Ziegfeld Follies (1945) {Warner Archive Blu-ray Review}

Reviewed By Jason Lockard

Florenz Edward Ziegfeld Jr. was an American Broadway impresario. He is known for his series of theatrical revues entitled The Ziegfeld Follies. But after his death in 1932 his amazing productions would live on in renewal Follies, a radio program and numerous movies.

In 1945 A star studded revue was brought to film. Now the great folks at Warner Archive have given this stunning musical comedy revue it's chance to shine on Blu-ray.

This film follows the after life of the extraordinary producer Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. After passing from Earth to Heaven he doesn't want to enjoy paradise, he wants to put on another show with some of the best talent. So from beyond he commands one for revue with some of the best singers, comedians, dancers and actors to put on a show like non other.

This all-star revue features the swift feet of Fred Astaire, the comedy of America's clown Red Skelton, the swimming talents of Esther Williams, the vocals of Lena Horne, and the legendary Judy Garland spoofs snobbery. But that is not all other Hollywood icons found in this release include, Gene Kelly, Lucille Ball, William Powell, James Melton, Kennan Wynn,  Hume Cronyn, William Frawley, Virginia O'Brien, Cyd Charisse, Fanny Brice, Kathryn Grayson, Victor Moore, Lucille Bremer and more.

This is not a "film" per se, this is more or less what you would have seen at one of Ziegfield's revues. But this is a extremely entertaining piece of entertainment. In this production we see Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly in what was their first-ever screen pairing. That alone makes this a must own Blu-ray.

The new Warner Archive presents Ziegfeld Follies in 1080p in it's original 1.37:1 aspect ratio and the audio is available in both the original theatrical mono audio track and the stereo version. Each track is delivered via DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio presentation.

This transfer seems to be a new 4K scan. If it isn't, Warner Archive found the best print ever preserved. The picture quality is stunning and the colors are vibrant. Than for the audio, they both sound as clear as a bell. This is one amazing looking Blu-ray.



Warner Archive put some amazing special features on this Blu-ray disc. Take a look at what is included on this disc.

* The Luckiest Guy In The World: A 21-minute 1947 short film from the “Crime Does Not Pay” series starring Barry Nelson..

* The Hick Chick: A Tex Avery short from 1946 (Released previously in HD in the first volume of the Tex Avery Screwball Classics.

* Solid Serenade: A Tom & Jerry short from 1946 presented in standard definition.

* An Embarrassment Of Riches: A featurette in which historians and stars discuss the film.

* Unused Songs Audio Only Extras:

  Here’s To The Girls – Alternate Take with Unused Ending

  Liza – Unused Musical Sequence 

  We Will Meet Again In Honolulu – Unused Musical Sequence 

  A Cowboy’s Life – Unused Musical Sequence

  ‘E Pinched Me – Partially Used In Limehouse Blues Sequence

  Look At Me, I’m An Indian – Partially Used In Opening Puppet Sequence

  You’ve Gotta Start Off Each Day With A Song – Unused “Pied Piper’ Sequence

  Leo The Lion Speaks – Unused Sequence 

  There’s Beauty Ev’rywhere – Unused Finale Sequence

  Love (Spanish Language Version Performed by Lena Horne)

* Theatrical Trailer

So as you can see Warner Archive really went above and beyond with this release. Along with a absolutely beautiful transfer of Ziegfeld Follies, they loaded this Blu-ray disc with great bonus features. The additional music is spectacular, the cartoons are great and the vintage short is awesome, but the featurette is something special. 

If you love classic Hollywood and the elegance of the musicals, the gorgeous Blu-ray of Ziefeld Follies is for you. Head over to Amazon.com and get your copy today.


Out of 4 Film reels (4 being the best) Warner Archive's Blu-Ray of Ziegfeld Follies receives...