Take the Money and Run Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded 1080p video presentation of "Take the Money and Run" delivers a solid yet mixed visual experience. The 1.85:1 aspect ratio suggests an older scan, with the detail remaining relatively soft, lacking in compelling textures, even in close-up shots. While distances in urban and rural settings are adequately rendered, grain consistency fluctuates throughout, impacting overall image sharpness. However, despite these limitations, the source material is well-preserved with minimal overt damage, avoiding major distractions.

Colors in this Blu-ray release show a pleasing vibrancy in certain scenes, prominently with period-specific costuming and street signage. Hues, particularly bold reds, verdant greens, and the distinctive blues of the prison outfits, add a subtle yet noticeable lushness to the film. Skintones are accurate and natural, further complemented by well-balanced black levels. The light grain structure also preserves a film-like quality that aligns well with the movie's mockumentary style. Close-ups provide clear visibility into fine details such as Allen's freckles and glistening sweat, enhancing viewer engagement.

While the technical presentation has its imperfections, notably in terms of grain fluctuation and occasional delineation issues, Kino Lorber's effort on this almost 50-year-old film is commendable. The transfer gracefully integrates age-related imperfections like nicks and scratches into the film's aesthetic, without significant digital anomalies such as banding or crush. Overall, it's a winning transfer that refreshes "Take the Money and Run" for contemporary audiences while maintaining its vintage charm.

The 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track provides a faithful representation of the film's original low-budget sound design, emphasizing dialogue-centric scenes. Dialogue is delivered clearly, though occasionally competing with loud ambient sounds, reflecting the film's urban settings. Marvin Hamlisch's vibrant score is a standout, enhancing the on-screen action with an array of musical styles that enrich the comedic elements. The jazzy score remains balanced and stable throughout, supporting the film's atmosphere effectively.

Technically, the audio handling is commendable, particularly in managing a wide dynamic range that encompasses brass, strings, winds, and percussion without distortion. Sound effects such as alarm bells and gunfire are rendered crisply, adding realism. Despite a few split-second dropouts, there are no noticeable hiss, pops, or crackles. The track is not overly dynamic but it completes its intended purpose without any significant flaws, capturing the essence of the film’s modest production scale while delivering an engaging audio experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Take the Money and Run" is notably sparse on supplementary material, offering only a selection of theatrical trailers for other unrelated films. Fans of Woody Allen's 1969 mockumentary might be disappointed by the lack of content specifically dedicated to the movie itself. Despite the inclusion of trailers for titles such as "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother," "Life Stinks," "Son of the Pink Panther," "After the Fox," and "Moving Violations," there is a glaring absence of a preview or substantial bonus features related to "Take the Money and Run." This limited selection greatly diminishes the overall appeal of the extras section for this Blu-ray edition.

Extras included in this disc: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother: Theatrical trailer. Life Stinks: Theatrical trailer. Son of the Pink Panther: Theatrical trailer. After the Fox: Theatrical trailer. Moving Violations: Theatrical trailer.

Woody Allen's "Take the Money and Run," released in 1969, serves as a seminal piece in his illustrious career, exemplifying his early comedic instincts and innovative storytelling. This mockumentary about the life of Virgil Starkwell, a hapless crook played by Allen himself, is a chaotic, laugh-a-minute ride that laid the groundwork for his future successes in comedy. Structured as a faux documentary, Allen liberally intersperses interviews with experts and ridiculous reenactments, showcasing his knack for blending sight gags, slapstick humor, and clever dialogue. The film's narrative flits from one misadventure to another without a sturdy spine, offering a medley of humor that captures the viewer's interest despite its raw and unpolished edges.

Virgil's farcical journey into crime is packed with memorable scenes, such as his attempt to rob a bank with an indecipherable hold-up note and a bungled escape involving a soap gun that dissolves in the rain. These set pieces underline Allen's capacity for comedic escalation, ensuring that nearly every scene aims to evoke laughter. The romantic subplot with Janet Margolin's character, Louise, provides occasional respite from the relentless comedy, adding tender moments that hint at the emotional depth Allen would later explore in his films. Despite some narrative incoherence and a structure that seems to prioritize gag density over plot progression, "Take the Money and Run" remains an enduringly funny and influential film, cherished for its exuberance and sheer chutzpah.

While technically rough around the edges—owing to its low budget and Allen's nascent directorial skills—the film’s buoyant energy manages to carry it through occasional sluggishness, particularly in its final act. Marvin Hamlisch's up-tempo musical score bolsters the comic sequences, aiding in maintaining momentum. Though editor Ralph Rosenblum had to step in to navigate the film's jumbled narrative, the potential for greatness in Allen's improvisation is evident throughout. As both a parody of historical documentaries and an earnest endeavor in zany comedy, "Take the Money and Run" not only holds up but delights generations with its unyielding silliness and inventive humor.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Take the Money and Run" by Kino Lorber delivers a satisfying viewing experience, combining strong technical elements with the raw energy of Woody Allen's early directorial effort. Despite the absence of extra features, the video and audio transfers are surprisingly good, enhancing the film's appeal without diluting its vintage charm. The polished image retains the grainy texture expected of a 1969 production, while the audio preserves Marvin Hamlisch's jazzy score, which adds both cohesion and character to Virgil's escapades.

"Take the Money and Run" may lack the refinement typical of Allen's later works but compensates with a relentless barrage of laughs generated by its mockumentary style. The film reveals Allen's burgeoning creative identity, offering an unfiltered look at his penchant for finding humor in chaos. While novice viewers may note that it feels somewhat unstructured at times, it's this very unpredictability that forms the essence of its comedic impact. The editing by Ralph Rosenblum is worth mentioning, particularly concerning the decision to remove an alternate, darker ending—demonstrating the experimental nature of Allen's early career.

The glue that holds "Take the Money and Run" together is Marvin Hamlisch's score, which injects a lively bounce and helps maintain a fluid narrative pace. The inclusion of the famous "Soul Bossa Nova" during an escape sequence adds an iconic touch that complements the film’s zany tone without overwhelming it. While Allen's directorial signature has evolved significantly over five decades, this film showcases his most unfettered creative period, aimed purely at stimulating laughter.

In summary, Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Take the Money and Run" refreshes a classic Woody Allen comedy, highlighting a foundational piece of his legacy. Recommended for both longtime fans and new audiences interested in exploring the roots of Allen’s idiosyncratic humor.