Something for Everyone Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Something for Everyone" offers a mixed viewing experience with its AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.78:1, reflecting notable variability. The image quality fluctuates, occasionally presenting a softer and grainier appearance accompanied by some compression artifacts, as evident in screenshot 11. During its best moments, the film boasts vividly colored scenes that beautifully depict the visually appealing village and surrounding countryside, though sharpness and clarity remain subpar. Despite regular occurrences of minor age-related wear such as speckling and dirt, the most visually impressive sequences exhibit a well-saturated palette that enhances the film's organic aesthetic.

The film is also presented in its theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. Sharpness is commendable overall, yet some viewers might find the prominent grain structure objectionable. While colors generally remain faithful with realistic skin tones, there are instances where hues display a pasty, dated look. Black levels are acceptable but lack profound depth. Minimal restoration efforts are noticeable, with dust specks and minor debris scattered throughout the film's runtime. Divided into 8 chapters, this Blu-ray's video presentation effectively captures the essence of the original film, notwithstanding its occasional visual inconsistencies.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix of "Something for Everyone" offers a clear yet imperfect presentation typical of films from its era. Dialogue reproduction is respectable, capturing the nuances of the characters’ interactions effectively. John Kander’s background score blends well with Bavarian drinking tunes and atmospheric sound effects, providing an immersive auditory experience. However, persistent background anomalies such as crackling, hiss, and slight rolling rustling detract from the overall audio quality, necessitating a significant cleanup to enhance the listening experience.

Despite these imperfections, the audio mix retains a degree of professionalism, marred only by periodic disturbances like thumping and light pops, especially noticeable around reel changes. These occasional intrusions can be momentarily distracting but do not severely impair the enjoyment of the film’s soundscape. Overall, while the audio track delivers the essential elements of dialogue and music effectively, its age-related artifacts remind us that a restoration could significantly elevate its auditory appeal.

The Blu-ray release of "Something for Everyone" offers limited but noteworthy extras that complement the film well. Although the set lacks extensive bonus material, the included promotional trailers for various Kino Lorber releases provide a glimpse into their broader catalog. These trailers serve as a concise and engaging snapshot for those intrigued by classic and eclectic cinema. While additional featurettes or director commentaries would enhance the overall package, the provided content remains a valuable addition for fans and collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

• Promo Trailers: Valentino, Luna, The Honey Pot, The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes, Topkapi.

Harold Prince’s Something for Everyone, his debut in the film industry, expertly bridges theatrical flair and cinematic storytelling, albeit with a few technical hiccups. The film, an uber-black comedy set against intoxicating European locales, features Michael York as the scheming Konrad Ludwig, who infiltrates the household of the destitute Countess Herthe von Ornstein, played by Angela Lansbury. The narrative thrives on a labyrinthine plot, enriched by a cast that includes York's conniving Konrad, Lansbury's aristocratic Countess, Anthony Corlan as Helmuth, and Jane Carr’s show-stealing Lotte. The storyline teems with devious maneuvers, adding both humor and dark twists.

Technically, while the film exhibits some excellence through Walter Lassally’s stunning cinematography—particularly in expansive shots like a sweeping bike tour and candle-lit scenes—it falters in areas such as erratic framing and awkward editing. Certain scenes seem to emerge abruptly, and there is an inconsistent deployment of quasi-handheld camera techniques during party sequences that clash with the otherwise traditional camera methods. Nevertheless, these inconsistencies do not overshadow the overall engaging and camp sensibility of the film.

The collaborations of Prince with key New York theater members like writer Hugh Wheeler and composer John Kander augment the film’s quality. Wheeler’s screenplay adeptly transforms Harry Kressing’s novel The Cook into a delightful, intricately woven tale of manipulation and ambition. Lansbury's evolving wardrobe by Florence Klotz mirrors the character's fluctuating fortunes, adding a visual layering to the narrative. Despite underwritten characters, the cast’s performances elevate the film's charm, particularly Carr’s Lotte whose actions culminate in a climactic and morally intricate denouement reminiscent of Rocky and Bullwinkle’s Fractured Fairy Tales.

The Blu-ray release of "Something for Everyone" brings to the forefront a sophisticated and darkly comedic film, filled with notable wit, color, and surprise. Directed by the iconic stage director and producer Harold Prince, this cinematic piece resonates particularly well with those who are keen on seeing his foray into film direction. Although the transfer is not perfect, it remarkably marks the best visual presentation of the film available on home video to date.

In terms of technical merits, the Blu-ray release offers an adequate, yet imperfect, visual experience. Fans of this cult classic will appreciate the effort to bring it to high definition, despite certain limitations in the restoration process. While audio and picture quality do not reach pristine levels, they are significantly better than previous iterations available on the market. This makes it a necessary addition for collectors and aficionados of Prince's oeuvre.

To conclude, while "Something for Everyone" might cater to a niche demographic, particularly those with theatrical inclinations or a taste for black comedy, it remains a remarkable piece of cinema worth a dedicated viewing. The high definition release is commendable and, with noted caveats, something that enthusiasts should certainly consider adding to their collection. For others, a rental could suffice to gauge if its sophisticated and darkly humorous tone is suitable for their tastes. Overall, "Something for Everyone" comes recommended for its unique pleasures and notable place in cinematic history.