Pillow Talk Blu-ray Review

Universal Studios has delivered an exceptional restoration of "Pillow Talk" for its 100th Anniversary Collector's Series, now presented in captivating 1080p with an AVC encoded transfer framed at the original aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The digital restoration has infused new life into the film, presenting lush and vibrant colors that almost leap off the screen. Primaries and secondary hues are rendered with a rich and luscious quality, although reds sometimes verge on blooming. Fine detail remains impressive throughout, particularly in close-up shots displaying intricate textures such as the delicate lace on Doris Day's nightgowns and the rugged lines on Rock Hudson's face.

However, certain challenges arise from the restoration process. The presence of digital noise reduction (DNR) is discernible, although it does not substantially obscure the film's original elements. Grain is inconsistently rendered, accentuated in split screen opticals while being less noticeable elsewhere. Additionally, there are fluctuations in color intensity during scenes, appearing a shade lighter or darker intermittently—a subtle yet noticeable occurrence. Despite these minor drawbacks, resolution remains stable with balanced contrast and brightness, ensuring vivid scenes without sacrificing depth in darker segments. Blacks are noise-free and fairly deep, though not exceptionally inky.

The film’s elements are remarkably well-preserved, with only a few minute blemishes marring the otherwise pristine presentation. Though some wide angle shots display variable visual penetration, most offer appreciable refinement and dimension. While instances of soft shots appear amidst the detailed imagery, the overall outcome of this restoration allows fans to experience "Pillow Talk" in superior quality compared to previous home video releases. Universal’s meticulous effort ensures that this Blu-ray release represents the best the film has ever looked, providing an immersive viewing experience that honors the classic's legacy.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Pillow Talk" boasts two options of lossless DTS-HD Master Audio in both mono and stereo formats. Opting to utilize the stereo track, I found an impressive clarity and detail that truly enhanced both vocal and music reproduction. Even though bass frequencies are limited to the upper registers, which reduces subwoofer activity, the overall presentation remains open and precise. The fidelity of the sound is notably high, particularly with its central focus, making dialogues and sound cues appear sharp and well-defined despite the age of the source material.

For those who prefer the mono mix delivered via DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, the audio remains pristinely clean and clear. Dialogue consistently comes through with sparkling clarity, set against a well-prioritized sound mix that blends musical elements without overpowering the principal dialogue. Despite the inherent limitations of a mono track, such as its narrow and shallow soundstage, all elements are rendered without noticeable hiss or distortions, preserving the film's original audio integrity.

Universal’s efforts in remastering are commendable, providing an audio landscape that meets modern expectations while respecting the film’s nostalgic charm. Although some sound effects can occasionally feel shrill due to the recording techniques of the era, these moments are minor and not detrimental to the overall experience. Audiophiles and long-time fans of "Pillow Talk" alike will appreciate this careful attention to detail, finding that this high-definition audio presentation brings a fresh vibrancy to a classic piece of cinema history.

The Blu-ray extras for "Pillow Talk" offer a robust collection exemplifying historical, technical, and cultural insights into the film and its era. The commentary track by film historians Jeff Bond, Julie Kirgo, and Nick Redman is particularly compelling, combining expert analysis with entertaining anecdotes, thus enhancing the viewer's understanding of both the film’s production and its societal context. The featurettes range from cultural discussions to actor relationships, all enriched by interviews with scholars and industry professionals. While the "100 Years of Universal" series adds contextual depth, it is more promotional in nature. The Blu-ray set is elegantly housed in a Blu-ray Digibook, featuring memorabilia reprints and insightful trivia, making it a worthy collector's item.

Extras included in this disc:

• Back in Bed with Pillow Talk: Examination of the film's cultural background and its appeal during the late fifties.
• Chemistry 101: The Film Duo of Doris Day & Rock Hudson: Insights into the on and off-screen relationship between the stars.
• Feature Commentary with Film Historians: Expert commentary discussing various aspects of the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer for the movie.
• 100 Years of Universal: Restoring the Classics: Overview of the film restoration process.
• 100 Years of Universal: The Carl Laemmle Era: Highlighting Universal's founder.
• 100 Years of Universal: Unforgettable Characters: Focus on iconic characters from Universal films.
• My Scenes Bookmark Feature: Allows bookmarking favorite scenes.
• Bonus DVD of Pillow Talk
• BD-Live

"Pillow Talk," an iconic romantic comedy from 1959, paired Doris Day and Rock Hudson in a story that’s both charming and delightfully playful. The film features Day as Jan Morrow, an uptight interior decorator, and Hudson as Brad Allen, a carefree playboy songwriter. They're forced to share a telephone party line, their initial annoyance transitioning into the classic "enemies-to-lovers" tale. The chemistry between Day and Hudson is electrifying, making the film a delightful journey towards an inevitable happy ending. Supporting performances by Tony Randall and Thelma Ritter add depth, with Randall's besotted suitor antics and Ritter’s unforgettable comic timing enriching the narrative.

The thematic exploration of gender roles and career ambitions provides a subtext that keeps "Pillow Talk" surprisingly relevant. The expertly structured screenplay by Maurice Richlin, Stanley Shapiro, Russell Rouse, and Clarence Greene ensures the film flows seamlessly from witty quibbles to romantic intrigue. At its core, the plot revolves around the tomfoolery of Brad adopting a pseudonym to woo Jan, which results in humorous and endearing consequences. This sort of narrative may follow a rigid rom-com formula, but it stands out due to its impeccable execution and the palpable charisma of the leads.

Visually, "Pillow Talk" impresses with its late 1950s chic. The production design, nominated for an Oscar, along with Jean Louis's sumptuous costumes, elevates the film’s aesthetic appeal. Doris Day's transition into high-style roles sees her decked in a stunning wardrobe that complements the character’s sophisticated Manhattan lifestyle. This military precision in wardrobe and set design not only adds to the authenticity but also highlights Day’s versatility as an actress, who seamlessly carried both comedic and dramatic roles. As a whole, "Pillow Talk" offers bright, breezy entertainment that's both nostalgically quaint and surprisingly modern in its narrative execution.

"Pillow Talk" emerges as an effervescent highlight in its new Blu-ray release, showcasing a timeless quality despite being over half a century old. Doris Day and Rock Hudson's palpable chemistry is front and center, complemented by the exceptional performance of the supporting cast, notably Thelma Ritter in one of her best roles. The film excels in production design and costume glamour, providing a visually captivating experience. While Universal's habitual use of Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) might raise some eyebrows, the resulting image quality remains commendable. The Blu-ray release stands out with its handsome DigiBook presentation, rich in supplementary printed material and buoyed by excellent audio quality.

The package includes a colorful DigiBook, housing a DVD with bonus content like featurettes, a commentary track, and trailers. The attached 44-page book is a treasure trove for fans and historians alike, containing insightful essays on the film's stars and production context. Highlights include reproductions of original posters, lobby cards, and script pages, adding to the nostalgic charm. Although "Pillow Talk" isn't groundbreaking within the romantic comedy genre, it holds its own as a well-crafted piece of cinema that continues to entertain new generations.

With the evident care put into this release, including both the meticulous restoration and thoughtful packaging, "Pillow Talk" on Blu-ray deserves its place in any classic film collection. Its appeal to fans of formulaic romantic comedies is undeniable, offering a quality viewing experience with added historical context and visual pizzazz. This Blu-ray edition comes highly recommended for those looking to relive a classic or discover it afresh, thanks to Universal's dedication to preserving its charm for future audiences.