Frankie and Johnny Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image (1.67:1 aspect ratio) presentation of "Frankie and Johnny" is notable for its vibrant color palette, delivering bright and memorable hues that stand out, particularly in the costuming. The rainbow of fabrics presents an excitable visual study, and the vividness of the feature is preserved, maintaining reasonable sharpness with the period cinematography. This sharpness extends to decorative details and facial particulars, enhancing the textured theatricality of the performance sequences. The source material is well-preserved, showing no overt damage, which contributes to an agreeable delineation.

Presented with a 1080p transfer using the AVC codec, the film exhibits a very film-like quality. Despite being framed slightly unusually at 1.66:1, the colors are spectacular, though occasionally edging towards oversaturation. The master has undergone some clean-up compared to its non-anamorphic DVD counterpart, as evidenced by the absence of specks and scratches. Black levels are impressively deep, delivering dark scenes with considerable impact. The movie's visuals are enchanting, even when the Hollywood backlot origins of certain scenes, such as the New Orleans Mardi Gras sequences, are evident. The film is divided into 8 chapters for ease of navigation.

The audio presentation of "Frankie and Johnny" on Blu-ray delivers a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track that offers a mixed listening experience for viewers. While the clarity of Elvis Presley's voice is commendable, emerging distinctly in his musical performances, the overall fidelity of the sound mix leaves room for improvement. Dialogue exchanges occasionally suffer from muddiness, lacking the sharpness and dimension one might expect. Despite avoiding significant age-related artifacts such as hiss, crackle, flutter, or pops, the mix feels somewhat flat and muted, particularly during musical numbers that yearn for more vibrancy and presence.

Ambient sound effects and atmospherics, such as bustling casino scenes, are passable but don't elevate the auditory environment substantially. While there is a smooth integration of dialogue, music, and atmospheric effects, the post-synching of dialogue is sometimes noticeable, detracting slightly from the overall immersion. The audio presentation does not exhibit severe technical flaws, yet it lacks the dynamism that could make both dialogue exchanges and musical segments more engaging.

Overall, while the DTS-HD MA 2.0 track on "Frankie and Johnny" is functional and free from significant technical shortcomings, it remains unremarkable. The presentation is adequate but does not achieve the full potential of a high-fidelity audio experience that might have been expected for this musically driven film.

The Extras section of the Blu-Ray release of "Frankie and Johnny" is a commendable assortment that offers both nostalgic promotional materials and informative behind-the-scenes content. Reviewers have praised the high-definition quality of the included theatrical trailer, highlighting the crispness and clarity that enhances the original film footage. Additionally, the presence of a promo trailer for "Clambake" in standard definition serves as an interesting cross-promotion piece, adding context to the era of the film's release. While some reviewers noted specific equipment setups that enhanced their viewing experience, it is clear that the extras are well-executed and cater to both casual viewers and dedicated fans alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: A high-definition preview of the film (2:52).
• Promo Trailer: A standard-definition promo for "Clambake".

“Frankie and Johnny,” released in 1966, marks a definitive moment in Elvis Presley's Hollywood career, illustrating both his strengths as an entertainer and the limitations of his film projects. The plot centers on Johnny, an inveterate gambler and riverboat performer, entangled in a complicated love triangle with his girlfriend Frankie (Donna Douglas) and a new fortune-teller-inspired muse, Nellie (Nancy Kovack). While the storyline is somewhat formulaic, devoid of fresh ideas, it remains engaging thanks to the lively chemistry between Elvis and his co-stars, particularly Harry Morgan who shines as Johnny's piano player buddy, Cully. Director Frederick de Cordova, known for his work on “The Tonight Show,” successfully balances the ensemble cast, ensuring the pressure isn’t solely on Elvis’s shoulders, providing a modest entertainment spectacle.

The movie’s screenplay, penned by Alex Gottlieb and based on a story by Nat Perrin, falls into predictable patterns of jealousy and romantic miscommunications. This thin plot serves as a scaffold for a series of musical numbers, some more memorable than others. The title track “Frankie and Johnny,” along with “Shout It Out” and ballads like “Beginner’s Luck,” highlight Elvis’s undiminished charm and vocal prowess. However, the musical sequences suffer from minimal choreography and Elvis’s apparent reluctance to engage fully in dance routines. Production numbers like “Chesay” feel flat due to lackluster staging. Donna Douglas, noted for her role in “The Beverly Hillbillies,” struggles with comedic timing and character depth, which detracts somewhat from the overall film experience.

To counterbalance the uninspired leads, the film is bolstered by seasoned supporting actors. Harry Morgan and Audrey Christie lend professionalism, especially shining in the number “Look Out, Broadway!” Sue Ane Langdon and Joyce Jameson add comic relief with impeccable timing. Though Nancy Kovack and Anthony Eisley aren’t fully utilized, they bring visual appeal and a competent presence to their roles. In sum, “Frankie and Johnny” encapsulates both the charm and the challenges of Elvis Presley’s mid-career film ventures while providing a nostalgic viewing experience enriched by notable musical highlights.

The Blu-ray release of "Frankie and Johnny" from Kino Lorber Studio Classics marks a significant upgrade from previous non-anamorphic DVD versions, enhancing both the visual and auditory experience. The 1966 film, despite being one of Elvis Presley's more forgettable vehicles, is presented with a sharpness and clarity that bring out the vibrancy of the period's cinematography. The restoration work evidently pays off, capturing the colorful production design and classic lighting techniques of the era. Throughout the film, Elvis's charisma shines through in every frame, even if the narrative itself tends to meander.

From a technical perspective, this Blu-ray edition features an impressive soundtrack, which adds a new dimension to the musical numbers that form the core appeal of the feature. The audio clarity allows viewers to fully appreciate the theatrical quality of the songs, enhancing the cinematic tension with stage-like suspense. While some tracks may come off as inviting but not exceptional, the improved sound quality underscores the charm inherent in Elvis’s performances. Additionally, the wisecracks, fisticuffs, and swoonable close-ups—classic Elvis tropes—are all the more enjoyable in high definition.

In conclusion, while "Frankie and Johnny" might not stand out as one of Elvis Presley's most memorable films, its upgraded presentation on Blu-ray ensures a smoother and more delightful viewing experience. The enhanced visual and audio quality make it a worthwhile addition for Elvis fans, offering a nostalgic trip back to the King’s mid-60s cinematic endeavors even if the plot lacks substantial depth. Ultimately, this edition underscores how even middling entries in a superstar's filmography can be revitalized with top-notch restoration efforts.