The Russians Are Coming the Russians Are Coming Blu-ray Review

"The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming" is presented on Blu-ray by Kino Lorber Studio Classics with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.40:1. The video quality exhibits noticeable variability in its color space. Some scenes showcase nicely vivid and fairly accurate colors, balancing minimal fade towards brown. However, other scenes present a cooler palette, with unconvincing flesh tones and a drab overall appearance. Bright outdoor sequences offer superior clarity and visual pop, typical of high daylight scenes in HD transfers. Heavy film grain is present, especially in the long opening credits and opticals, aligning with the film's age and expected wear. Elements such as scratches, dirt, and white flecks appear regularly but without causing image instability.

In terms of detail and depth, the HD upgrade gives the film a noticeable boost. Close-up shots deliver fine detail clearly, while wider shots still present significant detail though suffer occasionally from persistent film grain. Textures and background elements effectively capture the feel of a New England coastal town despite the West Coast filming location. The image boasts high contrast, rich shadow delineation, and deep blacks without crush or banding issues. White levels are meticulously handled, maintaining a natural look without appearing blown out. While the film adopts a slightly blue palette, enhancing its coastal setting and looking particularly good during sea scenes, there are occasional damage-related imperfections typical of older materials. Overall, the transfer significantly enhances the visual quality of this classic comedic narrative.

The audio presentation of "The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming" on Blu-ray is available in both DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mixes, each offering a distinct listening experience tailored to different preferences. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track prominently supports Johnny Mandel's lively score, characterized by brass and piccolo, alongside the occasionally chaotic dialogue. It benefits from a commendable dynamic range and high fidelity, ensuring that audio cues and musical elements are delivered with clarity and precision. There are no noticeable technical issues, making it a robust choice for those seeking an immersive auditory experience.

On the other hand, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix provides a more restrained but still pleasant auditory experience. Dialogue remains rich and clear, with accents distinctly preserved, ensuring that every punchline lands effectively. While the balance between dialogue, music, and sound effects is generally well-maintained, there are moments where the mix feels somewhat shallow or anemic, particularly during scenes with gunfire or physical comedy. However, these instances of flatness are inconsistent and do not detract significantly from the overall quality. Noteworthy is the final confrontation between Walt and Rozanov, where the burst of gunfire is impressively conveyed, amplifying the scene's tension. Additionally, atmospheric elements subtly enhance depth and believability, though they are not extensively utilized.

Overall, both audio mixes offer above-average sound quality that excels at highlighting dialogue and key elements within the film, catering well to varying auditory preferences.

The Blu-ray of "The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming" offers a commendable array of extras that enhance the viewing experience by providing greater depth and context to the film. The Making-of Featurette is a standout, hosted by producer/director Norman Jewison. It provides a comprehensive 23-minute interview, replete with insightful anecdotes and technical details that could well serve as a director's commentary. This helps viewers understand not only the filmmaking process but also its broader cultural impact. The Original Theatrical Trailer delivers a humorous touch with a fake interview, adding an element of entertainment. Both features are presented in varying resolutions that include HD for the featurette and standard definition for the trailer.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making-of Featurette: Hosted by Producer/Director Norman Jewison, offering detailed insights into the film's production and its impact.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Contains a humorous fake interview with Arkin's character conducted by Reiner.

Norman Jewison’s 1966 film "The Russians are Coming, The Russians are Coming" emerged as a prominent comedic counterpoint to the grim atmospheres often depicted in Cold War-era cinema. Amidst the palpable tension and darkly satirical narratives of the time, Jewison delivered an optimistic and humane take on the fraught relations between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Written by the accomplished William Rose, the film ingeniously uses farce to depict a small New England coastal town thrown into mass hysteria when a Soviet submarine accidentally runs aground nearby.

"The Russians are Coming, The Russians are Coming" juxtaposes a variety of characters, from Carl Reiner’s harried New Yorker Walt Whittaker to Alan Arkin’s Lt. Yuri Rozanov, leading a desperate reconnaissance team. The narrative explores both the Americans' paranoid frenzy and the Russians' bumbling efforts to get back to sea, highlighting the absurdities of Cold War paranoia. With a strong comedic cast including Brian Keith as Police Chief Link Mattocks and Jonathan Winters as his hysterical deputy Norman Jonas, the film’s humor is balanced with moments of genuine tension, particularly as misunderstandings between the townsfolk and the Russians escalate.

Jewison’s deft direction and Rose’s sharp screenplay prevent the story from descending into mere slapstick, maintaining a delicate balance of satire and empathy. The film criticizes both American and Soviet archetypes while focusing on universal human foibles, making it a unique cinematic experience that transcends its historical period. Its culminating scenes, particularly involving Rozanov's efforts to avoid conflict, emphasize the shared humanity on both sides, providing a poignant contrast to more cynical contemporary films like "Dr. Strangelove." The result is a heartwarming comedy that, despite some predictable elements, remains fresh and relevant through its smart writing and strong performances.

"The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming" is a delightful comedic satire emerging from the tense period of the Cold War, offering a breath of fresh air compared to its grimmer contemporaries. With its 1965 copyright marking its era, the film stands out by using humor and wit to tackle themes of international tension. Starring Carl Reiner and Alan Arkin, it juxtaposes the seriousness of global politics with a sharp, well-crafted farce. The plot injects hilarity without undermining the subtle political messages, encouraging the notion that human connection can prevail even in times of crisis.

Technically, the Blu-ray release delivers commendable video quality, though it exhibits occasional variability. This minor inconsistency, however, does not detract from the overall viewing experience. Audio fidelity maintains a robust and clear presentation throughout the film, ensuring that dialogue and the distinctive score are well-represented. Additionally, this release includes a noteworthy interview with director Norman Jewison, providing valuable insights and enriching the viewer's understanding of the film's production and thematic undertones.

"The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming" manages to strike an excellent balance between humor and gravity, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. It reaffirms that laughter and empathy are powerful tools for bridging divides, even in the most polarized times. Considering its technical merits and added special features, this Blu-ray release comes highly recommended.