The Honey Pot Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Honey Pot" offers a solid audiovisual upgrade that should satisfy collectors and enthusiasts of classic cinema. Presented in a 1.84:1 aspect ratio using AVC encoding, the transfer provides a notable level of detail that enhances the viewing experience significantly. While facial close-ups reveal fine hair and makeup textures, studio settings benefit greatly from the HD treatment, showcasing intricate design elements and spatial distances with impressive clarity. Although some grain is present, it remains filmic and adds to the nostalgic charm, without disrupting the quality. The source material is in commendable shape, despite a few minor issues such as missing frames and noticeable zoomed-in shots, indicative of inherent source limitations.

The film, set against the backdrop of Venice, utilizes only a handful of exterior shots, predominantly favoring interior settings. Despite this, the 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer manages to deliver pleasing clarity and robust contrast. While some scenes exhibit a soft and grainy texture, these instances are balanced by well-defined close-ups and the vibrant portrayal of the lavish sets. Grain levels are generally stable, contributing to a nice film-like feel. Black levels hold their weight effectively, providing depth to nighttime sequences, while flesh tones render naturally. The color palette is slightly muted but periodically punctuated by vivid bursts of red, injecting momentary visual dynamism.

Overall, the craftsmanship of costumes and decorative items is clearly discernible, and shadow delineation performs adequately in darker scenes. Any digital enhancements have been applied with caution, ensuring an authentic representation without introducing banding, noise, or pixelation. While the transfer may not be groundbreaking, it remains a commendable effort that should meet the expectations of fans of this erudite black comedy.

The 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track for "The Honey Pot" excels in delivering the film's dialogue-driven, mystery-laden narrative. Dialogue exchanges are captured with exceptional clarity and weight, enhancing the dramatic nuances and ensuring that all of Mankiewicz’s elegantly constructed repartee is easy to comprehend. The classical music interludes and scoring cues resonate with richness and robustness, readily supporting the visual narrative while occasionally bursting forth with a striking presence during key orchestral performances.

Atmospheric sounds are stable and evocative, effectively contributing to the evocative scenes and maintaining the illusion of on-location work despite being primarily shot on interior soundstages. Notably, the track is free from age-related imperfections such as hiss, pops, and crackles, contributing to a clean and immersive audio experience. While hints of mild distortion are occasionally detected, they do not significantly detract from the overall quality. The DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix may not be showy, but it fulfills its role admirably, preserving the integrity and intentional ambiance of this classic film.

The Blu Ray of "The Honey Pot" offers a limited set of extras, catering to fans seeking a glimpse into the film's original promotion. The quality of the provided materials is excellent, providing an authentic view of the film's presentation during its original release. The only available extra, the theatrical trailer, effectively showcases the film's prestigious cast and sophisticated narrative, though its brevity might leave some wanting more. This trailer succeeds in capturing the essence of the movie, providing a nostalgic and polished appeal that complements the main feature well.

Extras included in this disc:

A Theatrical Trailer: Showcases the film's cast and script sophistication.

Joseph L. Mankiewicz's 1967 film "The Honey Pot" is a complex exploration of greed and deception, adorned with sharp dialogue and sophisticated character dynamics. The story centers on wealthy Cecil Fox (Rex Harrison) who enlists the out-of-work actor William McFly (Cliff Robertson) to execute an elaborate ruse, manipulating his three former lovers—Susan Hayward's Sheridan, Capucine's Princess Dominique, and Edie Adams' Merle—with promises of a massive inheritance. The plot thickens with the introduction of Maggie Smith’s astute nurse Sarah, whose bond with McFly complicates the scheme further. Mankiewicz masterfully intertwines mischievous wit and impeccable dialogue, although the film occasionally struggles under its own ambitions.

"The Honey Pot" was crafted in hopes of recapturing the acerbic charm of Mankiewicz's earlier works like "All About Eve." Adapted from Frederick Knott's play, itself influenced by Ben Jonson’s 'Volpone,' the film initially faced numerous production hurdles, from casting issues to tragic personal events affecting key actors. While the director’s high intellect and love for verbose storytelling are evident, they sometimes bog down the narrative, resulting in a bloated 132-minute runtime despite significant cuts from its original length. The dense dialogue and slow progression render much of the movie inert until its final act, where the story finally gains momentum.

However, "The Honey Pot" has its merits, with standout performances from Harrison and Smith, whose verbal duels are particularly scintillating. Despite occasional pacing issues and a somewhat disjointed narrative following post-screening edits, the film shines through its witty banter and intricate character interactions. Mankiewicz's direction may lack visual flair, but his screenplay stands out for its elevated language and keen insights into human folly. While not entirely flawless, "The Honey Pot" offers moments of brilliance that make it a noteworthy entry in Mankiewicz’s storied career.

"The Honey Pot," directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, showcases a theatrical blend of wit and intrigue, brought to life by an enthusiastic and impeccably dressed cast. Rex Harrison and Maggie Smith stand out with magnetic performances, all while the rest of the ensemble delivers with varying degrees of engagement. The 132-minute runtime, however, tends to dilute the film's impact, as Mankiewicz's love for the material extends beyond its most engaging points, causing the narrative to drag.

While the film includes some bright moments and clever twists, these highs are contrasted by an otherwise meandering pace that can stretch viewer patience. The script's literate dialogue delivers in sporadic bursts, further punctuated by Harrison’s and Smith's dynamic interplay. Unfortunately, the film’s self-indulgent tone and uptight humor don't fully succeed in maintaining audience investment.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray presentation does justice to the visual and audio elements of "The Honey Pot," providing adequate transfers that suffice for current standards. However, the lack of significant supplementary content, aside from a trailer, might leave enthusiasts longing for more background material. Despite its shortcomings, this Blu-ray release will appeal to fans of the actors and director, though it remains a polite effort rather than a resounding success.

In conclusion, "The Honey Pot" is superbly acted, with the entire cast sinking their teeth into the material, playing every turn with enthusiasm, dressed impeccably in gorgeous costumes. However, length soon cripples the effort, which spends 132 minutes on a plot that doesn't feature all that much in the way of incident. Mankiewicz can't pull himself away from the material, enjoying the schemes too much to realize that the longer "The Honey Pot" plays out, the less potent it becomes.