Take a Girl Like You Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, "Take a Girl Like You" arrives on Blu-ray from Indicator/Powerhouse Films with a 1080p transfer encoded using MPEG-4 AVC. The remaster, sourced from Sony Pictures in the United States, demonstrates strong organic qualities despite not matching the studio's newer 4K standards. The remaster shows its age mainly in wider panoramic shots where a higher-resolution master would improve nuance and shadow detail, reducing issues like black crush.

Grain is managed expertly, preserving a filmic texture without any questionable digital manipulation that plagues older remasters from the studio, ensuring an authentic viewing experience. Colors maintain stability and balance throughout, with commendable range in nuanced areas. The image stability stands out, contributing to a highly satisfying visual presentation. Overall, despite minor limitations evident under scrutiny, this remaster offers a visually robust experience that merits a score of 4.25 out of 5.

The audio presentation of "Take a Girl Like You" on Blu-ray offers a sole English LPCM 1.0 track with optional English SDH subtitles. The lossless track is exemplary, delivering clean and stable audio with an impressive range of dynamic nuances. Dialogue is handled with clarity and precision, ensuring that it is never overpowered by other sonic elements. The remastering efforts are evident, as the audio feels neither dated nor lacking in quality, maintaining a robust and well-rounded tonal structure throughout.

Stanley Myers' musical contributions are particularly well-served by this audio track. The flow of the music is seamless, and its integration into the overall soundscape enhances the viewer's experience. The nuances in the music are captured accurately, contributing to the film’s atmosphere without overshadowing the spoken content. This care in preserving and presenting the audio elements makes for an engaging auditory experience that complements the visual restoration efforts.

The Blu Ray of "Take a Girl Like You" comes packed with a commendable selection of extras, offering substantial insights into the production and the minds behind it. The collection ranges from in-depth interviews and archival footage to nostalgic trailers, each providing a unique facet of the film's historical and artistic context. Particularly noteworthy is the isolated music and effects track, presented in LPCM 1.0, which allows audiophiles a distinct experience of the film's soundscape. The documentary features involve key figures recalling their experiences and shedding light on behind-the-scenes tales, ensuring that both casual viewers and hardcore cinephiles will find something to appreciate.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer One: A vintage theatrical trailer.
• Trailer Two: Another vintage theatrical trailer.
• Isolated Music & Effects Track: Presented as an LPCM 1.0 track.
• Make Film Like You: Interviews with production manager Denis Johnson Jr. and assistant director Joe Marks.
• Now and Then: Jonathan Miller: Archival interview with Jonathan Miller.
• A New Era Revisited: Actress Hayley Mills discusses her experiences.
• Image Gallery: Collection of vintage promotional materials.
• Booklet: Exclusive booklet with new essay by Melanie Williams, critical responses, archival articles, and film credits.

"Take a Girl Like You", directed by Jonathan Miller and based on Kingsley Amis’s 1960 novel, is a nuanced dramedy that courts both humor and cynicism. Set in 1970s London, the film follows Jenny (Hayley Mills), a young Northern school teacher, as she navigates the mores of modern relationships. Her journey to find a respectable partner results in the comedic yet poignant interplay with Patrick Standish (Oliver Reed), a fellow educator whose suave exterior belies his opportunistic intentions.

Central to the narrative is Mills' awakening to the complexities of romantic relationships in a changing societal landscape. Her initial naivety about love and commitment contrasts sharply with Patrick's cynical manipulation and the hedonistic era they inhabit. The dichotomy between Mills' traditional values and Patrick’s modern-day playboy antics exposes a gamut of gender misconceptions prevalent in 70s Britain.

While Miller's sole cinematic endeavor draws quick wit from the characters and their era-specific dilemmas, its appeal lies in its critique of the socio-political environment. The humor is balanced by Stanley Myers' impressive score, which elevates the film beyond a mere romantic escapade to a critical examination of 'progressive' values. The film's satire extends to political critique, as seen in Noel Harrison’s portrayal of a self-serving property owner, highlighting the era’s moral ambiguities with palpable cynicism.

Ultimately, "Take a Girl Like You" serves as both a time capsule and a commentary on social and romantic norms, supported by strong performances and incisive direction, making it an engaging, thought-provoking piece.

Indicator/Powerhouse Films' Blu-ray release of "Take a Girl Like You" is a compelling revisit to Jonathan Miller's engaging narrative on the evolution of romance in 1970s Britain. The film deftly oscillates between sincerity and cynicism, exploring the dynamics of romantic relationships with a humorous and often poignant lens. This new release is sourced from a robust remaster by Sony Pictures, ensuring the film's visual and audio quality are remarkably enhanced, providing a crisp, high-definition viewing experience that aligns well with modern expectations.

The standout of this Blu-ray edition is undoubtedly the improved presentation, which breathes new life into the film's vibrant cinematography. Moreover, the inclusion of substantial extras enriches the overall package, offering fans and newcomers alike a deeper appreciation of the film's themes and production. The transfer remains true to the original while adding a clarity that underscores the subtleties in performances and period details, making it an essential addition to any collector's library.

In conclusion, "Take a Girl Like You" on Blu-ray offers a thoughtful and entertaining examination of romance's changing landscape, framed by Miller's sharp direction and nuanced storytelling. The high-quality remaster and substantial extras provided by Indicator/Powerhouse Films elevate the viewing experience significantly. This release is highly recommended for both cinephiles looking to revisit this classic and those encountering it for the first time.