There are several significant full length scratches on the films elements that last for a good fifteen minutes. Stay with me here. The transfer is consistently sharp and aside from the scratches, is excellent. An attempt could have been made to cover up the scratches through the use of digital paint box techniques, but this would likely have caused a significant drop-off in overall clarity. Given the choice, I vote for the sharp picture delivered.
Contrast is in good balance throughout and the picture is lively.
The mono sound does a capable job with no hiss or audible distortion. Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse bring Silk Stockings to life, a remake of Ninotchka, one of many films successfully turned into musicals by the Hollywood dream factory. Read all about remakes into musicals by clicking on the divine dancers. Looking for a fix of irreverent flick dissection. Check out The Big Combo where four guys rave and rant about movies.