Strange Bedfellows Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Strange Bedfellows," presented by Kino Lorber, offers a commendable transfer of the original 35mm Technicolor film. Encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and presented in an aspect ratio close to 1.85:1, the video quality effectively captures the film's vivid colors and intricate details. This transfer, sourced from a Universal master, is not entirely new but demonstrates solid organic qualities typical of older, high-quality masters. Clarity and depth are consistently satisfying throughout, with only minor density fluctuations reflective of the film's native properties, not flaws in the mastering process.

The Technicolor palette is beautifully rendered with excellent color balance, although minor saturation tweaks could potentially enhance the already convincing primary hues. The vibrant reds and yellows stand out particularly well, complementing Gina Lollobrigida’s striking costumes and other detailed elements such as men's stubbles, various set pieces like wood paneling in Bramwell’s office, and the patterns in clothing. The overall appearance remains authentically organic, devoid of problematic digital corrections or distracting blemishes.

The Blu-ray's high-definition format impressively preserves picture stability and delineation across both brightly lit and darker scenes. Close-ups reveal sharp features like the luxurious textures of Toni’s Lady Godiva wig and nuanced background components in interior shots. Even in traditionally challenging scenarios, such as cab close-ups with process photography simulating movement, the video presentation upholds an engaging visual fidelity. This release is regionally restricted to Region-A, requiring compatible playback equipment for optimal viewing.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Strange Bedfellows" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, complemented by optional English SDH subtitles. This lossless track is remarkably refined, showcasing exemplary clarity, sharpness, and stability. The audio offers dynamic contrasts that considerably enhance the viewing experience, indicating a well-remastered soundtrack from Universal's high-quality master.

Dialogue delivery is consistently sharp and precise, with Gina Lollobrigida's slight Italian accent remaining clear without compromising enunciation. Leigh Harline’s musical score is both light and upbeat, effectively underscoring the film’s narrative tone. Sound effects, especially in scenes rich with interaction like an airport setup or Toni’s dramatic outbursts, exhibit crisp differentiation and balance, as evident when objects shatter with resonance.

Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track on this Blu-ray elevates the film's sonic landscape, enriching the viewer’s auditory engagement through its technical precision and thoughtful remastering.

The Blu-ray extras for "Strange Bedfellows" present a compelling exploration of the film and its historical context. The centerpiece is a new audio commentary by film historian Eddy Von Mueller, who provides a captivating analysis of American attitudes toward sex and morality during the mid-20th century. Von Mueller offers insights into how these themes are reflected in the character of Carter Harrison and the film's comedic take on human behavior. His commentary enriches understanding by illuminating how topics like homosexuality and adultery, which were previously taboo in cinema, began to surface during this era, marking a transformative period in film history. Additionally, the vintage trailer included adds nostalgic value, offering viewers a glimpse into the original promotional strategies for the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Exclusive audio commentary by critic Eddy Von Mueller.
• Trailer: A vintage promotional trailer for "Strange Bedfellows," presented in English.

Strange Bedfellows (1965), directed by Melvin Frank and presented on Blu-ray by Kino Lorber, revisits a familiar romantic comedy formula with an enviable pair of stars, Gina Lollobrigida and Rock Hudson. Utilizing their star power, the film seeks to replicate the magic seen in their previous collaboration in Come September. However, despite their visual appeal and individual charisma, the film struggles under the weight of lackluster chemistry between its leads. While the plot hinges on their tumultuous relationship stemming from a hasty, passion-fueled marriage, the actors' interactions fail to ignite the necessary romantic spark essential for such a narrative.

The screenplay attempts to introduce unique elements through a subplot involving Hudson's character’s need to convincingly portray himself as a family man to secure a career-defining opportunity. Meanwhile, Lollobrigida's artistic and rebellious persona culminates in plans for a public spectacle. These narrative devices serve more as filler than driving forces of romantic tension. The rally scenes, though potentially amusing, stretch the film's premise, ultimately rendering the central conflict overstretched and unremarkable.

Despite these shortcomings, there is a fleeting moment of genuine comedic potential when Hudson's character unintentionally stumbles into a funeral home, sparking a clever exchange with Terry-Thomas's character. This sequence underscores what the film could have achieved had it balanced more adeptly between physical comedy and romantic tension. The cinematography by Leo Tover, celebrated for Oscar-nominated works like Hold Back the Dawn and The Heiress, provides visual polish but cannot compensate for the underlying narrative and performative misalignments that prevent Strange Bedfellows from achieving its intended charm or timeless allure.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Strange Bedfellows" showcases a light-hearted romantic comedy from a bygone era. Sourced from a high-quality organic master supplied by Universal, this version offers viewers a well-preserved look at the film's colorful presentation. The comedic narrative revolves around themes of attraction and its whimsically exaggerated effects on human behavior, staying true to a classic framework of the romantic comedy genre. The visuals are rich and vibrant, enhancing the vintage charm of the movie despite its somewhat dated comedic elements.

The performances of Gina Lollobrigida and Rock Hudson, while promising on paper due to their star power, unfortunately fall flat in terms of on-screen chemistry. Despite the potential these actors hold for dynamic interactions given their iconic status, they fail to ignite the kind of spark needed for the comedy's romantic tension. This lack of chemistry is a noticeable detractor, as the synergy between leads is typically a cornerstone for this genre's success.

In conclusion, "Strange Bedfellows" might not break new ground or delve into significant themes, but it provides a visual treat with its vibrant restoration. Its comedy remains gentle and enjoyable for those seeking a nostalgic trip to the playful storytelling styles of its time. However, the unrealized chemistry between Lollobrigida and Hudson leaves a tangible void, making the film a reminder of how crucial the seamless interaction between co-stars is in romantic comedies. Despite this flaw, the Blu-ray release is technically impressive and will likely find its place among collectors and fans of classic cinema.