Doctor Dolittle Blu-ray Review

"Doctor Dolittle" is presented on Blu-ray with an excellent AVC encoded 1080p transfer in its original 2.20:1 aspect ratio, derived from a new 4K scan of the original camera negative. This large format (Todd-AO) presentation boasts outstanding detail that brings the film's costumes and sets to life with almost tactile clarity. The intricacies of animal fur, for instance, are rendered with exceptional precision and accuracy. While this increased resolution occasionally reveals imperfections in older effects work, such as obvious tank sequences and traditional matte compositing, these minor drawbacks do little to detract from the overall visual splendor.

The color palette of "Doctor Dolittle" on Blu-ray is particularly notable for its richly saturated hues, presenting beautifully warm visuals that enhance the film's aesthetic. However, there are occasional minor variances in color temperature, with some scenes exhibiting a slightly cooler gray tint. Despite these minor discrepancies, the overall color presentation remains impressively vibrant and well-controlled, contributing significantly to the visual impact of the film. The fine grain texture is natural and well-resolved, ensuring a filmic quality that remains free from any age-related dirt or debris.

This Blu-ray release represents the best "Doctor Dolittle" has ever looked on home video and stands as one of the finest examples of Blu-ray transfers. The sharpness is consistently astonishing throughout, revealing intricate details such as the makeup edge on Rex Harrison’s toupee netting. Black levels are robust in the few dark scenes, offering strong contrast without compromising shadow detail. This meticulous transfer ensures that both the historical and aesthetic value of "Doctor Dolittle" is preserved, delivering a viewing experience that is both authentic and visually captivating.

Doctor Dolittle's audio presentation on Blu-ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that faithfully recreates its original 70mm 6-track theatrical experience. This track is notably immersive, offering clarity and excellent fidelity across all musical elements. The orchestral components sound especially rich and vibrant, despite the principal actors not being top-tier singers. Dialogue and effects are rendered cleanly and with excellent prioritization, maintaining a problem-free listening experience.

Twilight Time’s version includes two tracks: English 5.1 and 2.0 DTS-HD, both in lossless quality. The 5.1 track stands out, delivering crystal-clear harmonies and dialogue reproduction, which enhances the immersive audio experience by effectively utilizing the rear speakers. Transitions between dialogue and song vocals are smooth and non-disruptive, preserving a seamless auditory flow. Additionally, the inclusion of overture, entr'acte, and exit music on the disc enriches the overall sonic environment.

The audio mix benefits from the film’s orchestration, which spreads beautifully through the front and rear channels in the 5.1 surround arrangement. Atmospheric effects are distributed across various channels, showcasing impressive sophistication for the film's era. The absence of any hiss, crackle, or flutter further solidifies the track's exceptional quality, making it a superb auditory presentation that complements the visual splendor of the film's restoration.

The Blu-ray extras for "Doctor Dolittle" are comprehensive and engaging, offering an enriching experience for classic film enthusiasts. Highlights include a deeply insightful audio commentary hosted by Mike Matessino with composer-librettist Leslie Bricusse, which delves into the film and Bricusse’s extensive show business career. The Isolated Score Track is presented in high-quality DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the film’s musical score. The Rex Harrison: The Man Who Would Be King is a detailed video biography covering the acclaimed actor's tumultuous personal and professional life, originally part of the Biography series. Additional extras like the original theatrical trailer further enhance the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Hosted by Mike Matessino with composer-librettist Leslie Bricusse.
• Isolated Score Track: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo.
• Rex Harrison: The Man Who Would Be King: Video biography of Rex Harrison's life.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Promotional trailer for the film.

Richard Fleischer’s 1967 adaptation, Doctor Dolittle, remains a notable example of an ambitious musical whose reception was marred by a confluence of factors. While attempting to replicate the commercial success of family musicals like The Sound of Music, Fox arguably miscalculated both the changing cultural landscape and underlying narrative demands. Leslie Bricusse's screenplay, adapted from Hugh Lofting's beloved books, tends to meander excessively. Although brimming with colorful vignettes and interspersed with charming songs such as the Oscar-winning "Talk to the Animals" and the lovely "When I Look in Your Eyes," the film struggles with pacing and structure. The focus on episodic side stories often detracts from the main adventure, leading to a disjointed viewing experience despite the film's sumptuous production values.

Rex Harrison's portrayal of Dr. John Dolittle is a mixed bag; his charisma and wit render him memorable, but his talk-sung approach to Bricusse's compositions can be tedious in its repetitiveness. Supporting performances, particularly Anthony Newley and Samantha Eggar, deliver charm despite inconsistencies—Newley’s fluctuating accent and the lukewarm love triangle subplot being notable examples. Visually, the film is striking, thanks to Robert Surtees' exquisite cinematography and Ray Agayhan's elaborate costumes, which contribute to a vivid portrayal of whimsical locales. However, expectations built around key elements like the Great Pink Sea Snail and the Giant Lunar Moth result in anticlimactic sequences that fail to deliver the required magic.

Ultimately, Doctor Dolittle stands as a substantial yet flawed musical, reflecting transitional filmmaking trends of its era. Certain sequences resonate through lavish orchestration and engaging character moments. Still, the film's legacy as a box-office disaster underscores the broader challenges faced by Hollywood musicals of the late 1960s—a genre grappling for relevance amid shifting audience interests and evolving cinematic styles.

Twilight Time’s Blu-ray release of Richard Fleischer’s "Doctor Dolittle" stands as an exceptional offering for both film enthusiasts and A/V connoisseurs. The film, notable for its whimsical fantasy, is complemented by Leslie Bricusse's enchanting score. Nevertheless, the screenplay itself could benefit from more concise structuring to maintain the interest of its younger audience. Despite any screenplay shortcomings, the production design remains stellar, elevating the film overall.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation is top-tier. The audio-visual quality is impeccable, making it a must-have for those who appreciate high-fidelity home viewing experiences. The release is limited to just 3,000 units, underscoring its exclusivity and potential collector value. Given these factors, it is strongly recommended to secure a copy promptly.

In conclusion, regular readers familiar with my admiration for Leslie Bricusse will find much to appreciate in this release of "Doctor Dolittle". The musical arrangements are charming, albeit within a somewhat lengthy narrative. With Twilight Time's outstanding presentation and limited availability, this Blu-ray is an essential addition to any home video library.