Those Daring Young Men in Their Jaunty Jalopies Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image, presented in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, effectively captures the energy and charm of "Those Daring Young Men in Their Jaunty Jalopies." The presentation offers generally good clarity, which enables viewers to catch all the humor and appreciate the various European locations depicted. Textures are particularly strong on both costume and facial details, adding to the overall HD experience. Although the film features extensive use of process shots, the inherent artificiality is picked up well without detracting from the viewing experience. Hues are noticeably vivid, with greenery and natural skin tones providing a balanced palette. Set design and bustling exterior scenes add welcome vibrancy.

The 1080p transfer shows no clear indication of its vintage but appears to be fairly recent, as the image quality is impressive. Despite occasional speckling, the source print for this master is in excellent condition. Detail and image clarity significantly enhance the numerous sight gags and comedic elements throughout. The scenic European locales and production design shine, thanks to bright and bold colors that deliver a strong primary pop. Although flesh tones can sometimes skew slightly pink, they generally look natural and contribute to the healthy appearance of characters. Black levels are robust, maintaining an impressive three-dimensional depth that should satisfy fans of the film.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Those Daring Young Men in Their Jaunty Jalopies" features a 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix that strikes a commendable balance between comedic energy and audio clarity. While the dubbing is occasionally pronounced, it does not detract significantly from the overall experience. Dialogue clarity is maintained throughout, effectively handling various accents and rapid exchanges. The musical score benefits from the mix, showcasing fuller instrumentation that enhances the film’s lively atmosphere.

In addition, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 track delivers robust audio that elevates the film’s comedic moments and action sequences. The sound effects, ranging from engine roars to goofy, exaggerated noises, are sharp and appreciable, adding to the film’s whimsical charm. Importantly, this audio mix is preserved in excellent condition, free from age-related deterioration, ensuring a clean listening experience devoid of pops or hiss. Overall, this is a highly effective and enjoyable sound mix for the film.

The Blu-ray extras for "Those Daring Young Men in Their Jaunty Jalopies" deliver a well-rounded package, headlined by an engaging audio commentary by film historians David Del Valle and Jesse Merlin. Their insightful discussion is filled with a wealth of anecdotes and historical context that greatly enhance the viewing experience. While the commentary is the highlight, Kino Lorber Studio Classics provides a selection of related movie trailers as supplementary content. Unfortunately, no theatrical trailer for the main feature is included which might be a slight disappointment for some collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Featuring film historians David Del Valle and Jesse Merlin, providing informative and engaging insights.
• Trailers:
  • The Vikings
  • Taras Bulba
  • The Bed Sitting Room

A follow-up to the 1965 hit "Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines," 1969's "Those Daring Young Men in Their Jaunty Jalopies" (also known as "Monte Carlo or Bust!") ambitiously attempts to carry the torch with a comedic zeal centered around an extravagant European car race. Co-writer/director Ken Annakin demonstrates a keen vision, expertly managing the chaotic energy and eccentric characters that define the film. However, with a runtime exceeding two hours, the endless parade of slapstick skits and humorous escapades can test an audience's patience. The film’s structure leans heavily on its character-driven storylines, featuring notable performances from Tony Curtis, Gert Frobe, and Bourvil, amongst others. Particularly of note are Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, bringing a sharper wit that proves well-suited for the absurd scenarios they navigate.

Although Annakin crafts an engaging cinematic experience, the film hinges more on its all-star ensemble cast and their antics rather than its thin plot. The movie aligns itself with the tradition of 1960s race comedies that showcase a diverse set of characters on an extensive, adventure-laden journey. This iteration brings in fresh faces like Terry-Thomas and Susan Hampshire while retaining familiar comedic dynamics. Even under much competition from similar genre films such as "It’s A Mad Mad Mad Mad World" and "The Great Race," this film stands out thanks to its blend of high-stakes racing thrills and humor, though not all gags land effectively.

In the broader landscape of race-themed comedies, "Those Daring Young Men in Their Jaunty Jalopies" might not feel entirely original, with several jokes missing their mark amidst a flood of forced humor. Despite its struggles with comedic consistency, the film offers an entertaining watch buoyed by energetic performances and playful interaction among its cast members. It's a nostalgic romp that will provide an evening of laughter, even if it doesn’t leave a lasting impression.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Those Daring Young Men in Their Jaunty Jalopies" is an engaging package that breathes new life into this classic 1969 comedy. The film, while not without its indulgence, offers a delightful and oftentimes humorous journey through a wild automobile race. This Blu-ray version features an impressive audio-visual presentation that restores the film's original charm, showcasing vibrant colors and crisp sound that enhances the overall viewing experience.

The cast, which includes well-known talents from the era, delivers performances that contribute significantly to the film’s lighthearted tone. While the storyline could benefit from some trimming to eliminate redundant scenes and streamline the pacing, the combination of rapid car chases and well-timed jokes ensures that there is never a dull moment. The amusing competitive spirit and nostalgic elements of the film keep the audience invested from start to finish.

In addition to the movie itself, Kino Lorber has included a valuable set of bonus features on this Blu-ray release. The highlight is an insightful audio commentary that provides deeper context and background, enriching the appreciation of the film. With outstanding remastering work and supplementary materials, this Blu-ray edition of "Those Daring Young Men in Their Jaunty Jalopies" is a commendable effort to preserve and celebrate an entertaining piece of cinema history.

Conclusion:

Jaunty Jalopies tuckers out long before it ends, in need of a general pruning to get rid of some indulgent moments and streamline the competition. However, it remains an entertaining sit with amusing moments and an enjoyable concentration on velocity, in both the speed of the cars and the timing of the jokes.