Rhinoceros Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Rhinoceros" by Kino Classics presents a notably variable viewing experience with its AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.84:1 aspect ratio. The transfer displays inconsistencies across multiple aspects, including color palette warmth, overall densities, and clarity. During the best sequences, the detail levels are commendable and the palette appears vivid. However, there are numerous instances where the image quality drops, revealing pale colors and an unmistakable dupey appearance. Specifically, moments involving opticals, such as the opening credits, suffer from significant fading on the right side of the frame, contributing to the overall uneven presentation.

While some parts of the film look exceptionally impressive, nearing what some may consider 4.0 territory in terms of quality, other sections fall short due to the evident variances. For instance, screenshot 2 underscores the potential quality with its clarity and color vibrancy, while screenshot 16, part of a sequence involving an optical effect, depicts noticeable degradation. This disparity is also observed in interstitial edits between optical moments. Despite these shortcomings, when the transfer hits its stride, it provides a visually appealing experience with good detail levels and lively colors. This review aims to guide viewers in understanding the fluctuating quality throughout the Blu-ray presentation.

The Blu-ray release of "Rhinoceros" features a robust LPCM 2.0 mono track that delivers an impressively full-bodied audio presentation. Galt MacDermot’s rock and funk score, known for his work on "Hair," comes through richly, contributing to an immersive audio experience despite debates on its thematic relevance. The clarity of the music is notable, capturing the intended energy and tone of each scene seamlessly.

Dialogue reproduction on this track is equally commendable, with voices rendered cleanly and clearly. There's a lack of hiss or distortion that often plagues mono tracks, ensuring that viewers can grasp every word without difficulty. The overall audio balance is well maintained, with no elements overshadowing one another. This attention to detail ensures an engaging and authentic listening experience throughout the film.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of “Rhinoceros” offer an expansive insight into the production and historical context of the film, featuring content repeatedly seen in other Kino Blu-ray versions of the American Film Theatre series. The interview with director Tom O'Horgan provides a fascinating view into his directorial choices and handling of Zero Mostel’s legendary temperament. Edie Landau’s interview, offering both personal anecdotes and broader historical background, enhances the viewer's appreciation of the American Film Theatre’s legacy. The piece "Ely Landau: In Front of the Camera" humorously underscores Ely Landau’s showmanship through a promotional segment designed for subscribers. The inclusion of various AFT trailers adds further value, giving viewers glimpses into the breadth of the series.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with director Tom O'Horgan: An engaging 2002 interview discussing challenges and experiences during the shoot.
• Interview with Edie Landau: A sit-down with Ely Landau's widow covering their producing careers and anecdotes.
• Ely Landau: In Front of the Camera: A humorous promotional piece showcasing Ely Landau’s showmanship.
• AFT Trailers: Includes trailers for multiple American Film Theatre productions.

Tom O’Horgan's film adaptation of "Rhinoceros," originally an American Film Theatre production, tackles the challenging task of translating Eugene Ionesco's absurdist play to the screen. The film grapples with balancing the satirical and political undertones of the original theater piece while adapting to a visual medium. O’Horgan, known for his theatrical flair in productions like "Hair" and "Jesus Christ Superstar," brings a unique touch to the movie. His decision to alter the setting to America and update character names to John (Zero Mostel) and Stanley (Gene Wilder) introduces a cultural context that resonates with contemporary issues, including references to Richard Nixon. However, changes made to the dialogue and slapstick additions contribute an uneven tone, causing the film to oscillate between chaotic and disconnected scenes. Despite these variances, the film retains a certain cheeky charm, showcased effectively during the opening credits.

The cast, led by Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder in their only screen pairing post-"The Producers," exhibits dynamic chemistry. Mostel reprises his Tony-winning role with a familiar exuberance, channeling a mix of Max Bialystock's boisterousness and a touch of animalistic zeal appropriate for the transformation theme. Wilder’s portrayal of the neurotic Everyman, Stanley, mirrors his character Leo Bloom from "The Producers," bringing a sense of continuity to fans of both actors. Karen Black’s quirky performance as Daisy adds another layer of eccentricity, though it sometimes feels forced within the frenetic pace of the film. Interestingly, despite the narrative about people transforming into rhinoceroses, no real rhinoceroses appear on screen, with O’Horgan opting for an allegorical approach rather than literal transformation scenes. This choice aligns with Ionesco’s intent but might leave some viewers longing for more visual spectacle.

Overall, "Rhinoceros" stands as a peculiar yet intriguing adaptation that both honors and diverges from Ionesco’s original play. While the film struggles with occasional disjointedness and exaggerated stylistic choices, the performances by Mostel and Wilder provide a comedic yet thought-provoking exploration of themes prevalent in theater of the absurd.

The Blu-ray release of "Rhinoceros" presents a fascinating, albeit imperfect, adaptation of Eugene Ionesco's absurdist play. Featuring Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder, this film aims to blend the essence of theater with the wide-reaching medium of cinema. While the performances are spirited, especially from Mostel whose comedic timing remains impeccable, the adaptation struggles with maintaining the vibrancy and immediacy of its theatrical origin. Tom O'Horgan's direction introduces a manic energy that at times feels disjointed and lacks the cohesiveness required to fully engage the audience.

Technically, the Blu-ray transfer is a mixed bag. The video quality varies, sometimes showcasing sharp details while at other points appearing grainy and uneven—a clear indication of the limitations inherent in the original film's preservation. Audio-wise, the clarity is reliable if unspectacular, adequately supporting dialogue and the film's understated soundtrack. Though not groundbreaking in terms of home theater experience, it remains passable for those with a fervent interest in classic cinema or the works of Ionesco.

The value lies largely in its historical context and the performances of its leads. Fans of Mostel, Wilder, or Black might consider this release a notable addition to their collection, if for no other reason than as a cinematic curiosity. While it may not resonate with all viewers due to its erratic pacing and stylistic choices, it does offer insight into an ambitious attempt to bring avant-garde theater to a broader audience.

In doing some background research on both the play and this film adaptation for purposes of writing this review, I discovered that scenarist Julian Barry returned to this property and actually helped to musicalize it. That might have been a more suitable property for O'Horgan to have tackled than this manic but still listless adaptation. Fans of Mostel, Wilder and/or Black may find this of passing interest, but probably as more of a curio than anything. Video is variable, but watchable, and audio is fine, for those considering a purchase.