The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.0

The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm Blu-ray Movie Review

A storybook ending for this unique fantasy film.

Reviewed by Randy Miller III March 15, 2022

The enveloping widescreen format known as "Cinerama" enjoyed a sustained burst of popularity during the 1950s and 1960s, largely fueled by globetrotting documentaries like This is Cinerama, Seven Wonders of the World, and Holiday in Spain (AKA Scent of Mystery, or "the one in Smell-O-Vision"). That last one is obviously a tongue-in-cheek "classic" and shows the ridiculous concessions made to lure would-be filmgoers from the comfort of their new televisions, but let's be clear about one thing: Cinerama was nothing more than a gimmick, but at least it was a good gimmick that would later be succeeded by the more accessible and enduring IMAX format. Bottom line: it aimed to completely transport viewers using non-traditional means, and from that perspective Cinerama unquestionably served its purpose.

Nestled among those documentaries and later films shown in Cinerama (but filmed in Super Technirama 70 and Ultra Panavision 70, rather than the traditional three-strip process) were How the West Was Won and The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm, the only two story-driven films that took advantage of the format's full capabilities. Debuting less than three months apart in 1962, the two films' only real similarities -- aside from their shared aspect ratios, of course -- are their grand scale and all-star casts. Whereas that first film was a family-oriented odyssey of Westward expansion, The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm goes all-in on fantastical elements to deliver an accessible, bright, colorful experience that's fitfully fun but never quite gels in a cohesive, satisfying way.

Not that it doesn't try hard enough, of course: doubling as a loose biopic of titular storytellers Wilhelm (Laurence Harvey) and Jacob (Karl Boehm) and an anthology of three lesser-known Grimm classics ("The Dancing Princess", "The Cobbler and the Elves", and "The Singing Bone"), the combination almost works but reach sometimes exceeds grasp. What should have been a breezy, lightweight romp is occasionally bogged down by those loose biographical elements, whereas the individual fairy tale sequences -- largely directed by celebrated fantasy animator George Pal, who also produced the film -- are more impressive with great animation and special effects. Nonetheless, the end result is still a film worth watching for the experience alone, and its all-star cast (which also includes Barbara Eden, Yvette Mimieux, Russ Tamblyn, Beulah Bondi, Terry-Thomas, Buddy Hackett, and more) is clearly up to the challenge. Not surprisingly, Cinerama's unique format provides a suitably grand gateway for this visually memorable production, as does its multi-track surround sound which includes original music and songs by Leigh Harline and Bob Merrill.

Both visuals and sound are at the forefront of Warner Archive's lavish new Blu-ray presentation of The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm, as is the legendary spectacle of Cinerama itself. Featuring an absolutely top-tier 1080p transfer sourced from new 4K master files that seamlessly stich together all three panels, this two-disc Special Edition is also highlighted by a dynamic DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track and several new and exclusive bonus features. Those familiar with past Cinerama releases by Warner Bros. and Flicker Alley will also be happy to see the "Smilebox" format, which valiantly replicates the curved Cinerama experience using techniques explained in detail during an included restoration featurette, is included as a separate presentation on Disc 2. All things considered, it's truly a special package that eclipses the main feature itself and is already on the short list as one of 2022's best Blu-ray discs.

The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Warner Archive's recent press release described this new and exclusive 1080p Blu-ray presentation of The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm as being "restored in 4K (3840 x 2160) master files from 6K files of original Cinerama camera negatives, with the most advanced technology available used by Cinerama restorationists David Strohmaier and Tom H. March, to eliminate the "join lines" that plagued traditional release prints and early video format releases. Warner Archive extends its deepest thanks to Strohmaier, March, and the Decurion Corporation (parent company of Cinerama Inc.), who partnered with Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. to bring this project to fruition." The included booklet also includes additional comments on this restoration, as does a mid-length featurette on Disc 2.

The result of this project is a jaw-dropping presentation that ranks far above most Blu-ray transfers and even rivals some of the best native 4K discs currently available on home video. Whether you prefer the traditional 2.85:1 letterbox version (Disc 1) or the "Smilebox" presentation (Disc 2), you'll walk away wishing all catalog Blu-rays looked this good. As seen on the included screenshots, image detail is razor sharp from edge to edge; only slight amounts of naturally occurring width distortion can be seen at the sides, an unavoidable side effect of the format. (The center-dominant and mostly symmetrical compositions also take some getting used to if you're not overly familiar with Cinerama, but it's a sacrifice worth making.) Easing the transition for new eyes are those practically invisible "join lines", as this 1080p transfer achieves a seamless transition between all three frames that likely surpasses theatrical showings. The film's color palette is also very well rendered; most everything appears suitably vivid with excellent saturation, while black levels run deep with no noticeable amounts of crush or posterization. As usual, the film plays at a high bit rate on both discs and no flagrant compression artifacts, banding, or other digital defects were seen along the way.

