A Thousand Clowns Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "A Thousand Clowns" from Kino Lorber showcases a commendable video presentation. Utilizing a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded transfer from a high-quality 2K master, the film is presented in its original 1.66:1 theatrical aspect ratio. The resulting visuals breathe new life into the black and white cinematography, displaying a remarkable depth and clarity. The film's grayscale is expertly managed, with impressive black levels and crisp whites, enhanced by deep shadow gradience. Despite a few minor issues, such as occasional scratches and thicker grain in certain location shoots around New York City, the overall transfer maintains a clean appearance, free from significant print damage.

Viewers will notice that interior shots, like those in Murray's apartment and the Chinese restaurant, benefit significantly from this new master, showcasing a striking level of fine detail in facial features and textures. These sequences appear without scratches or speckling, inviting close observation of the intricacies within each frame. Scenes in Albert's office exhibit similar improvements, emphasizing the transfer's ability to leverage fine detail and nuanced contrasts effectively. The updated presentation transforms the viewing experience, markedly enhancing scenes such as the shadow-laden meeting between Murray and Albert.

Overall, this Blu-ray release presents a substantial upgrade over previous home video versions, correcting historical roughness and delivering a viewing experience sure to delight fans with its sharpness and solidity. While a few soft shots persist, this fresh 2K scan elevates "A Thousand Clowns" to a level of visual excellence long overdue for this classic film, making it an essential acquisition for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The Blu-ray release of "A Thousand Clowns" is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono, delivering a serviceable yet unexceptional audio experience that reflects the limitations of its era. While the lossless audio quality is largely clear and free from age-related artifacts such as crackle or hiss, listeners may notice a certain thinness in the audio that detracts from an immersive presentation. The dialog remains clean and prominently positioned, ensuring clarity throughout without the tinny quality present in older DVD and VHS releases. However, there is occasional sibilance early in the film which does not carry through the entire track.

Sound design in this audio mix lacks dynamism, as it is predominantly conversational with minimal incorporation of environmental sound effects or atmospheric detail. This is particularly notable in scenes set in outdoor New York City locations where street noises are conspicuously absent, emphasizing the dubbing of dialog. The audio remains pragmatic, effectively supporting the film's narrative focus but not enhancing its spatial or ambient dimensions significantly. The music score by Don Walker and sound effects are well-integrated with the dialog, although the overall audio experience remains non-dynamic.

In summary, while the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix of "A Thousand Clowns" on Blu-ray delivers clarity and a cleaner presentation than prior formats, it fundamentally serves as a straightforward and understated support to the film rather than an evocative sonic landscape. Its technical execution successfully meets baseline expectations for dialogue clarity but lacks the richness and depth that might otherwise augment the storytelling impact.

The Blu-ray extras for "A Thousand Clowns" offer a modest but insightful peek behind the scenes, centered primarily on a new interview with Barry Gordon. This high-definition feature, titled "Diary of a Middle-Aged Kid," provides an engaging account of Gordon's formative years in show business, detailing his early singing and acting career, his role as Nick on Broadway, and his experience transitioning to film. Although the collection is somewhat limited, Barry Gordon’s reflections are both charming and informative, effectively capturing the essence of the play's journey to the screen. The inclusion of theatrical trailers, while standard, does little to expand upon the background or context of the film. These features, though not numerous, offer valuable context for enthusiasts of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Diary of a Middle-Aged Kid: Interview with actor Barry Gordon recounting his early career and memories of making the film.
• A Thousand Clowns – Trailer: Theatrical trailer in standard definition.
• Cabo Blanco – Trailer: Theatrical trailer in high definition.

"A Thousand Clowns," directed by Fred Coe, is a vibrantly adapted comedy-drama with rooted connections to its Broadway origins, starring Jason Robards, Barry Gordon, Barbara Harris, and Martin Balsam. The film captures the soul of Herb Gardner's play while deftly condensing its verbose speeches into a movie runtime without sacrificing the storytelling core. It celebrates nonconformity through the character of Murray Burns, played by Jason Robards, whose free spirit is both endearing and challenged by society's expectations. The interplay between Murray and his precocious nephew Nick (Barry Gordon) is central to the plot, highlighted by Nick's impending removal to foster care due to Murray's refusal to follow societal norms.

Jason Robards' portrayal of Murray as a charming nonconformist stands out, embodying both the comedic and serious tones of the character without excess. Barry Gordon impressively holds his ground as Nick, showcasing maturity beyond his years while also delivering a grounded and nuanced performance. Martin Balsam's role as Murray’s practical brother Arnold earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, adding depth to the narrative through his sincere yet conventional perspective. Barbara Harris brings a quirky warmth to the role of Sandy, albeit without the poignant edge some might expect.

Aesthetically, Ralph Rosenblum's editing and Arthur J. Ornitz's cinematography blend theatrical charm with cinematic elements, highlighted by New York's genuine locales like Central Park and the Statue of Liberty. Ruth Morley's costuming skillfully enhances character authenticity, while Don Walker's playful score complements the film’s emotional and narrative rhythm. At its heart, "A Thousand Clowns" is celebrated for its witty dialogue and thematic focus on individuality versus conformity. This adaptation preserves its Broadway essence while exploring broader cinematic landscapes, creating a resonant and engaging viewing experience that champions the human spirit.

"A Thousand Clowns" is masterfully adapted from Herb Gardner's original play, transitioning into film with remarkable fluidity. Jason Robards reprises his Broadway role, delivering a performance that is both engaging and memorable. The screenplay gracefully navigates the complexities of comedy-drama, demonstrating the robust compatibility between theater and cinema. This Blu-ray edition elevates the cinematic experience with a striking 2K master that vividly captures the mid-1960s New York ambiance, bringing rich performances and local photography vividly to life.

Kino Lorber Studio Classics has breathed new life into "A Thousand Clowns" with this Blu-ray release. It admirably rectifies the film's history of lackluster home video presentations. The video transfer is commendable, preserving the understated simplicity and charm of the film’s imagery. While the audio quality might not match the visual prowess, it still complements the narrative effectively. The addition of a few extras, particularly a notable interview with Barry Gordon, enriches the offering, though a more extensive range of bonus material would have been beneficial.

In summary, "A Thousand Clowns" on Blu-ray is a revitalizing experience for both newcomers and seasoned fans of this classic film. Its combination of sharp dialogue, superb direction, and strong performances solidifies its status as a timeless piece. Despite minor shortcomings in the audio and bonus content, the exceptional video quality makes this release highly recommended for any cinephile seeking both nostalgia and discovery.