The Carey Treatment Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Carey Treatment" is a commendable effort, skillfully preserving the film's original visual charm. Released by Warner Archive, the 1080p transfer, utilizing the AVC codec, respects the film's original Panavision aspect ratio of 2.40:1. The restoration, inferred to be a fresh 2K scan of the interpositive, ensures an engaging viewing experience with automatic and manual clean-up of age-related wear. Unlike previous home video releases, this edition notably enhances the film's gritty 1970s aesthetic, showing excellent time capsule footage of Boston and encapsulating the nostalgia through solid capture of the Metrocolor hues of the era.

The film grain is present but generally well-managed, appearing slightly more prominent in darker scenes where shadow detail flattens. Well-lit interiors and day scenes are particularly impressive, delivering faithful renditions of the earth-toned palette prevalent during its original release. Skin tones, despite occasionally running hot—a characteristic of Metrocolor—remain accurate and fit the stylistic choices of the period. Contrast is handled competently with no visible dirt or scratches sharpening the image's fidelity. This Blu-ray release succeeds in breathing new life into "The Carey Treatment," a substantial upgrade from the former remastered DVD version from Warner Archive in 2011.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 soundtrack for "The Carey Treatment" effectively captures the essence of its mono source with admirable clarity and fidelity. The audio mix faithfully preserves the original single-channel format, providing crisp dialogue and a solid dynamic range that enhances the listening experience. Roy Budd's era-specific score is delivered with a respectable amount of weight, adding depth to key moments while seamlessly integrating background details without overwhelming them. Despite its inherently limited low-frequency extension and a slightly thin high end reflective of its vintage origin, the track remains an authentically preserved presentation.

There are no discernible audio defects such as hiss, crackle, pops, or flutter, ensuring a smooth auditory experience from start to finish. This detail is particularly noteworthy for fans seeking an authentic period experience, as the soundtrack channels the filmmaking era precisely without compromising quality. Optional English (SDH) subtitles are available during the main feature, providing accessibility and enhancing the overall package. While the sonic experience is unmistakably rooted in its time, this faithful DTS-HD 2.0 Master mix accomplishes its task with commendable adequacy and technical precision.

The Blu-ray release of "The Carey Treatment" delivers a modest but compelling selection of extras that provide valuable insights into the film's promotion and atmosphere. The presentation of the extras, although limited, is professionally curated, maintaining a focus on enhancing the viewing experience without overextending into excessive content. The inclusion of the theatrical trailer offers viewers a nostalgic glimpse of the film's original promotion, encapsulating its essence and mood effectively. While the extras may be minimal in number, their contribution is substantial, offering fans a well-preserved and technically sound addition to their collection.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: A hard-nosed promotional piece offering a nostalgic glimpse into the film's original marketing.

Blake Edwards' "The Carey Treatment," primarily driven by James Coburn's charismatic performance, weaves a convoluted narrative depicting hospital pathologist Dr. Peter Carey's investigation into an illegal abortion procedure that results in the death of a young girl. Adapted from Michael Crichton's novel "A Case of Need," the film suggests a potent thriller through its plot while grappling with the chaotic distortions caused by extensive studio interference. MGM's hasty recut of the film, guided by producer William Belasco and studio president James T. Aubrey, stripped much of Edwards' intended sophistication and pacing, ultimately leaving a product that echoes more surface appeal than depth or tension.

The core of the story is diluted by erratic storytelling choices and underdeveloped characters. Carey’s aggressive investigation methods and his improbable escapades, like reckless driving and forced confessions facilitated by morphine deprivation, occasionally veer towards unintentional camp. The stylized yet simplistic violence—a hallmark compounded by blood effects resembling tomato soup—underscores a narrative that might have benefitted from toned-down drama. Despite this, Coburn's portrayal remains engaging, effortlessly guiding viewers through Boston's 1972 setting, retaining their involvement amidst the film's inconsistent execution.

With compelling yet fragmented performances, James Hong as Dr. David Tao renders an amiable presence implicated in the crime. The performances of Dan O’Herlihy and Elizabeth Allen effectively sustain antagonistic roles within the Randall family though steeped in theatricality. Unfortunately, Jennifer O'Neill's role as Georgia Hightower is poorly integrated, detracting from the film's central mystery. While "The Carey Treatment" hints at Blake Edwards' signature flair, evidenced in visually striking sequences and momentary tension-building, its narrative remains a fractured assemblage, hindered by external pressures that prevent it from matching the director’s previous thrilling masterpieces.

Blake Edwards' "The Carey Treatment," despite its compromised production history, offers a uniquely mixed cinematic experience. The narrative, derived from Michael Crichton's work, grapples with an uneven tone and a fragmented flow, impacting the unfolding of its intriguing premise. Nevertheless, the film persists as a competent base-level thriller anchored by James Coburn's charismatic performance. Coburn shines with a campy edge that complements the script's more outlandish elements. The cast features multiple recognizable figures, providing an additional layer of entertainment for dedicated moviegoers.

The Blu-ray release from Warner Archive underscores the film's strengths with exemplary restoration efforts. The picture quality is commendable, emphasizing the visual aesthetics of the era. However, the disc lacks substantive bonus features which could have enriched the viewer's understanding of the film's tumultuous production journey. A detailed exploration of the true story behind "The Carey Treatment" would have been especially beneficial, offering context for the film's altered narrative.

In conclusion, while "The Carey Treatment" remains imperfect due to studio interference, it caters to fans of Blake Edwards and James Coburn with its distinctive, albeit imperfect charm. The Blu-ray serves those devoted aficionados looking to complete their collections or relish Coburn's magnetism once more. Despite its flaws, this release successfully preserves a slice of cinematic history for future audiences.