are simply majestic.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.55:1 1080p. How does it look? The film’s presentation is Cinemascope with Eastmancolor offers up a dazzling colorful feast that looks even better in hi-def. Warner Archive deserves props for this release.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? A lively track that especially comes alive during song and dance numbers.

Extras: * “It’s Always Fair Weather” trailer. * 2 cartoons (“Deputy Droopy” and “Good Will To Men”) * 3 video outtakes (which contains some deleted footage) and an audio outtake for “I Thought They’d Never Leave.” * 2 MGM Parade excerpts. One featuring Cyd Charisse and the other featuring Gene Kelly. The segments are basically interviews with film footage. * “It’s Always Fair Weather: Going Out On A High Note”- An interesting 16 minute featurette about the film.

June 7, 2017 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Gene Kelly, It's Always Fair Weather Blu-ray Review, Warner Archive