Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? Blu-ray Review

Eureka Entertainment's Blu-ray release of "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?" impressively presents the film in 1080p with a 2.37:1 aspect ratio, locked to Region B. The video transfer reveals stunning color vibrancy, with reds, yellows, blues, and greens bursting from the screen. Such richness suggests the original film's vivid nature is well preserved. Black levels are deep and shadow details commendable, although occasional drops in clarity likely stem from source inconsistencies, not the encode. Notably, the print appears almost pristine, devoid of significant scratches or defects.

Technically, the transfer utilizes MPEG-4 AVC encoding and masterfully maintains the film's grain structure without excessive DNR manipulation. The fine object detail and overall clarity are substantial improvements over previous SDVD releases, showcasing consistently good contrast levels. Although light compression artifacts and minimal flecks are occasionally visible, intrusive damages like large scratches or stains are absent. Overall, this Blu-ray edition stands as a robust addition to Eureka's esteemed Masters of Cinema collection, ensuring the classic film continues to resonate visually with contemporary audiences.

The audio presentation of "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?" on Blu-ray is genuinely impressive, especially considering the film's age. Equipped with an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, this presentation is both robust and engaging. The stereo separation is notably wide and accurate, providing an immersive listening experience. Dialogue is clean, crisp, and well-anchored to the center channel, ensuring it is always intelligible without a hint of distortion. The dynamic range excels in delivering depth without the shrillness commonly associated with older mixes.

Additionally, the balance between dialogue and Cyril J. Mockridge's music score is flawless, maintaining clarity and stability throughout the film. No undesirable elements such as pops, cracks, excessive hiss, or dropouts were detected during thorough listening, making for an uninterrupted auditory experience. An alternate music and effects track is also available, offering a unique mix that includes different musical scores at certain points in the film. This alternate track adds an interesting layer to the presentation, though it may not appeal to all listeners.

Eureka Entertainment has thoughtfully included optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature, providing accessibility without compromising the viewing experience. These subtitles are well-positioned, splitting the image frame and the black bar beneath it seamlessly. This attention to detail across all audio components ensures that this Blu-ray release upholds high technical standards and offers an engaging auditory experience for both fans and first-time viewers alike.

The Blu-ray extras for "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?" present a mixed bag of value. The highlight is an exclusive 7-minute introduction by Joe Dante, which offers insightful commentary and exceeds initial expectations. Additionally, the original theatrical trailer and a brief Movietone news piece featuring Jayne Mansfield add nostalgic charm, although the latter is under one minute. However, this package's perceived value suffers from the absence of a promised 44-page booklet containing essays and interviews, a significant element referenced in PR materials but not included in the review copy. This substantial omission affects the overall rating of the extras.

Extras included in this disc:

Joe Dante on the film: An exclusive video introduction. Trailer: The original theatrical trailer. Movietone piece: A short archival news piece showing Jayne Mansfield on a promotional tour.

Frank Tashlin's Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? (1957) lands on Blu-ray courtesy of Eureka Entertainment’s Masters of Cinema series, a timely release that echoes today’s cultural preoccupations more than 50 years after its original premiere. The film is a brilliant satire of America's infatuation with television, glamor, and status, employing a humorous yet incisive critique of these phenomena. Centered around disillusioned commercial writer Rock Hunter (Tony Randall), who gets entangled with Hollywood starlet Rita Marlowe (Jayne Mansfield), the narrative unfolds as a comic takedown of consumer culture and celebrity worship. Randall's character transforms into an unwilling celebrity, discovering along the way that societal acclaim and wealth cannot substitute genuine happiness.

Director Tashlin, renowned for his work at Warner Brothers and MGM, as well as his collaborations with Bob Hope and Red Skelton, leverages his experience in animation and comedy to craft a film that entertains while adeptly critiquing American corporate culture and idolization mechanisms. Notably, the film received significant attention from French critics, including Jean-Luc Godard and François Truffaut, underscoring its international impact. Jayne Mansfield's portrayal of Rita Marlowe, a character reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe, highlights her ability to manipulate those around her purely based on her sex appeal, accentuating the emptiness of such an existence. Randall excels as the quintessential underachiever turned reluctant celebrity, embodying the moral complexities of navigating a system that demands exploitation or victimization.

The Blu-ray includes comprehensive supplemental features such as a video introduction by filmmaker Joe Dante, archival footage of Jayne Mansfield on a promotional tour, an alternate music and effects track, and the original theatrical trailer. Notably region-B locked, the release caters to aficionados of classic cinema, emphasizing both the technical prowess of Tashlin’s filmmaking and the enduring relevance of its themes.

Frank Tashlin's "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?" receives a much-deserved Blu-ray release through the Masters of Cinema Series, courtesy of Eureka Entertainment. This quintessentially 1950s satire showcases Tashlin's distinctive style, blending sharp social commentary with vibrant visual humor. The Blu-ray transfer is a revelation, offering a pristine picture quality that far exceeds expectations for a film of its age. Colors are gorgeously vivid without being garish, and the frame is remarkably free from defects, making it an impressive display of restoration work.

The audio quality is equally commendable, with a clear and precise soundtrack that faithfully reproduces the film's original sound design. For the connoisseurs of film scores and sound effects, an additional music and effects track is included, further enriching the viewing experience. While some critics may have noted that the supplementary features could be more extensive, it's important to highlight that a comprehensive booklet accompanies this release, providing valuable context and insights that significantly enhance the overall package.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray edition of "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?" is a triumph of film preservation and presentation. The stunning visual and audio quality elevate this release to a level that invites comparisons to Criterion standards. Eureka Entertainment deserves accolades for their dedication to bringing classic films to modern formats with reverence and meticulous care. This Blu-ray is an essential addition for any serious film aficionado's collection and stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Frank Tashlin’s inventive directorial prowess.