Also notable is how well the digital transfer process cleaned up most of the blemishes that were apparent in the VHS version. Color saturation is well done as is the black level giving the film added depth and a more vivid richness that was sorely missing from the previous releases. Flesh tones are consistent and within proper parameters. The overall color palette is effectively rendered with most of the emphasis on reds and browns. Night scenes leave a little something to be desired as the detail gets lost in the background, but this is hardly meant as a criticism, just the facts of life with a film this old.
Compression artifacts are minimal and so is edge enhancement.
If you look close enough it s there, but it s not of the obtrusive variety. In fact, it s impossible in a film with this many outdoor scenes to not see it upon close inspection, but MGM should be complimented in using the process minimally here. On the audio side, MGM has come up with a new Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround track for this feature, but it has its limitations I m afraid. What we get here is excellent front staging with the center channel anchoring the dialogue and some limited use of the surrounds reserved for more subtle ambient effects just to let remind us they are being used. Of course, most people familiar with the film will be anxious to hear the legendary score and how it plays in this new format.