How to Get Ahead in Advertising Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of "How to Get Ahead in Advertising" presents the film in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio with a 1080p transfer utilizing MPEG-4 AVC encoding. The source is a 2K restoration originally completed for an Arrow Video box set, now made available to American audiences. The resulting image displays a consistently strong and organic appearance faithful to the film’s original look, with no intrusive digital corrections evident. Image clarity, depth, and delineation remain impressive throughout, and the image stability is particularly noteworthy. The restoration has yielded a spotless presentation, free from visible damage or artifacts.

Color reproduction and balance are generally strong, allowing the visuals to benefit from vibrant and accurate tones. While the dynamic range is solid, there remain subtle opportunities for enhancement—particularly in areas such as contrast and shadow detail. Density fluctuations inherited from the original elements are minimal and do not detract from the overall viewing experience. Although not reaching the highest echelons of Blu-ray sharpness—possibly owing to the limitations of the source material rather than the transfer itself—this edition represents the film’s finest video presentation to date.

The Blu-ray audio presentation for "How to Get Ahead in Advertising" utilizes an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, complemented by optional English SDH subtitles for accessibility. The stereo sound mix faithfully preserves the film’s original design, which, while relatively straightforward, delivers dialogue that is consistently crisp and sharply rendered. The dynamic range is modest but well-managed; no balance issues or age-related distortions are evident, ensuring a clean listening experience throughout.

Music integration is particularly effective, enriching scenes and enhancing the intended atmosphere without overshadowing other elements. Sound effects are conveyed with unexpected depth for a standard stereo track, making the overall audio experience more robust than anticipated. Rapid-fire dialogue—integral to the film’s pacing and humor—remains entirely intelligible, with no diminution or loss, even during sequences featuring strong accents. The available subtitles further assist in maintaining clarity for all viewers. Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track upholds both fidelity and clarity, effectively supporting the film’s fast tempo and nuanced audio details.

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of "How to Get Ahead in Advertising" presents a focused and well-curated set of extras that complement the film thoughtfully. The disc includes a substantive new featurette with director Bruce Robinson and actor Richard E. Grant, providing candid reminiscences about their collaboration and the influence of HandMade Films in the 1980s, as well as highlighting the film’s distinctive writing. The inclusion of an illustrated leaflet, featuring a concise essay by David Cairns alongside production credits and images from the shoot, deepens the viewer's appreciation for the film’s historical context. Rounding out the package is the original theatrical trailer, maintaining English audio without subtitles. These materials are cohesively presented, offering valuable insight for enthusiasts and film scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer for "How to Get Ahead in Advertising".
• Bruce Robinson and Richard E. Grant: Newly produced program featuring an in-depth conversation on their collaboration and the film's legacy.
• Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet with an essay by David Cairns, technical credits, and production images.

Bruce Robinson’s “How to Get Ahead in Advertising” is a fiercely satirical and highly original comedy that blends absurdity, biting industry critique, and striking performances. Richard E. Grant stars as Denis Bagley, a high-functioning advertising executive whose collapse under corporate pressure manifests as a talking boil on his neck—an audacious device that enables the film to veer confidently between wild comedic spectacle and sharp social commentary. The grotesque, yet hilarious journey through Bagley’s breakdown is both unpredictable and meticulously crafted, underpinned by Robinson’s incisive script, which abounds in wit, dark humor, and memorably quotable dialogue.

The narrative structure splits distinctly into two halves: the first focuses on Bagley’s spiraling, manic disintegration, while the second sees the boil take over, transmuting Bagley into an unapologetically cynical mouthpiece. Grant’s performance is unchecked yet controlled—dynamic physical antics meld seamlessly with rapid-fire delivery, always supporting the film’s intelligent undercurrent despite its frequent flights of lunacy. The screenplay avoids facile slapstick, instead sustaining a constant tension between the childish and the cerebral, where even the most extreme nonsense always serves a thematic purpose. The supporting performances, especially Rachel Ward as Julia, provide effective counterpoints that sharpen Bagley’s transformation.

On a technical level, Robinson’s collaboration with cinematographer Peter Hannan results in precise visual storytelling that deftly manages the modest production scale. The film also features an eclectic score, incorporating classical pieces from Saint-Saëns and Widor as well as modern tracks from Pete Townshend and The Smiths, which contribute to the nervous energy and tonal unpredictability that define the movie. Despite moments where the satirical rants verge on excess, the film remains compelling, continually challenging viewers to reflect on the manipulative nature of advertising while never letting go of its anarchic edge.

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of How to Get Ahead in Advertising marks a notable upgrade for an idiosyncratic and politically charged film. Bruce Robinson channels his frustrations with Thatcher-era politics into fierce, satirical material that remains engaging, even when the messaging feels unexpectedly at odds with its own arguments. This dynamic brings an intriguing tension to the viewing experience, similar to other politically infused British cinema.

The 2K restoration, initially introduced by Arrow Video overseas, is handled well in this American release. Criterion provides a solid transfer, preserving the film’s distinctive visual style and ensuring that viewers finally have access to a version that does justice to Robinson’s vision. This Blu-ray becomes a must-have for fans of Robinson and Richard E. Grant, especially those who also appreciate the cult favorite Withnail and I.

In conclusion, Criterion’s edition delivers technically and contextually, making it an excellent way to experience one of British cinema’s sharpest satires. The restoration and presentation are strong, and the film’s unique political edge remains potent and relevant. This disc represents a significant step up for collectors and newcomers alike.