King Cohen Blu-ray Review

La-La Land Entertainment's Blu-ray presentation of "King Cohen" offers an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio. Given the nature of the documentary, which incorporates a diverse range of source materials, the video quality fluctuates notably throughout. Contemporary interview segments generally deliver excellent detail and color fidelity, albeit occasionally appearing somewhat muted or drab. However, archival footage and stills can exhibit variability, from mildly ragged textures to significant video anomalies such as ghosting and upscaling issues. Establishing shots using stock footage often show these imperfections more prominently.

The transfer preserves the theatrical aspect ratio and limited edition release to 5,000 copies underscores its niche appeal. While most contemporary interviews maintain good contrast and detail, a few, particularly segments with Michael Moriarty, suffer from darkness and video noise. Footage from various Cohen films oscillates between very good and mediocre quality, likely drawn from disparate and potentially suboptimal sources. Despite these inconsistencies, the overall presentation remains engaging for fans, providing a comprehensive visual experience that effectively balances the documentary's eclectic content.

The audio presentation of "King Cohen" on Blu Ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that, while technically proficient, leans heavily towards a front-heavy mix. Given the documentary's focus on interviews and direct-to-camera dialogue, it functions almost interchangeably with a stereo or even a mono track. Joe Kraemer's score intermittently utilizes the surround channels to add a bit of depth and engagement, though this is sporadic at best. Nevertheless, fidelity is consistently fine throughout, offering clear and understandable dialogue without introducing any audio issues or discrepancies.

Despite the back cover's incorrect assertion of LPCM Mono and Stereo tracks, our thorough examination only uncovered the DTS-HD 5.1 track. This track, predominantly loaded with interviews, ensures the dialogue remains clear and comprehensible, an essential quality for a documentary format. The limited use of the surround channels by Kraemer's score is a minor enhancement that does little to detract from the dominant front-channel activity, ultimately making this audio track functionally sufficient yet notably unremarkable for an engaging auditory experience.

The Blu Ray of "King Cohen" boasts a fantastic suite of extras, providing an in-depth look into the storied career of Larry Cohen. The supplements exhibit minor variances in video and audio quality due to their raw sourcing, but these do not detract from their engaging content. Highlights include "An Audience With the King," extending the main documentary with enthralling anecdotes from Cohen himself, and "More Stories from the King's Court," which features additional contemplative insights from colleagues and contemporaries. The "Monsters on the Table" segment is a delight for fans of Cohen's creature effects, and "Hello, World" includes personalized introductions for film festivals. Rounding out the extras are a theatrical trailer and a bonus soundtrack CD featuring Joe Kraemer's score.

Extras included in this disc:

• An Audience With the King: More interviews with Larry Cohen.
• More Stories from the King's Court: Additional stories from Cohen's colleagues.
• Monsters on the Table: Tour of props from Cohen's films.
• Hello, World!: Cohen’s festival introductions.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer.
• Original Soundtrack CD: Joe Kraemer’s score.

"King Cohen" stands as a definitive tribute to the maverick filmmaker Larry Cohen, an industry icon whose work in both television and film has been groundbreaking. Steve Mitchell’s documentary deftly explores Cohen’s career, unveiling his journey from an NBC page in the late 1950s to becoming a cult figure in genre filmmaking. The film intricately covers Cohen's rise through live television dramas and his eventual pivot to directing, marking his debut with the dark comedy "Bone" and later cementing his status with hits like "Black Caesar" and the "It’s Alive" trilogy. Cohen’s unwavering determination and unique approach to filmmaking, often involving guerrilla techniques, are brought to life through compelling anecdotes from Cohen himself and a host of collaborators, including legends like Martin Scorsese, Mick Garris, and Joe Dante.

The documentary is underpinned by rich, engaging interviews that not only shed light on Cohen's professional resilience but also highlight his vibrant personality and humor. Noteworthy moments include tales of unsanctioned public shoots and Cohen’s collaborations with iconic figures like Bernard Herrmann, whose last score was for Cohen's "It’s Alive." Additional revelations about Cohen’s role in organizing Herrmann’s funeral add a deeply personal dimension to the narrative. The film effectively combines these accounts with clips from Cohen’s films, offering a textured portrait of a man whose work transcends simple categorization. "King Cohen" is thus a heartfelt homage, capturing the essence of a filmmaker whose contributions to cinema continue to inspire and entertain.

"King Cohen" offers an impressive Blu-ray presentation that serves as a fascinating deep dive into the unique filmography and career of maverick filmmaker Larry Cohen. Known for his unorthodox methods and relentless spirit, Cohen is thoroughly examined through a collection of interviews, archival footage, and incisive analysis. The documentary provides an extensive look into Cohen's influence on both television and cinema, making it an invaluable resource for cinephiles and casual viewers alike. The technical aspects of the Blu-ray release are noteworthy; the video quality is crisp, and the audio is clear, providing an immersive viewing experience.

Additionally, the Blu-ray is enriched with supplemental materials that enhance understanding of Cohen's creative process and personal anecdotes from collaborators and industry insiders. The limited edition of 5,000 copies also adds a layer of collectibility for aficionados of Cohen's work and enthusiasts of film history. The clarity of the visual presentation and the sharpness of the sound contribute significantly to the engaging narrative, allowing viewers to appreciate the raw passion that Cohen brought to his projects.

Cult television fanatics who have pondered the mystery at the center of "Coronet Blue" will find their questions answered in this documentary. Whether delving into his television achievements or his cinematic triumphs, "King Cohen" manages to captivate a wide audience. It tells the rare Hollywood story of a seemingly good guy who triumphs against the odds, making it thoroughly engaging. With solid technical merits supporting its content, "King Cohen" comes highly recommended.