Road to Morocco Blu-ray Review

"Road to Morocco" is presented in a 1080p transfer on Blu-ray, maintaining the original 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The AVC-encoded presentation showcases a beautifully restored visual experience for a film nearing its 80th anniversary. The transfer retains a sturdy and organic grain structure, which cinephiles will appreciate for its authentic cinematic feel. Grayscale performance is expansive, offering a robust range from bright whites to deep blacks that enhance the image depth remarkably well. Although there are some minor age-related artifacts such as speckling, scratches, and flickering, these instances are minimal and do not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience.

The transfer appears to be sourced from a secondary element, as indicated by the occasionally gritty grain texture and a somewhat darker overall tone. Detail levels are generally impressive, particularly in scenes featuring intricate costuming and set designs. The opening credits and some second unit sequences, likely filmed in desert locations, exhibit more visible scratches and wear; however, these remain fleeting. Optical effects throughout the film add to the grain but maintain clarity, despite occasional heavier speckling.

Overall, this Blu-ray release of "Road to Morocco" is likely the best the film has looked on home video to date. The minimal digital noise reduction and careful preservation of grain offer an authentic visual presentation that honors the film’s vintage. While some areas show their age more than others, the pristine quality of much of the footage is often jaw-dropping, making this a must-have for classic film enthusiasts.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix on the "Road to Morocco" Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber Studio Classics remarkably supports the film’s lively dialogue and distinctive sound effects. The inclusion of well-loved musical pieces like Bing Crosby's "Moonlight Becomes You" benefits from clear audio reproduction, despite a slight background hiss during quieter moments. However, this is a minor issue and does not detract from the overall listening experience, as there are no significant audio dropouts or distortions.

The soundtrack, encompassing dialogue, sound effects, and music, is delivered with commendable clarity and precision. The restoration ensures Johnny Burke and James Van Heusen's songs, along with Victor Young’s uncredited background score, are presented with impressive fidelity. Despite being nearly 80 years old, the mono track performs exceptionally well with balanced levels and minimal distraction from occasional slight hiss. This audio track provides an authentic experience with a sense of space and dimension, albeit with slight echo qualities that reveal the sound stage origin.

Overall, "Road to Morocco" on Blu-ray features audio that delivers crystal-clear dialogues, catchy songs, and well-managed effects, enhancing the film's vintage charm. While imperfections like tinny scoring in spots are noted, they are outweighed by the excellent preservation quality achieved in this release. This audio presentation represents the best the movie has sounded on home video.

The Blu-ray release of "Road to Morocco" includes a thoughtfully curated selection of extras that enhance the viewer's appreciation of this classic film. Film historian Jack Theakston delivers an engaging and informative audio commentary, providing valuable context on the film’s production. "Bob Hope and the Road to Success" offers an insightful look into Bob Hope’s career, featuring interviews with notable personalities like Phyllis Diller and Richard Grudens. The "Command Performance 1945" segment showcases Hope entertaining troops during WWII, while "Trailers from Hell with John Landis" provides fascinating commentary on the film's trailer. Fans will also enjoy the sing-along feature and a collection of trailers from the iconic "Road to..." series.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Film Historian Jack Theakston: In-depth production insights.
• Bob Hope and the Road to Success: Documentary on Bob Hope’s career.
• Command Performance 1945: Wartime film featuring Bob Hope.
• Trailers from Hell with John Landis: Commentary on the movie trailer.
• Road to Morocco Sing-Along: Musical sing-along feature.
• Road to Singapore Trailer: Promotional trailer.
• Road to Zanzibar Trailer: Promotional trailer.
• Road to Morocco Trailer: Promotional trailer.
• Road to Utopia Trailer: Promotional trailer.

"Road to Morocco" (1942), helmed by David Butler, stands as the quintessential entry in the venerable Road series, exemplifying a superior fusion of comedy, musicality, and exotic backdrops. The film follows Orville "Turkey" Jackson (Bob Hope) and Jeff Peters (Bing Crosby) as they stumble into the labyrinthine streets of Morocco after an outlandish shipwreck. Their misadventures escalate when Jeff sells Turkey, leading to a series of humorous escapades involving Princess Shalmar (Dorothy Lamour) and the menacing Sheik Kasim (Anthony Quinn). The plot's simplicity allows for an abundance of slapstick humor and witty dialogue that resonates remarkably even today.

The film is particularly notable for its adept integration of comedy routines and musical numbers, with memorable tracks like "Moonlight Becomes You" and the eponymous title song penned by Johnny Burke and Jimmy Van Heusen. These elements are underscored by a bold use of fourth-wall breaks and meta-humor, which enriches the viewing experience. Though some cultural depictions may feel outdated, the chemistry between Crosby, Hope, and Lamour ensures sustained audience engagement. Additionally, supporting actors like Anthony Quinn and Dona Drake deliver commendable performances that bolster the film’s comedic undertone.

"Road to Morocco" captivates by preserving the dynamic interplay among its lead actors, while introducing a refined narrative structure that combines running gags with novel comedic scenarios. The seamless direction by Butler builds on the legacy of Victor Schertzinger, injecting fresh vitality into a familiar formula. Despite occasional dated themes, the film's rapid-fire humor and catchy tunes render it an enduring classic, making it an essential viewing for enthusiasts of vintage comedy cinema. This release by Kino Lorber meticulously restores the film's charm, ensuring it remains a delightful jaunt down memory lane for both new and return audiences.

"Road to Morocco" stands out as a quintessential example of classic Hollywood comedy. This third entry in the "Road to..." series showcases the dynamic trio of Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, and Dorothy Lamour at the peak of their comedic prowess. The film offers a blend of slapstick comedy, quick-witted banter, and musical numbers that can still invoke hearty laughter. While the storyline may not be the focal point, the improvisational feel and engaging performances ensure it remains entertaining from start to finish. Phyllis Diller's commentary on Hope's versatility underlines his all-encompassing talent, transitioning seamlessly from vaudeville to Broadway, film, and television.

The Blu-ray edition released by Kino Lorber Studio Classics deserves high praise for its technical merits. The picture quality is uniformly excellent, revealing a depth of detail that highlights the film's vibrant and exotic locations. The audio track is equally commendable, maintaining the crispness and liveliness of the song and dance numbers that are a hallmark of the film. The package includes informative commentary tracks and legacy special features from previous releases, providing fans with extensive behind-the-scenes insights and historical context.

"Road to Morocco" is undeniably a product of its time, which includes several elements that modern audiences may find un-PC. However, its light-hearted escapism during the World War II era underscores its significance and enduring popularity. This Blu-ray edition is highly recommended for fans of the series and classic Hollywood cinema alike—an essential upgrade that does full justice to one of American comedy's finest offerings.