Road to Singapore Blu-ray Review

"Road to Singapore" is presented on Blu-ray by Kino Lorber's Studio Classics with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.37:1. The transfer, while reflecting some age-related wear and tear such as scratches, knicks, and occasional warping, boasts strong detail levels, particularly in woven basketry and costume patterns. Although the image can sometimes appear slightly dark, which accentuates the gritty grain, the film otherwise benefits from a stable grain presence that maintains a genuinely filmic appearance.

The grayscale rendering is solid, offering plenty of shadow detail and inky black levels without significant signs of crush. Depth and clarity are appreciable throughout, with occasional speckling and small scratches that do not overly detract from the overall viewing experience. The transfer handles the fine facial features, clothing intricacies, and detailed set designs of a convincing Singapore quite well. Given the age of the source material, this Blu-ray presentation likely represents the best visual rendition this classic film has ever received on home video.

The Blu-ray release of "Road to Singapore" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track, which aligns with the quality of other films in the "Road" series released by Kino Lorber. Dialogue is consistently clean and clear, ensuring that no critical moments are lost to poor audio quality. The musical elements, despite the inherent boxiness typical of soundtracks from this era, reverberate reasonably well. While there are noticeable hisses and occasional pops, these minor issues do not significantly detract from the overall listening experience.

The fidelity of Victor Young's background score and accompanying songs is commendable, bringing an unexpected richness to these aspects of the audio. Despite their minimal nature, sound effects are presented with clarity and precision, maintaining their intended impact without succumbing to age-related distortions like crackling or popping. Although there's a lack of dramatic atmospherics due to the obvious soundstage shooting, the track represents probably the best the film has ever sounded on home video, making it a solid offering for enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

The Blu-ray extras for "Road to Singapore" provide a substantial overview of Bob Hope's illustrious career and dedication to entertaining troops through multiple featurettes. The archival nature of some features and trailers are notable, yet the two primary Hope-focused pieces offer significant historical context. "Bob Hope and the Road to Success" offers an incisive look into the formative years of his career, leading into the "Road to…" series, and "Entertaining the Troops" shines a light on his USO tours, underscoring his commitment to entertaining armed forces. These enriched insights articulate Hope's enduring influence in Hollywood and beyond.

Extras included in this disc:

• Bob Hope and the Road to Success: A look at Hope’s early career and the “Road to...” series.
• Entertaining the Troops: Reflects on Hope’s USO tour contributions.
• Sweet Potato Piper Sing Along: Includes karaoke-like subtitles.
• Road to Singapore Trailer: Original film trailer.
• Road to Zanzibar Trailer: Original film trailer.
• Road to Morocco Trailer: Original film trailer.
• Road to Utopia Trailer: Original film trailer.

"Road to Singapore" is an pivotal entry in the classic "Road" film series, marking the first collaboration of Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, who would go on to form one of Hollywood’s most iconic comedic duos. Released by Paramount in 1940, this film set the template for the formulaic but immensely enjoyable "Road" movies. Crosby portrays Josh Mallon, a wealthy shipping magnate's son seeking adventure, while Hope plays his buddy Ace. Their escapade takes them to Singapore, where they cross paths with Dorothy Lamour’s Mima, a dancer entangled with an abusive partner, played by Anthony Quinn. This film diverges slightly from its successors by featuring more musical numbers and less fourth-wall breaking humor.

The film's straightforward, episodic approach lends itself well to the comedic antics of Crosby and Hope. Their on-screen chemistry is evident, revealing a well-practiced rapport honed on the vaudeville circuit. Lamour complements this duo effectively, holding her own and often upstaging them. The script cleverly integrates physical comedy with witty banter, enriched by memorable musical numbers such as "The Moon and the Willow Tree" and the duet "Too Romantic." Although some elements may appear dated and objectionable by modern standards, such as the sexist portrayal of Lamour's character and scenes involving blackface, they reflect the social attitudes of the era.

Victor Schertzinger’s direction seamlessly blends slapstick and music to create an engaging, fast-paced narrative that rarely lags over its 85-minute runtime. Noteworthy character performances further elevate the film; Charles Coburn excels as Josh’s authoritative father while Jerry Colonna adds comic relief. Even Anthony Quinn in an early career role impresses despite limited screen time. "Road to Singapore" successfully launched a beloved series that entertained audiences for decades, thanks to its mix of comedy, music, and exotic locales.

"Road to Singapore," the inaugural entry in the celebrated "Road to…" series, is a delightful song-and-dance comedy featuring Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, and Dorothy Lamour. The film benefits from the infectious chemistry of its star trio, weaving a narrative rich with whimsicality and over-the-top antics. While it may not brim with the nonstop gags and banter that characterized the later entries, it still offers a sufficiently amusing experience. The screenplay's rollicking pace and playful spirit make it evident why the film inspired six successful sequels, solidifying its place in Hollywood’s Golden Age comedy pantheon.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Road to Singapore" stands as an impressive archival effort. The transfer quality is commendable, offering a visually appealing presentation that, despite occasional rough spots, largely does justice to the film’s vintage charm. This release also includes valuable archival bonus features spotlighting Bob Hope’s illustrious career and contributions, enhancing the overall package. In terms of audiovisual fidelity, the Blu-ray ensures a satisfying viewing experience for enthusiasts of classic Hollywood comedies.

Due to the vagaries of how I received the review product, this first Road film has ended up being the last I've personally reviewed, which may influence its relative position in my affections compared to others in the series. While "Road to Singapore" may come across as the most straightforward entry, lacking the relentless barrage of sight gags and verbal sparring seen later, it remains a must-watch for fans of the iconic trio. Although the video quality might occasionally look imperfect, it shouldn't detract significantly from the enjoyment. Whether you're a die-hard fan or seeking a light-hearted laugh, "Road to Singapore" on Blu-ray earns a solid recommendation.