After the Fox Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "After the Fox" offers a commendable translation of the film’s distinctly period look into high definition, utilizing an AVC encoded image with a 2.41:1 aspect ratio. The widescreen lensing does present inherent softness characteristic of the era, but it effectively delivers satisfactory texture detail in facial close-ups and fabrics, while location shots exhibit a pleasing expanse. Colors are generally vibrant, particularly noticeable in costuming which captures the era's wilder style. However, the source material is visibly flawed, needing substantial restoration work. Intermittent vertical scratches and debris appear, but they don’t significantly compromise the overall viewing experience.

Presented in 1080p/AVC-MPEG-4 with a 2.35:1 display ratio, the video features inherently vibrant colors, although certain sequences, such as Vanucci's prison escape, show dimmer hues due to the use of rear projection. Contrast levels are satisfying with inky blacks and bright whites. An observable grain is present, especially against the blue sky in the opening sequences and more so during smoke-filled scenes towards the end. Texture detail remains strong on various surfaces; however, soft focus can be seen in background long shots and the Vanucci family apartment interiors. Notably, white and black specks, a slight flicker during establishing shots, and a few specific frame defects, such as a clump of dirt appearing around the 59-minute mark and faint scratches during high action scenes, persist throughout the film’s runtime. These imperfections echo the need for a more thorough restoration to enhance visual integrity further.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "After the Fox" offers a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix that, while not refreshed from its original state, demonstrates a reasonable level of clarity and consistency. Dialogue exchanges, though occasionally flat and hollow during dubbed segments, manage to preserve the film's madcap intentions and varied accents. Burt Bacharach's score notably benefits from the clarity of this mix, highlighting his characteristic musical nuances effectively, despite the limitations of the source material.

Though atmospherics lack precision, they achieve the desired mood, and effects remain serviceable. The original mono mix restricts dynamic range and spatial placement, yet the track remains clean without signs of degradation, indicating a well-preserved audio experience. The title song collaboration between Peter Sellers and The Hollies achieves a thick, effective sound that, along with the crisp extremes of the scoring, contributes to the overall auditory experience.

The Blu-Ray extras for "After the Fox" provide valuable insights and a nostalgic look at the film through the lens of professionals who admire its legacy. Highlights include an engaging segment by Larry Karaszewski, who passionately shares behind-the-scenes trivia and explains how the movie influenced his own work. The collection also features several high-definition trailers that add a delightful historical context, capturing the essence of the era's cinematic style. The compilation is concise yet rich, balancing entertaining anecdotes with informative content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailers from Hell: Screenwriter Larry Karaszewski shares behind-the-scenes trivia and personal anecdotes.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer for "After the Fox".
• What’s New Pussycat? Trailer: Original promotional trailer.
• The Party Trailer: Original promotional trailer.

"After the Fox," directed by Vittorio De Sica and featuring Peter Sellers, represents a unique fusion of cinematic styles and talents, including screenwriter Neil Simon. This 1966 slapstick caper centers on the intricate escapades of gold bars' transfer, but its true allure lies in the eccentric character portrayals and whimsical narrative shifts. Sellers' brilliance shines through his assorted disguises and the ensuing chaos, although De Sica's sometimes inconsistent timing can occasionally hinder the comedic momentum. The film also parodies Euro filmmaking trends of its era with an almost anarchic glee, demonstrated through industry in-jokes and self-reflexive humor.

Despite its impressive pedigree, including contributions from De Sica, Sellers, and Simon, "After the Fox" tends to struggle with its broader comedic aspirations. The opening sequence, depicting a farcically pedestrian gold heist, sets the tone for a film that's whimsically uneven in delivering consistent laughs. The film's plot meanders as Aldo Vanucci (Sellers), also known as "The Fox," concocts a faux movie production in a small Italian town to transport the stolen gold, invoking various comedic setups. Memorable performances, such as Victor Mature's portrayal of a faded movie star and Martin Balsam's suspicious manager, inject levity but cannot wholly compensate for the film’s lack of cohesive comic impact.

Ultimately, "After the Fox" is an ambitious yet flawed blend of satire and slapstick that resonates more for its behind-the-scenes intrigue than its on-screen hilarity. While fun moments abound—highlighted by Sellers' multifaceted roles and Simon's witty lines—the film’s jumbled identity prevents it from achieving comedic excellence. Despite this, it remains an intriguing piece for those invested in the collaboration of such storied talents.

The Blu-ray release of "After the Fox" offers a mixed bag that will particularly intrigue Peter Sellers enthusiasts. Helmed by legendary director Vittorio De Sica, the film boasts impressive talent and captures the spirit of 1960s comedic cinema. The narrative, driven by a masterful blend of farce and heist elements, unfolds with a breezy charm against the vibrant backdrop of Mediterranean locales. De Sica's ability to orchestrate chaos with impeccable comedic timing is evident, although the film doesn't always hit its mark.

On the technical front, this edition features Video quality of the Blu-ray is regrettably uneven. The transfer reveals a considerable number of source defects, undermining the overall viewing experience. The picture often exhibits scratches and damage that could have benefited from substantial restoration efforts. Audio quality, by contrast, fares better, delivering an acceptable balance that complements the film's playful score and lively dialogue.

In conclusion, it's hard to argue with the basics of "After the Fox," which explores exotic locations, golden Italian women, and farcical timing, coming through with sizable laughs, at least when De Sica works up a steady rhythm. It's far from great, but "After the Fox" offers immense playfulness and engaged acting. While enjoyable for a niche audience, the lack of high-quality video cleanup makes it less than essential for general collectors. Buyer beware.