Avanti! Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Avanti!" features an AVC encoded image presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The transfer, while acceptable, does not appear to stem from a recent scan, resulting in a mildly dated visual quality. Detail remains reasonable despite occasional softness, with close-ups maintaining some texture and location-specific particulars standing out. Colors, although somewhat muted, sufficiently highlight greenery, period costuming, and set decorations. The occurrence of jumpy reel changes and minor speckling does slightly detract from the overall viewing experience.

Presented in 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 format, the image shows no evidence of artificial enhancement but displays minor wear such as specks and vertical lines intermittently. A layer of grain preserves the filmic integrity but also contributes to a somewhat fuzzy and noisy appearance in certain scenes. Wider shots lack the desired sharp fine textures, leading to a generally softer and flatter visual presentation. While specific colorful elements like flowers or bright wardrobe items occasionally pop, the overall color palette leans toward pastels, resulting in a slightly faded look. Balanced contrast and elevated black levels add to this sense of visual fatigue. Some minor shimmering is noticeable around tight patterns, failing to achieve absolute clarity.

Overall, the Blu-ray's image quality is adequate but seems to warrant a new scan and full remastering to fully capture and present the film's intended vibrancy and detail.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Avanti!" utilizes a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track, which proves to be both straightforward and effective. The track excels in delivering crisp and clean dialogue, ensuring the comedic timing and accent work are well supported. Mild ambient sounds enhance the atmosphere without becoming intrusive, adding an additional layer of depth to various scenes. Although there is some minor hiss and occasional pops, these do not detract significantly from the overall listening experience.

Furthermore, Carlo Rustichelli's musical score is rendered with clarity and satisfying range, providing ample presence to the film's central melody and helping maintain a consistent musical mood throughout. While effects work is minimal, the ambient soundscapes effectively bring the Italian locations to life. This ensures a balanced audio experience that complements the visual elements of the film.

Overall, for a film over four decades old, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 track of "Avanti!" delivers a remarkably good audio experience, characterized by clean dialogue, cohesive ambience, and a pleasing musical presentation.

The Blu-ray release of "Avanti!" presents a well-curated selection of extras that offer insightful retrospectives into the production and key contributors. The standout feature is the interview with Juliet Mills, where she reminisces about her experiences working with Billy Wilder, the director’s insistence on her weight gain for authentic character portrayal, and the comradery on set. Clive Revill's interview provides a compelling insight into his career transition from theater to film and his appreciation of Wilder’s script. The theatrical trailer rounds out the package, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the movie's original promotion.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Star Juliet Mills: Mills discusses her casting experience, weight gain for the role, and working with the director and cast.
• Interview with Star Clive Revill: Revill covers his involvement in the project, script admiration, and theater background.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer for "Avanti!".

Billy Wilder's 1972 romantic comedy "Avanti!" attempts to recapture the director's signature blend of humor and poignancy, though it does not reach the heights of his prior classics like "Some Like It Hot" or "The Apartment." The film stars Jack Lemmon as Wendell Armbruster, Jr., an American businessman who travels to Italy to retrieve his deceased father, only to discover his father's affair with a woman who also perished in the same car crash. What follows is a mix of bureaucratic hurdles and emerging romance between Wendell and the woman’s daughter, Pamela Piggott, portrayed by Juliet Mills. The chemistry between Lemmon and Mills adds undeniable charm, despite Lemmon's character being occasionally abrasive and the humor rooted in outdated stereotypes.

Wilder’s pacing is leisurely, establishing a rhythm through extended visual gags and dialogue-driven humor. One comedic highlight is an introductory scene involving Wendell swapping his golf attire for a stranger's suit on a plane, showcasing Wilder's talent for timed physical comedy. Nonetheless, the narrative does not shy away from serious undertones, poignantly addressing themes of grief. However, the film's long runtime of 144 minutes results in a fatigued third act. Additionally, certain elements of the screenplay, particularly jokes about Pamela's weight, may come across as mean-spirited to modern audiences.

Despite its flaws, "Avanti!" remains a noteworthy entry in Wilder’s filmography. Supported by strong performances from Lemmon and Mills, the film interweaves humor and heartfelt moments albeit through a slower narrative tempo. While it may not achieve the critical acclaim of Wilder's masterpieces, "Avanti!" offers thoughtful filmmaking and entertainment value that deserves recognition.

"Avanti!" is a delightful comedy from the storied director Billy Wilder, capturing his signature sharp wit and keen satirical eye. While the film delivers consistent amusement rather than uproarious laughter, it excels in mixing comedy, romance, and pathos. The Italian locations are gloriously shot and the performances, particularly those of Jack Lemmon and Juliet Mills, bring a lively charm to the screen. However, the extended runtime seems to weigh down the narrative, causing it to lag after the 100-minute mark as it introduces new plot points that stretch an already full story.

From a technical perspective, the Blu-ray release of "Avanti!" holds up well but doesn't exceed expectations. The video transfer is respectable though somewhat subdued, preserving the picturesque scenes of Italy without the crispness seen in more modern restorations. The audio mix fares better, maintaining clarity and a good balance that complements the film's engaging dialogue and charming musical score. The package includes a modest selection of supplemental features, with interviews providing insightful commentary that fans of Wilder's work will appreciate.

In conclusion, "Avanti!" may not rank among Billy Wilder's best films, yet it remains a solid effort and an enjoyable watch. Its rich ideas, buoyed by snappy dialogue and compelling interactions, are impacted slightly by its length, which diminishes some of its comedic magic. Nevertheless, this Blu-ray edition provides a respectable presentation of the film that should satisfy both existing fans and newcomers eager to explore Wilder's extensive oeuvre. Recommended for those seeking a charming blend of humor and romance in a picturesque setting."