So, which is better: the straight-laced letterbox version or the curvy Smilebox? Since they're both sourced from the same outstanding restoration, it's all a matter of preference. If forced to pick a side, I slightly prefer the Smilebox presentation: there's a deeper adjustment period, but the trade-off is an unquestionably more natural "Cinerama effect" on your average flat-panel display or projector screen. (If you have one of those odd curved displays, on the other hand, now's the perfect time to put it to use with the letterbox version.) Either way, the choice is yours.

NOTE: Of this review's included 31 screenshots, both the 2.59:1 and Smilebox presentations get 15 apiece.

The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Not to be outdone, Grimm's original seven-channel soundtrack has been repurposed as a terrific DTS-HD 5.1 Surround mix that grounds viewers still adjusting to the wonders of its imagery. And while it takes a few minutes for that cannon fire to kick in after the overture and opening scene, it marks the first of many potent discrete effects that make full use of the rear and LFE channels as the film unfolds. Truth be told, this is a mostly front-loaded affair but feels accurate to the source, featuring crisp dialogue and well-placed effects that establish a largely wide and natural soundstage and differentiates depending on location (wide outdoor shots, claustrophobic caves, high-ceiling interiors, etc.), while the original score and songs by Leigh Harline and Bob Merrill enjoy a strong dynamic range and presence in their own right. Much like its outstanding new transfer, this is an incredibly pure presentation that exceeds all expectations.

Optional English (SDH) subtitles are included during the main feature only -- not the extras, unfortunately.

The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

This two-disc release ships in a dual-hubbed keepcase with attractive one-sheet cover artwork and a handsome eight-page booklet (a first for Warner Archive, if I'm not mistaken) that partially replicates the souvenir program sold during original theatrical roadshow engagements. Bonus features are informative and plentiful; most are exclusive to this release and are spread across both discs, but all are worth watching.

DISC ONE (Letterbox film disc)

• Announcement Trailer (4:36) - The original Cinerama theaters announcement trailer for the film, fully restored and presented in 2.59:1 letterboxed format with DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio.

• Theatrical Trailer (2:27) - The original 1962 theatrical trailer, likewise fully restored and presented in 2.59:1 letterboxed format with DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio.

• Radio Interviews - A pair of brief promotional pieces from 1962 with reporter Dick Allen interviewing two of the film's featured stars. Each audio clip is paired with behind-the-scenes stills.

• Russ Tamblyn (5:11)
• Yvette Mimieaux (5:39)

• The Epic Art of the Brothers Grimm (7:00) - Justin Humphreys, curator of the George Pal estate, shows off original paintings and publicity art from the film by celebrated artists Reynold Brown and Joe Smith.

• The Wonderful Career of George Pal (8:47) - Justin Humphreys returns for a short tribute to the legendary animator, film director and producer, speaking about Pal's most well-known productions; his comments are often paired with rare vintage photos, publicity stills, highlight clips, and other imagery.

DISC TWO ("Smilebox" film disc)

• Cinerama Announcement Trailer (4:36) - Appropriately presented in Smilebox format this time.

• "Smilebox" Theatrical Trailer (2:27) - Exactly as it sounds -- see above.

• Rescuing a Fantasy Classic (40:19) - This restoration featurette, helmed by award-winning documentary director Harrison Engle, goes into detail about the advanced tools and techniques used to bring The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm back to life. There's a lot of ground covered, from the original Cinerama road show presentation to a "print-down" created by MGM for non-Cinerama theaters with a much grainier image, muddier colors, and even cropping on the left and right sides, and other rescued Cinerama titles such as those released by Flickeer Alley. From there it goes into a detailed (but accessible) breakdown of the actual 4K restoration, a lengthy process that erased decades of wear and tear including mold, dirt, and warping. We also see techniques used to seamlessly join all three separate image panels, as well as how the Smilebox format is successfully achieved. Comparisons from different sources against the new 4K restoration are also provided.

• Location Commemorative Plaque (0:56) - Brief footage of a location plaque erected in Rothenberg, Germany to commemorate several outdoor scenes from the film that were shot there.

• A Salute to William Forman (1:49) - A short tribute to William R. Foreman, the founder/chairman of Pacific Theaters and former Chief Executive of Cinerama, Inc.

• Slideshow (12:00) - A montage of rare behind-the-scenes photos set to music cues from the film.

Additionally, a Song Selection option is present on both discs, giving viewers instant access to all fourteen key music cues during the main feature including "Dancing Princess", "Christmas Land", "Singing Bone", and more.

The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Warner Archive's attention to detail makes almost every disc of theirs worth consideration, but every so often WB's boutique label gets to pull out all the stops with a truly deluxe release. And while The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm isn't the strongest film in their catalog, its overall aesthetic is the real treasure here: this Technicolor Cinerama beauty -- only one of two "traditional storyline" films in that category, the other being How the West Was Won -- has been polished to absolute perfection, from its meticulous new 4K-sourced transfer to the lossless 5.1 audio. Add in both format options (Cinemascope and "Smilebox") and a generous portion of mostly all-new and exclusive bonus features, and you've got a truly special release for fans and first-timers alike. Highly Recommended.