My Favorite Year Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "My Favorite Year," captured by cinematographer Gerald Hirschfeld, receives an exceptional video presentation that significantly enhances its visual appeal. The film's transfer to 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray is a marked improvement over its DVD version. Warner's Motion Picture Imaging has meticulously scanned a 2K interpositive, followed by an exhaustive cleanup by the Warner Archive Collection to remove any signs of age-related wear such as dirt and scratches. The result is a pristine, film-like image that exquisitely highlights the movie's period-accurate production design. The clarity, color saturation, and density are impeccable, and the blacks are deep and true, which is crucial for scenes featuring formal attire like tuxedos in elegant restaurant settings.

Notably, the presentation retains some of the original film's technical quirks authentically. At around the one-hour mark, when Benjy Stone and Alan Swann look down from a Manhattan rooftop, matte lines around their heads—evidence of optical superimposition from that era—are visible. These artifacts are not due to digital banding but are inherent to the period's special effects techniques. WAC could have digitally removed these lines but chose to preserve the original authenticity of the film. Critically, the transfer avoids any digital artifacts commonly associated with converting analog film into digital formats. Mastered at a high bitrate just under 35 Mbps, the visual presentation remains smooth and detailed throughout.

Moreover, Warner Archive Collection has chosen to maintain the original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, rather than the more common reformatting to 1.78:1. This decision ensures fidelity to the original cinematic experience, with minor black bars at the top and bottom that will typically be concealed by most displays' overscan settings. In summary, the Blu-ray video of "My Favorite Year" is a true testament to technological advancements in film restoration and preservation, offering an enhanced yet authentic viewing experience.

The audio presentation of "My Favorite Year" on Blu-ray is delivered through a lossless DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono track, maintaining the film’s original sound format. The audio fidelity is notably high, with a well-balanced mix that ensures dialogue clarity throughout the film. The design elements, including effects and ambient sounds, are capably managed, providing an immersive aural experience without overwhelming the viewer. The dialogue is consistently clear, crucial for a film that leans heavily on verbal wit and timing.

Musical elements, integral to the film's nostalgic ambiance, are handled with precision. The score by Ralph Burns, known for his Oscar-winning work on "Cabaret" and "All That Jazz," fluctuates between nostalgic and mock-heroic tones. The soundtrack begins beautifully with Nat King Cole’s rendition of "Stardust," setting a perfect tone right from the opening sequence. This high-quality presentation ensures that both the spoken word and musical components are faithfully reproduced, adding to the film's overall charm.

In conclusion, the audio track offers an exceptionally good mono mix that respects the film's original sound design. The DTS-HD MA 2.0 format provides a rich and clear auditory experience that enhances both dialogue delivery and musical performances. Fans of the film will appreciate the careful attention to detail in preserving the original audio elements while delivering them in pristine quality.

The Blu-ray extras for "My Favorite Year" offer a wealth of insights and entertainment that complement the main feature effectively. The Commentary with Director Richard Benjamin is particularly enlightening, detailing the film's development and casting process, with a captivating narrative on persuading Peter O'Toole to take on the lead role. Benjamin meticulously points out intricate details, such as the strategic use of clips from "Lord Jim" to construct Alan Swann's filmography. An intriguing discussion on an original ending, which was eventually cut due to test audience feedback, adds depth to the viewing experience, although it was not preserved. This disc also includes a Theatrical Trailer, providing a nostalgic glimpse into the film's original marketing.

Extras included in this disc:

Commentary with Director Richard Benjamin: Illuminates film development, casting, and more. Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional material in HD format.

"My Favorite Year", directed by Richard Benjamin, is an engaging cinematic homage to the colorful and chaotic world of 1950s live television comedy. Famously based on Mel Brooks' anecdotes from his early years as a comedy writer, the film features Peter O'Toole in an Oscar-nominated performance as Alan Swann—a faded, swashbuckling movie star with a penchant for drinking and debauchery. The film captures the intensity and absurdity behind the scenes of "Comedy Cavalcade," a show mirroring "Your Show of Shows," featuring a blend of now-iconic writers who thrived under the volatile leadership of a Sid Caesar-like figure, King Kaiser, played with dynamic complexity by Joseph Bologna. O'Toole's portrayal of Swann offers both comedic brilliance and unexpected depth, epitomizing the film's balance between heartfelt introspection and uproarious slapstick moments.

The narrative delightfully unfolds through the eyes of Benjy Stone (Mark Linn-Baker), a starstruck junior writer tasked with chaperoning Swann for the upcoming live broadcast. Benjy's journey is punctuated by laugh-out-loud exchanges with his peculiar coworkers, including a timid writer modeled after Neil Simon or Woody Allen, depending on one's perspective. Additionally, the ensemble cast, including Adolph Green as the harried producer and Anne De Salvo as a translator for the mute, sharp-tongued Herb Lee, provides rich, multi-layered support that enhances the film’s comedic texture. Highlighted moments of Benjy and Swann’s escapades—most notably involving a memorable dinner visit to Benjy’s eclectic family in Brooklyn—add both comedic insanity and sentimental charm.

Richard Benjamin’s directional debut resonates with a deft handling of interwoven subplots, skillfully edited by Richard Chew. However, the subplot involving Benjy’s romantic pursuit of K.C. (Jessica Harper) lacks the same palpable chemistry seen elsewhere, resulting in some underwhelming scenes. Yet, these minor flaws are overshadowed by O'Toole's magnetic presence and comedic genius, elevating "My Favorite Year" to a consistently hilarious and heartwarming experience, mirroring essential elements of 1950s live television with reverent nostalgia and infectious energy.

After examining the various reviews of the Blu-ray release of "My Favorite Year," it is evident that the film’s transfer to this format has been exceptionally well-executed. The remastering presents the 1982 classic with vivid clarity and enhanced color accuracy, managing to retain the nostalgic charm without compromising the visual integrity of the original film. Reviewers highlight the meticulous attention to detail, noting that the picture quality is sharp and free from noticeable artifacts or grain, thereby enriching the viewing experience. The Blu-ray’s audio presentation is another point of unanimous praise, with clear and balanced soundtracks that complement the film's humor and emotive undertones.

The packaging and supplementary content included in this Blu-ray release have also garnered positive remarks. Collectors and new viewers alike will appreciate the informative commentary tracks and behind-the-scenes features, which offer deeper insights into the production process and the era in which the film was made. These extras not only enhance the appreciation of "My Favorite Year" but also reflect Warner's dedication to providing a comprehensive and engaging product for cinema enthusiasts.

Even though the film boasts an Oscar-nominated lead performance by a cinema superstar, not enough people know the comic gem that is "My Favorite Year." The movie remains a comedic masterwork that hasn't aged a day, and Warner's excellent Blu-ray should serve as a fine introduction to neophytes as well as a reward to fans who have been patiently waiting. Highly recommended.