Never Give a Sucker an Even Break Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Never Give a Sucker an Even Break" by Kino Lorber presents the film in its nearly original aspect ratio of 1.36:1, utilizing a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encode. Sourced from an older master provided by Universal Studios, it doesn't quite match the quality seen in other releases such as "The Bank Dick." The delineation and clarity are acceptable, yet there's a noticeable variance in sharpness that leaves the image feeling slightly underwhelming. While grayscale performance is commendable with impressively solid black levels and crisp whites, the presence of digital corrections contributes to a somewhat smeary grain appearance and enhanced black levels.

Overall image stability is commendably maintained, though occasional micro-scratches and blemishes appear. These imperfections aren't severe but do prevent the presentation from achieving a flawless state. The Blu-ray is Region-A locked, requiring a compatible player for viewing. Should Universal Studios undertake a complete restoration in the future, significant enhancements to the organic look and clarity could be anticipated, aligning more closely with contemporary high-definition standards. Such improvements would certainly elevate the technical quality of this classic feature's presentation.

The Blu-ray release of "Never Give a Sucker an Even Break" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, preserving the mono sound mix with commendable fidelity. Listeners will appreciate the clarity and distinctness of both dialogue and song lyrics, which are rendered with professional precision. The dynamic balance of the audio is notably good, ensuring that all elements—dialogue, score by Frank Skinner, and sound effects—coalesce cohesively within one channel.

While the upper registers are free from significant age-related anomalies such as hiss, crackle, or pops, there is a slight background hiss present. This minor artifact does not detract from the overall clarity and sharpness of the audio presentation, leaving room for potential enhancement yet validating the current lossless track's quality as very satisfactory. The single-channel audio maintains a solid structure typical of its era, aligning well with the expectations of a classic mono mix.

Optional English SDH subtitles are available for the main feature, adding an additional layer of accessibility. Despite minor imperfections, the audio quality on this Blu-ray remains robust and serves the film's historical context well, delivering a sound experience that is historically authentic while remaining engaging for contemporary audiences.

The Blu Ray of "Never Give a Sucker an Even Break" presents a compelling suite of extras that collectively offer insightful exploration into the legacy and craft of W.C. Fields. The disc features a vintage documentary by Wayne and Shuster that delves deeply into Fields’ illustrious career, highlighting his unique performances with a keen eye on his cinematic artistry. Accompanying this is an exclusive audio commentary by critic Eddy Von Mueller, who provides a well-researched narrative on Fields' stylistic nuances and film production insights, further illuminating his influence and lasting legacy on comedy and cinema.

Extras included in this disc:

• Wayne and Shuster Take an Affectionate Look at W.C. Fields: A vintage documentary analyzing Fields' work and iconic film sequences.
• Commentary: An audio commentary by Eddy Von Mueller discussing W.C. Fields’ career and legacy.
• Kino Trailers: Trailers for films including The Great McGinty, Murder, He Says, Road to Utopia.

Edward F. Cline's "Never Give a Sucker an Even Break" on Blu-ray encapsulates W.C. Fields' final starring role with Universal Studios. This 1941 classic is marked by its chaotic comedic sequences that depart from traditional narrative cohesiveness, exhibiting quintessential Fields zaniness through a series of delightfully absurd set pieces. The film showcases Fields portraying a caricature of himself at Esoteric Pictures, facing off against a spectrum of antagonists and navigating surreal scenarios. Despite external script alterations, the movie remains a hallmark of Fields’ signature humor, blending slapstick with cleverly delivered one-liners amidst a ludicrous plotline involving remote Mexican escapades and eccentric interactions.

The film bears the marks of Fields' distinct comedic style while embodying an emotional nuance; it stands as his most personal and prophetically significant work. His character's negotiations with a pompous studio head, coupled with intertwined storylines, reflect both the filmmaker's creative freedom and looming transition within his career. Gloria Jean as Fields’ niece adds a sincere contrast to the chaos, harmonizing well with Fields' otherwise frenetic energy. Although Fields displays signs of physical decline, his prowess in delivering sharp retorts and engaging in precise comedic choreography remains largely intact.

Through scenes like the airborne pursuit of a liquor bottle and satirical musical interludes, "Never Give a Sucker an Even Break" transcends conventional expectations, weaving in reflective elements of Fields’ artistic journey and ultimately underscoring the transient nature of his comedic reign. This film, despite being plagued by production challenges, affords W.C. Fields moments of brilliance that reaffirm his status as a seminal figure in the realm of cinematic comedy, making it an essential piece for enthusiasts of classic film and Fields’ storied legacy.

"Never Give a Sucker an Even Break" stands out as a unique, intriguing film from W.C. Fields, known for its comedic chaos and personal undertones. Unlike his previous works, the film is a daring mix of absurdity and introspection, reflecting a transitional period in Fields' career. Viewing it with an understanding of its historical context offers a richer appreciation of its unconventional style and the comedic genius at play. The Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber is sourced from an older master supplied by Universal Studios. Though the source material is slightly aged, it provides a fascinating glimpse into Fields' creative universe.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation retains the charm of the original, despite inherent limitations in the source. The picture quality may not reflect the pristine condition synonymous with recent releases, but it captures the film’s vibrant energy and spirit. This edition enriches the experience for Fields’ enthusiasts, spotlighting a quintessential performance in his last starring role. For those looking to explore one of Fields' most surreal and wild narratives, this film offers substantial viewing pleasure and should not be overlooked.

In conclusion, "Never Give a Sucker an Even Break" is a remarkable testament to W.C. Fields' comedic prowess, his unique approach to storytelling, and his ability to transcend conventional filmmaking norms. It is an engaging piece worth experiencing for fans and newcomers alike. Despite its slightly shaky restoration, this Blu-ray release is a valuable addition to any classic comedy collection, delivering both nostalgia and insight into one of Fields' final and most distinctive works. Highly recommended for those seeking an inventive blend of humor and historical cinematic artistry.