Young Frankenstein Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of 'Young Frankenstein' exemplifies a meticulous 1080p remaster, enveloped in a 1.85:1 frame that gloriously showcases the film in monochrome beauty. This edition vividly enhances the black-and-white classic, retaining the film's original grain structure, bolstering its authenticity and filmic essence. The resulting clarity and detail are commendable, from the intricate designs in the Frankenstein castle to the vivid textures of the classroom scene that opens the film. Clothing, props, and environmental textures are presented with an exceptional level of detail—crediting the attention given to reanimating this masterpiece for high-definition consumption. The transfer maintains deep blacks and effectively utilizes shadows, crafting scenes with remarkable depth and dimensionality, despite occasional minor blemishes and fluctuating grain that faithfully reflect the director's intention rather than diminish the quality of the transfer.

Technical prowess extends beyond mere detail to encompass a clean image with inky blacks, bright whites, and a spectrum of mid-range grays that contribute to the film's visual depth. Fans will find that the remastered edition significantly surpasses its DVD predecessor, offering sharper details and more carefully-rendered textures. Yet, this high definition clarity brings with it heightened scrutiny; revealing minor makeup and costume inconsistencies previously unnoticed. Despite these nitpicks, the Blu-ray is free from notable artifacting, noise, edge enhancement, or detrimental noise reduction techniques.

While not quite reaching the heights of some other iconic remasters, 'Young Frankenstein' on Blu-ray stands as a testament to 20th Century Fox's commitment to preserving and enhancing classic films within their repertoire. The presentation balances between preserving the original cinematic aesthetic and embracing the nuanced capabilities of modern video technology—ensuring that both purists and newcomers alike can experience Mel Brooks' classic with a fresh perspective.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Young Frankenstein" offers audiences a dual experience, featuring both a DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack and a meticulously remixed version of the original monaural track. Each audio track is designed to preserve the film's authentic sound, without succumbing to the temptation of over-exaggerating effects for the sake of modern audio dynamics. The 5.1 lossless mix maintains a classic feel, focusing primarily up the middle and sparingly utilizing the rear channels, thereby ensuring that sound effects and dialogues are presented as intended without being overly enhanced or subdued. The initial scenes, such as the iconic laboratory scene, showcase the careful balance between clarity and fidelity to the original mono track, illustrating the remix’s dedication to precision rather than an overt show of superiority.

Both the DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track and the original mono remix impress with their ability to deliver crisp, clear dialogue, and a soundstage that enhances the auditory experience despite the film’s age. The surround track, while offering subtle LFE support and slightly more detailed sounds in the rear channels, remains predominantly front-heavy. This approach seems deliberate, aiming to stay as true as possible to the original mono experience, which might not meet the expectations of audiophiles anticipating a more immersive surround sound experience. However, the fidelity to the film's original audio intentions is commendable, providing a balanced and faithful rendition of the musical score alongside the other sound elements.

Opting for either soundtrack will not disappoint, as each is engineered with respect and consideration for "Young Frankenstein"'s legacy. Fox has achieved a commendable balance by offering both progressive fans and purists alike a choice between embracing a classic monaural mix or venturing into a carefully updated 5.1 surround sound, without indulging in unnecessary modernization. The focus remains squarely on delivering an audio experience that complements the film itself, rather than showcasing the latest in audio technology—an approach that both preserves and honors the original auditory essence of this classic film.

The Blu-ray release of "Young Frankenstein" comes packed with an impressive array of special features that cater to both new and longtime fans of the classic film. Highlighted by an engaging commentary track from Mel Brooks, the extras delve into the depths of the film's creation, offering insights into its scripting, casting, and production, as well as Brooks' broader career. Despite some content being in standard definition and occasional repetitiveness, the comprehensive nature of these features—ranging from in-depth documentaries and deleted scenes to a trivia track and a blooper reel—greatly enriches the viewing experience. Particularly notable are the exclusive high-definition features that provide a modern look at this timeless piece of cinema. Casual viewers and ardent fans alike will find value in these additions, making this release a definitive version for anyone looking to explore the nuances behind the laughter and legacy of "Young Frankenstein."

