Review of Radio Days

Introduction

Radio Days is a charming pseudo-autobiographical piece from the assured hand of Woody Allen. Set in the Golden Age of American Steam Radio at the beginning of the 1940`s, the film is a series of light anecdotes of the time and of the family of the young protagonist (played by a very young Seth Green). All the stories are loosely connected to the central radio theme, either as listeners or involved in production. The cast is loaded with fine actors, some with only brief cameo roles.

Video

This is a really nice, crisp transfer in anamorphic 1.85:1. Colours are quite sumptuous without being overpowering. The image shows no damage or artefacting, but there is from time to time a distinct pattern visible in a few light shots that would appear to be produced by the mechanics of the transfer from film. I am inclined to think that possibly a digital master has not been created from original film materials but this might be produced from a high quality tape master instead.

Audio

For anyone keen on the Big Band era, the soundtrack is a wallow in nostalgia. Highlights are the father, uncle and elder sister miming to a Carmen Miranda track.

Features

Only the theatrical trailer and subtitles. This is not so much laziness on the part of MGM, but a disinclination on Woody Allen`s part to revisit old movies. He`s said his movies should stand up on their own and these MGM releases certainly do.

Conclusion

This is definitely one of Woody Allen`s best. His career has survived a number of crises over the years but of all directors currently making movies, Woody Allen is one you can describe as an auteur. If you need an introduction to his films, you can`t go far wrong with this one.