My Favorite Brunette Blu-ray Review

"My Favorite Brunette" makes a notable transition to Blu-ray with its AVC encoded 1080p transfer, capturing the 1.33:1 or 1.35:1 aspect ratio depending on the assessment. The detail is commendable, revealing facial subtleties and the intricate set designs that Burt Kelly might have intended. Lionel Lindon's cinematography is honored with rich black levels and a grayscale that provides comprehensive shadow separation, despite some minor black crush in darker scenes. The overall clarity offers a respectable homage to the glamour of classic film noir, despite the occasional presence of speckling and minor scratches that hint at the film’s age and public domain history.

The 1080p transfer, evidently recent, impresses with consistent film grain that enhances the depth of the visuals without compromising the viewing experience. This is particularly significant given the film's extensive public domain lifespan. Viewers will appreciate the stable image quality, complete with good sharpness and visible clothing details that enrich the period ambiance. Contrast levels are uniformly applied, delivering a balanced picture with clear whites. While some shots might lean towards excessive darkness, they do not significantly detract from the overall visual enjoyment. This Blu-ray presentation effectively elevates "My Favorite Brunette" from its previous home video incarnations, offering a satisfying visual treat for classic film aficionados.

The audio presentation of "My Favorite Brunette" on Blu-ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix, which aligns with expectations for a film from the 1940s. Dialogue takes precedence, offering clear delivery, particularly for Bob Hope's crucial comedic exchanges. Although the high-end frequencies of the recording appear somewhat thin, the blend of dialogue, Robert Emmett Dolan's background score, and atmospheric effects is executed with finesse. This mix provides sufficient atmosphere despite its overall flatness.

A noteworthy drawback is the presence of audio artifacts; subtle hiss and occasional pops are noticeable throughout the film, especially during quieter segments. While these artifacts don't significantly detract from the viewing experience, they are evident and unavoidable. The score itself is rather understated, often subordinate to the dialogue, reaffirming the track’s primary focus on verbal interaction rather than musical enhancement or sound effects. Nonetheless, these elements collectively add a layer of dimension that complements the narrative without overwhelming it.

The supplementary material for the Blu Ray release of "My Favorite Brunette" is minimal, focusing primarily on promotional content rather than extensive behind-the-scenes features or interviews. This release includes a concise preview montage featuring snippets from Kino Lorber’s forthcoming Bob Hope Blu-ray releases. While it maintains a professional and polished presentation, viewers looking for in-depth extras may find this offering limited.

Extras included in this disc:

• Preview Montage: Snippets from Kino Lorber’s upcoming Bob Hope Blu-ray releases, including "My Favorite Brunette," "The Lemon Drop Kid," "The Road to Rio," "The Road to Bali," and "Son of Paleface."

"My Favorite Brunette" stands out as a notable deviation from Bob Hope's usual portrayals of charming rascals. Directed by Elliott Nugent, this film sees Hope embodying the character of Ronnie Jackson, a baby photographer who finds himself mistaken for a hard-boiled private eye. This mistaken identity thrusts him into a web of intrigue and espionage, enlivened by copious amounts of confusion and intimidation. Dorothy Lamour co-stars as the damsel in distress, Carlotta Montay, who inadvertently involves Ronnie in her quest to find her kidnapped uncle, played by Frank Puglia. The film is dotted with memorable performances from actors like Peter Lorre, Lon Chaney Jr., and Alan Ladd.

The screenplay by Edmund Beloin and Jack Rose uses a flashback technique, starting with Ronnie on death row recounting his misadventures to reporters. The narrative balances humor with the seriousness of noir mysteries, allowing Hope to navigate a landscape filled with equally humorous and perilous situations. The inclusion of a diverse supporting cast ensures that even secondary characters, such as Charles Dingle’s Major Simon Montague and Peter Lorre’s knife-throwing Kismet, get a chance to shine. Despite genre conventions, the film provides unique comedic moments—like the hilarious near-climactic search for a hidden ring—demonstrating Hope's ability to undercut tension with well-timed humor.

The comic rhythm is consistent, thanks largely to Hope's signature blend of sharp wit and bumbling charm. Though not aiming to deconstruct detective tropes entirely, "My Favorite Brunette" offers a respectful parody of the genre. Dorothy Lamour's elegance and Peter Lorre's sinister presence offset Hope's comedic pratfalls, creating a dynamic interplay that sustains the film's engagement. Directed with pacing that keeps the audience constantly entertained, the film respects its source material while playfully skewering it, making it an enduring part of both the comedy and detective film canons.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "My Favorite Brunette" represents one of Bob Hope's most acclaimed 1940s comedies with an engaging and entertaining performance. The movie is a delightful spoof of the detective genre, consistently delivering humor thanks to Hope's signature charm and wit. His frequent breaking of the fourth wall and clever side references inject an extra layer of comedy that will resonate particularly well with his devoted fans. Hope's role highlights his modest range as an actor, as he takes on a more submissive character for a change.

The video transfer provided by Kino Lorber Studio Classics is excellent, ensuring the film looks vivid and clear in high definition. The audio mix is solid, maintaining the integrity of the original sound while enhancing it for modern home viewings. However, the lack of substantial bonus features and subtitles might be a disappointment for some viewers looking for additional content. Despite this shortcoming, the Blu-ray still stands out for its technical quality and faithful representation of the beloved classic.

Hope being Hope, the fourth wall is broken multiple times, and celebrity cameos keep the production industry-minded instead of sincere. It's goofy at times, but always engaging, with Hope front and center directing traffic to the best of his ability, showing a modest amount of range, offering himself up as a submissive character for a change.