A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" by Kino Lorber Studio Classics utilizes an AVC encoded 1080p transfer with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. While the film has historically been challenging to render well on home video, this release does offer an appreciable upgrade, particularly in color saturation and fine details in close-ups. However, the elements have faded noticeably, resulting in a ruddy pink hue for flesh tones. This suggests the use of an older master, evidenced by occasional ringing and a general lack of detail, which could potentially be addressed by a newer transfer. Grain is consistently present, indicating that there has not been any aggressive denoising applied. Outdoor location shots do benefit from substantial depth of field.

The image quality of the transfer remains relatively stable, with a moderate to heavy layer of grain imparting a natural filmic texture. The source print appears to be in fairly good condition, exhibiting only minor scratches, specks, and dirt intermittently. Notably, the transfer captures the expressive details in Zero Mostel's face with good clarity. The color palette, although slightly faded, still provides pleasing highlights with punchy reds, oranges, purples, and yellows in various costumes and sets. Contrast is generally well balanced; however, blacks are slightly elevated. Digital artifacts are minimal but faint halos can be detected in some shots. Despite these minor inconsistencies, the transfer is respectful and relatively sharp, offering an authentic viewing experience.

The audio presentation of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" is offered in a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, which robustly supports both the rapid-fire dialogue and musical numbers inherent to the piece. While the original stereo release may not exhibit extensive channel separation here, this doesn’t impact the overall fidelity of the audio. Some viewers might initially perceive audio sync issues, especially during pre-recorded sequences where actors lip-synched to playback, such as Zero Mostel in the opening scenes. This does not signify a defect; rather, it reflects the production norms of musical films. Notably, the mix is densely layered, a characteristic choice consistent with director Richard Lester’s style, but it remains free from significant auditory problems.

Moreover, the audio quality is commendably clear of age-related distortions such as pops, crackles, or hisses. The dialogue is consistently crisp, though occasionally flat, while vocals exhibit a pleasing fullness. Musical numbers benefit from impressive fidelity and channel separation, presenting dynamic range and some degree of directionality in the two-channel format. However, transitions to song segments might occasionally come across as abrupt due to a noticeable elevation in sound quality. Despite its vintage nature, the mix delivers an engaging auditory experience, effectively energizing the film's playful musical elements and ensuring that every lyric is clearly and enjoyably presented.

The Blu-ray release of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" features a well-curated set of extras that enhance the viewing experience. The highlight is undoubtedly the trailer, which, despite its curious lack of a film title, is presented in high-definition (1080p) and accompanied by DTS-HD MA 2.0 sound. This gives viewers a taste of the film’s vibrant energy with impressive clarity and sound quality. Additionally, the disc includes various other bonus materials that provide further context, background, and entertainment. These extras collectively enrich the viewer's appreciation of this classic musical comedy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: High-definition trailer with excellent sound, albeit missing the film title.

"A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," Richard Lester's cinematic take on Stephen Sondheim's celebrated stage musical, delivers a frenetic blend of slapstick charm and historical farce. With a storyline rooted in the comedic tales of the Roman playwright Plautus, the film centers around Pseudolus (portrayed with rollicking vitality by Zero Mostel), a slave whose plot to win his freedom through matchmaking leads to an escalating series of comic mishaps. The ensemble cast, including notable performances from Phil Silvers, Jack Gilford, and a memorable final appearance from Buster Keaton, imbues the narrative with a lively and infectious energy. Michael Crawford's Hero and Annette Andre's Philia add romantic stakes to the mix, although the real comedic engine remains Mostel's scheming yet lovable Pseudolus.

Director Richard Lester, renowned for his energetic work on "A Hard Day's Night" and "Help!," injects the same exuberance into this film, utilizing quick edits, zooms, and jump cuts that amplify the manic pace of the plot. His penchant for visual eccentricities—ranging from Fellini-esque village scenes to chaotic montages—both drive and occasionally disrupt the pulsing rhythm of the comedy. For instance, the scene where characters throw a bird only for it to plummet unexpectedly underscores Lester's deft use of physical humor. Despite these quirks, his direction notably shines during the musical sequences, where absurd choreography meets cleverly spirited lyrics, such as in the high-paced "Lovely” montage.

While Lester’s hyperkinetic style sometimes overpowers the finely tuned farcical script penned by Larry Gelbart and Burt Shevelove, it finds a perfect outlet in set pieces like the climactic chariot race—an homage to silent-era mishaps with a modern twist. Nicolas Roeg's cinematography and Tony Walton's production design create an evocative, albeit anachronistic, Roman setting that provides a fitting backdrop for Ken Thorne's Oscar-winning musical adaptations. Despite notable deviations from the original stage production, including the omission of several Sondheim songs, the film remains an engaging and humorous spectacle that fulfills its titular promise of "Comedy Tonight."

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' is a playful and entertaining musical comedy from director Richard Lester. The cast is fantastic, pulling off a funny mix of slapstick farce and silly wordplay. On the technical front, the video transfer is very solid and the audio mix is strong. Unfortunately, the only extra we get is a trailer. While not exactly a comedy classic, this is an enjoyable film that has aged surprisingly well. Worth a look.

"A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" is an exuberant musical comedy directed by Richard Lester, boasting a stellar cast that brings its slapstick farce and whimsical wordplay to life. Zero Mostel's dynamic performance is a major highlight, offering a delightful viewing experience for those who appreciate energetic comedic style. Although Lester's direction is somewhat frenetic, it captures the manic energy that drives the film’s humor.

From a technical perspective, the Blu-ray transfer presents some mixed results. The video quality, while not exceptional, offers a decent visual representation of the film despite occasional issues. The audio mix fares better, delivering clear and punchy sound that complements the on-screen antics effectively. The lack of extra features aside from a trailer is disappointing but not deal-breaking for fans of the movie.

Despite its imperfections, "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" remains an amusing and lively romp that has aged well, providing enjoyment with its offbeat humor and engaging performances. The film isn’t quite a comedy classic but stands as an amusing piece of entertainment worth watching.

If you've never seen "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," there's a perfectly easy and even reasonably accurate way to gauge whether or not you'll enjoy it. Simply take a gander at any of the screenshots featuring Zero Mostel. If you are unmoved by his variety of facial muggings, chances are you won't be particularly amused by the film. If at least one or two cause a smile if not an outright laugh, you're more likely to enjoy this incessantly frenetic romp. While Lester could have benefited from a serious prescription of chill pills here, there's a lot to enjoy in this film, and for those with a slightly skewed sense of humor, there are some fantastically funny bits on display. Technical merits are somewhat problematic (especially the video), but on the whole, "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" comes Recommended.