White Christmas - 70th Anniversary (UHD Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Paramount 
Release Date: November 5, 2024
Rating: NR
Film: 4/5


Plot
Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye star as war veterans who become one of the hottest acts in show business. When they encounter a sister act (Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen), they’re off to Vermont for a holiday celebration unlike any other.

My Thoughts
The plot isn’t very deep, but it does feature a plethora of Irving Belin classics and make it worth watching every few years. The song “White Christmas” was made popular by Crosby in the 1942 film, Holiday Inn, and within the first few minutes of this one he’s belting out the tune. While this isn’t my favorite holiday film (I prefer Die Hard), my wife really enjoys it and we’ve watched it quite a few times throughout the years and it’s nice to have it in 4K.

Paramount has done a fantastic job of restoring this old classic for its 4K debut. In fact, it’s the best the film has ever looked and is a pretty big improvement over the previous released Blu-ray. Film grain looks more natural and details in clothing and facial pores are dazzling. The audio track has an original DTS-HD MA mono track as well as a remixed 5.1 DTS-HD MA. I personally preferred the latter as it adds more atmosphere and presence to the film. The musical numbers really shine in the presentation and while it doesn’t have the dynamic range of a modern movie, it doesn’t sound like its 70 years old either.


Video 9.5/10 (AVC)

Audio 8/10 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)


Special Features:

• Commentary by Rosemary Clooney
• WHITE CHRISTMAS Sing-Along
• Classic Holiday Moments
• Assignment Children
• Backstage Stories from WHITE CHRISTMAS
• Bing Crosby: Christmas Crooner
• Danny Kaye: Joy to the World
• Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS
• Rosemary’s Old Kentucky Home
• WHITE CHRISTMAS: From Page to Stage
• WHITE CHRISTMAS: A Look Back with Rosemary Clooney
• Photo Galleries
• Theatrical Trailers
• 4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital Copy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4K2C0gcEV3Q&t=1s&ab


 Conclusion
Crosby is definitely and American icon and while this film isn’t his most popular, you can see how he was such a box-office draw. While I find the story somewhat pedestrian, my wife really enjoys it a lot and to keep the peace I sit through it every few years so she’ll return the favor with Die Hard, a true Christmas classic!


Reference Review System:
 JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
 (Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
 Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
 Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
 ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
 ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
 Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
 System Controller: URC MX-990
 M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
 M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
 Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
 Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
 Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
 Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
 PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[AVSCraig]

Love this movie, and have this 4K disc coming shortly. Can't wait! A classic. 

[bmoney]

I like how you waited till November 1 to post this one hahah

[David Vaughn]

I like how you waited till November 1 to post this one hahah

I have to admit, it didn't feel right watching in October