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Mel Brooks offers anecdotes and insight on the film’s creation.
• Inside the Lab: Secret Formulas in the Making of 'Young Frankenstein': An in-depth picture-in-picture track exploring the film's influences and production.
• It's Alive! Creating a Monster Classic: A documentary detailing the making of the film, from its conception to the improvisations and sets.
• Making FrankenSense of Young Frankenstein: Features Gene Wilder among others discussing the project's origins, script details, and special effects.
• Transylvanian Lullaby: The Music of John Morris: Focuses on the film's score and composer.
• The Franken~Track: A Monstrous Conglomeration of Trivia: Pop-up trivia providing fun facts about the film.
• Blücher Button: A gag supplement replaying the neighing horse sound effect.
• Deleted Scenes & Outtakes: Additional footage not included in the final cut.
• Isolated Score: The film's score presented in lossless DTS 5.1.
• Mexican Interviews: Interviews with Marty Feldman, Gene Wilder, and Cloris Leachman.
• Production Photographs & Marketing Materials: A collection of images and promotional videos spanning TV spots and trailers.

The revitalization of "Young Frankenstein" on Blu-ray is nothing short of a cinematic reanimation, proving that the classic comedic prowess of Mel Brooks and his ensemble, including the ever-memorable Gene Wilder, Marty Feldman, and Teri Garr, loses none of its potency in high definition. As a satirical homage to the horror genre, particularly the 1930s era of black-and-white monster movies, Brooks' film marries the nostalgia of old-school cinematic technique with a timeless humor that skewers yet respectfully pays tribute to its source material. The choice to shoot in black and white not only imbues the film with an authentic eerie atmosphere but also seamlessly integrates it with the very films it parodies, crafting an aesthetic that's both a nod to and a continuation of classic horror.

Mel Brooks’ "Young Frankenstein" stands as a beacon of parody done right, meticulously balancing respect for the original horror genre with a keen comedic edge that ensures laughter remains ever-present. Through the juxtaposition of a narrative deeply rooted in the lore of Frankenstein with performances that exude both sincerity and absurdity, the film achieves a delicate harmony between comedy and homage. This is further evidenced by Gene Wilder’s portrayal of Dr. Frankenstein; a role that oscillates skillfully between the gravitas of a man burdened by legacy and the ludicrousness of his undertaking. The script's brilliance, acknowledged through an Oscar nomination, shines through in dialogue delivery and character interactions, showcasing Brooks’ and Wilder’s exceptional understanding of comedic timing and narrative pacing.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation accentuates the film’s intended visual and auditory experience, preserving its original charm while enhancing its accessibility for contemporary audiences. The choice of black-and-white film stock not only pays homage to its 1930s horror film inspirations but also accentuates the timeless quality of the humor and storytelling. The meticulously crafted sound design, alongside the evocative musical score, complements the visual aesthetic, providing an immersive experience that underscores the film's dual nature as both a parody and a love letter to a bygone cinematic era. In essence, this release not only celebrates the genius of Mel Brooks and his cast but also revitalizes "Young Frankenstein" for both long-time fans and newcomers, ensuring its comedic brilliance continues to resonate across generations.

Young Frankenstein" stands as a monumental beacon within the comedy genre, masterfully directed by Mel Brooks. This homage to classic monster movies not only showcases Brooks' unparalleled comedic genius but also thrives through its meticulous imitation of 1930s horror cinema aesthetics—from its black-and-white film stock to its period-specific sound design. The ensemble cast delivers performances with impeccable comedic timing, ensuring the film's legacy as a paragon of parody craftsmanship. Moreover, the Blu-ray presentation by 20th Century Fox elevates this classic to new heights with its dedication to preserving the original filmic intent. The Blu-ray offers a superlative video quality rich in film grain, accompanied by a pristine, center-focused lossless audio and a generous suite of bonus materials that both novices and aficionados will appreciate.

The video transfer of the Blu-ray edition is lauded for its excellence, providing viewers with a visual experience that remains faithful to the directorial vision behind "Young Frankenstein." Additionally, the carefully curated audio tracks ensure the film's auditory elements are delivered with clarity and fidelity, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The extensive collection of extras, including exclusive high-definition features, is a treasure trove for fans, revealing the depth and dedication behind the film's production. These elements combine to make the Blu-ray release a must-have, not only for fans of classic comedy and horror but for all who cherish cinematic excellence.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Young Frankenstein" is an essential addition to any film enthusiast's collection. It triumphs in capturing the essence of Brooks' comedic brilliance while offering a plethora of features that enhance one's appreciation of this timeless masterpiece. With its superior video and audio presentation, alongside an impressive array of supplemental material, this release is not just a testament to the film's enduring legacy but also an invitation to revisit and relish its genius. It's highly recommended for those looking to experience one of comedy's greatest films in the best possible format.