My Favorite Blonde Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.38:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the 1080p transfer of My Favorite Blonde on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber taps into a recent 2K master, delivering a visual experience of genuine high-definition quality. The clarity and depth offered are impressive, providing a satisfactory degree of fluidity and stability across the board. The visual presentation benefits greatly from well-maintained grain exposure, devoid of problematic digital corrections, which helps in retaining the film's authentic texture.

However, minor cosmetic imperfections persist—tiny white flecks, black marks, and scratches could have been more meticulously addressed. Additionally, there are occasional fluctuations in density and minor issues in detail exposure within darker areas. Despite these minor distractions, the grayscale remains convincing and enhances the overall viewing experience. While black levels are generally well-managed, they could benefit from slight improvements to achieve better uniformity.

In sum, this Blu-ray release manages to bring out a well-rounded visual presentation that contains most of the beloved aspects of the original film while providing modern enhancements. The occasional inherited imperfections remind us of the medium's age but do not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment, making it a solid offering for classic film enthusiasts. Note that this is a Region-A locked Blu-ray release, requiring a compatible player for access.

The Blu-ray of "My Favorite Blonde" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, with optional English SDH subtitles provided for accessibility. The audio quality is commendable, offering clear and stable sound reproduction. Dynamic intensity is quite good, ensuring that the comedic timing essential to the film's effectiveness remains intact. However, there is an occasional light background hiss present, which may become noticeable at higher volume levels. Fortunately, the track is free from distortions and audio dropouts, maintaining a consistently smooth listening experience.

Dialogue clarity is a standout feature of this release. Bob Hope’s rapid delivery is crisp and his comedic timing remains precise, which is vital to the humor of the film. Madeleine Carroll's British accent lends credibility to her role as a British agent, while the portrayals of Nazi spies by other actors are refreshingly understated without resorting to exaggerated German accents. Erasing any potential distraction from the narrative, these voice performances are well-balanced within the overall sound mix. However, it is noteworthy that Hope's vocal performance sometimes overshadows others due to his louder and zanier delivery, occasionally breaking character immersion.

In summation, this audio presentation offers a highly effective balance of clarity and stability while preserving the original feel of the film. Despite minor imperfections such as background hiss and occasional tonal imbalances, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track manages to deliver a satisfying and engaging auditory experience.

The Blu-ray release of "My Favorite Blonde" offers a focused selection of extras that enhance the viewing experience, each adding a unique layer of context and entertainment. The vintage trailer stands as a nostalgic piece, capturing the film's original promotional energy. Samm Deighan's new audio commentary provides insightful analysis, which will be indispensable for fans and critics alike. Additionally, the Bob Hope promo highlights other classics in the Kino Lorber catalog, enticing viewers to explore more from this legendary comedian's body of work. Collectively, these extras enrich the appreciation of the film, making it a worthy addition to any collection.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Vintage trailer for "My Favorite Blonde." In English, not subtitled.
• Bob Hope Promo: A promo piece for other Bob Hope titles from Kino Lorber's catalog.
• Commentary: Exclusive new audio commentary by critic Samm Deighan.

Sidney Lanfield's My Favorite Blonde (1942) is an exemplar of chemistry-driven storytelling, showcasing an extraordinary partnership between Bob Hope and Madeleine Carroll. Released on Blu-ray by Kino Lorber, the film features an engaging narrative where vaudeville performer Larry Haines (Hope) finds himself embroiled in espionage after British agent Karen Bentley (Carroll) enlists his help to deliver top-secret information. The plot masterfully combines elements of comedy and drama, initiating with a murder aboard a ship and evolving into a high-stakes pursuit involving German spies. The dynamic between Hope's Larry and Carroll’s Karen drives the film's unpredictable but well-synchronized progression.

Directed with a steady hand by Lanfield, the film maintains a consistent tempo, allowing its stars the freedom to improvise while retaining clear direction. While some segments reflect carefully rehearsed performances, others are enriched by spontaneous interactions. The editing seamlessly ties these moments together, ensuring fluidity throughout the film. The writing, reminiscent of Preston Sturges' work, adds depth to the screenplay, although it doesn't quite reach Sturges' level of wit. Notably, cinematography by two-time Oscar winner William C. Mellor enhances the visual storytelling, despite not matching the quality seen in his more celebrated works.

Hope's captivating performance anchors the film; his expressive body language and nuanced facial expressions create engaging and relatable moments. Carroll provides a balanced foil to his character, contributing equally to the film's momentum. Hope’s innate confidence and seasoned experience shine through, catalyzing their chemistry and enhancing the overall appeal of the film. This harmonious interaction between Hope and Carroll elevates My Favorite Blonde to a delightful escapade filled with humor, suspense, and charm.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "My Favorite Blonde" captures the wit and charm of Bob Hope and Madeleine Carroll in a delightful espionage comedy. Though originally released nearly 70 years ago, the film benefits from a recent 2K master that enhances its visual splendor and ensures a more immersive viewing experience. Bob Hope's signature humor shines through, even if the narrative occasionally takes a backseat to his comedic antics. This blend of slapstick, one-liners, and playful chemistry between Hope and Carroll paves the way for an engaging and entertaining ride as they evade Nazi agents.

While "My Favorite Blonde" may not retain the same level of 'zip' it once had, especially compared to the Hope-Crosby films, it remains a charming piece of classic cinema. The film's plot becomes secondary to Hope’s comedic presence, but this shift allows for a series of memorable moments and exchanges that have their own enduring appeal. The crisp restoration work highlights the film's historical significance and provides a quality presentation that elevates the overall viewing experience.

Say, honey, you and me could make music together. Right now, I feel like the philharmonic. Loud slap on Bob Hope's face, quickly followed by round two of fiery exchanges and misdirection plays. This is a short sample of the type of fun you can expect from "My Favorite Blonde". It is pretty easy to tell where the film is heading once Hope and Madeleine Carroll become partners in crime, but their chemistry is outstanding and the mayhem that ensues after they begin dodging the Nazi agents is very entertaining. Kino Lorber's release of "My Favorite Blonde" is sourced from a recent and very nice 2K master. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.