A Fish Called Wanda Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's Blu-ray presentation of "A Fish Called Wanda" is an exemplar of meticulous restoration and encoding. The film benefits substantially from a 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative completed on a pin-registered Northlight Scanner at Pinewood Studios. Picture grading, finished on DaVinci Resolve, coupled with PFClean software for film wear repair, yields a visually appealing transfer. Thousands of instances of dirt and scratches have been meticulously removed, resulting in an impressively clean image with markedly improved stability.

While maintaining the film's intrinsic grain structure, the new transfer exhibits better saturation and depth compared to previous releases. The grayish undertones seen in earlier versions have been largely mitigated, though grain remains visible throughout, which should please purists. Close-up shots deliver remarkable facial detail unseen since the film's original theatrical run, and scenes showcasing London's architecture reveal superb resolution.

This release excels in color reproduction, delivering vibrant and accurate hues that breathe life into this classic comedy. Jamie Lee Curtis's pink sweater stands out with a lush saturation that remains true to the era’s aesthetic without excess. Flesh tones appear natural, enhancing the viewing experience. Black levels and contrast are handled adeptly, contributing to the film's visual depth and dimension. Encoding via MPEG-4 AVC ensures high bitrate consistency, with negligible compression anomalies. Overall, Arrow Video’s meticulous restoration efforts shine through, making this Blu-ray release a definitive upgrade.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "A Fish Called Wanda" includes both a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix and an LPCM Mono mix, offering flexibility in your listening preferences. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, while somewhat limited in terms of surround activity, provides excellent fidelity and dynamic range, particularly noticeable during action sequences. For example, car crashes convey debris and impact noises through the front soundstage, effectively extending into the stereos. The character-driven humor and dialogue are centrally focused, ensuring clarity and precision, especially in hectic scenes. The '80s score, featuring saxophone and keyboards, resonates without distortion from the side channels, capturing the essence of the film's source material without any significant issues.

The LPCM Mono mix is equally impressive, recreating the original theatrical experience with a narrower soundstage yet maintaining high fidelity and dynamic range. This mix works exceptionally well for those seeking an authentic presentation, with dialogue highly intelligible and articulated. The specific elements like Kevin Kline's character's sounds and the growling of dogs are conveyed with surprising clarity, underscoring the track's effective low-frequency extension. Overall, the sound presentation on this release ensures that every bit of dialogue and comedic nuance is captured clearly, enhancing the viewer's experience.

The Blu-ray release of "A Fish Called Wanda" comes replete with an array of compelling extras that enhance the viewing experience. What stands out is the continuity and depth provided through several in-depth documentaries, retrospectives, and personal interviews with key figures, offering a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the film’s production. John Cleese’s commentary and introduction are particularly engaging, balancing humorous insights with thoughtful reflections. The deleted and alternative scenes add significant value, especially with Cleese's context-setting introductions. The various video quality levels (1080p, 480i) offer a mixed aesthetic, yet consistently contribute valuable historical and production narratives. Overall, the extras substantiate the film’s legacy while delivering enjoyable content for both long-time fans and new viewers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Jon Cleese: Insightful reflections and humorous anecdotes by Cleese.
• John Cleese's First Farewell Performance: A 1988 documentary with cast interviews.
• Something Fishy: A 15th anniversary retrospective featuring cast and crew.
• An Appreciation by Vic Pratt: BFI Archivist discusses the film's significance.
• Interview with Roger Murray-Leach: Production designer shares set-building insights.
• On Location: Robert Powell hosts a location tour.
• A Message from John Cleese: Intro recorded for original release.
• Deleted and Alternative Scenes: Includes Cleese’s introductions.
• Image Gallery: Collection of stills from the film.
• Trivia Track: On-screen factoids during the film.
• Trailer: Theatrical trailer for the film.

"A Fish Called Wanda" stands as a memorable gem within the British comedy landscape, boasting remarkably sharp humor intertwined with an inventive heist plot. Initially released as a less than stellar Blu-ray transfer by MGM/UA, Arrow’s recent restoration highlights the film’s improved visual quality, offering audiences a meticulously enhanced re-examination from the original camera negative. This polished version allows the film's colorful and dynamic cinematography to truly shine, bolstered by Arrow’s well-curated assortment of supplements.

The narrative deftly combines slapstick, dark comedy, and sophisticated wit, anchored by a stellar cast. Jamie Lee Curtis takes on the role of Wanda, a savvy seductress weaving through a web of double-crosses with a precision that both amplifies and humorously undermines the criminal undertones. Kevin Kline’s portrayal of the dim-witted Otto is both anarchic and award-winning, offering irreverent charm that drives much of the film’s laughter. John Cleese and Michael Palin, renowned for their comedic prowess, seamlessly blend into their roles, reinforcing the film’s uniquely British humor.

Despite its ostensibly simple heist storyline, "A Fish Called Wanda" thrives through its character dynamics and meticulously crafted comedic sequences. Coupled with Crichton and Cleese’s script, the film balances outrageous hijinks with a refined touch, ensuring each gag feels fresh and unpredictable. The timeless interplay between biting humor and character-driven antics solidifies the film's status as a comedy classic. This Blu-ray reissue captures the essence of why "A Fish Called Wanda," with its blend of audacious jokes and impeccable timing, continues to resonate with audiences decades after its initial release.

The 30th Anniversary Blu-ray release of "A Fish Called Wanda" by Arrow Video is a stellar revival of the classic British heist comedy. Starring John Cleese and Jamie Lee Curtis, this dark comedy captivates with its irreverent humor and sharp performances. Arrow Video's meticulous presentation exemplifies their commitment to quality, featuring a pristine 1080p transfer that fully brings out the movie's vibrant cinematography. The enhanced audio track, paired with robust surround effects, ensures an immersive viewing experience.

The supplementary material included is equally impressive. The comprehensive booklet brimming with behind-the-scenes insights and production anecdotes will appeal to any cinephile. Additionally, the plethora of quality extras, from detailed interviews and documentaries to extended scenes, provide both context and depth, enhancing the appreciation of this cult classic. The packaging itself is luxurious, emanating a collector's allure that begs to be displayed prominently.

In conclusion, A Fish Called Wanda is a wonderful release by any measure, but for me personally I'm hoping it's a harbinger of new releases of MGM/UA catalog titles done right. One way or the other, this is certainly the edition of this film to get, and it easily comes Highly recommended.