Five Graves to Cairo Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Billy Wilder's "Some Like It Hot" arrives on Blu-ray through Criterion with a 1080p transfer that maximizes both visual quality and filmic texture. The video presentation, sourced from a brand-new 4K restoration by MGM, Park Circus, and Criterion, was created with a Lasergraphics Director film scanner from the 35mm original camera negative. Supplemental material came from a 35mm duplicate negative and a 35mm fine-grain positive to account for missing footage. MTI Film's DRS effectively removed thousands of instances of dirt, debris, and scratches, while Vision by Digital Phoenix handled jitter, flicker, and noise management.

The transfer showcases significant upgrades over the previous 2011 high-definition release. Notably, darker footage now holds superior definition with enhanced nuances evident in even the subtlest details. Flatness observed in earlier versions is absent, enhancing depth perception particularly on larger screens. Improvements in grading offer superior whites and grays, enriching visual nuances and details across scenes. The grain is meticulously resolved, presenting a balanced look even amid native density fluctuations. Absence of unwanted digital corrections like sharpening adjustments ensures image fidelity, with excellent stability and fluidity throughout.

The restoration culminates in a visual spectacle marked by beautifully resolved grain that preserves the authentic celluloid feel. The enhanced clarity introduces a new dimension of immediacy, and the contrast significantly benefits the presentation. Rich blacks juxtapose crisply against whites, making elements such as sandy beaches, Marilyn Monroe's wardrobe, and Curtis's bubble bath pop vibrantly. Diverse gray tones effectively highlight background details and lend realism to day-for-night sequences. Imperfections from previous releases, such as excessive brightness and washout, are completely alleviated. This crisp presentation leaves no trace of age-related damage, affirming this Criterion restoration as the definitive visual upgrade for "Some Like It Hot."

The audio presentation of "Some Like It Hot" on this Blu-ray release is an impressive and authentic listening experience. The disc features a single standard audio track: English LPCM 1.0, which has been remastered from the original 35 mm magnetic track. This inclusion of the original monaural track is significant, offering excellent clarity and balanced sound. Dialogue is crisp and perfectly intelligible, even during more chaotic scenes. The orchestral score by Adolph Deutsch is reproduced with boldness and brassy fidelity, while Marilyn Monroe’s iconic vocals in "Runnin’ Wild" and "I Wanna Be Loved By You" are delivered with sultry prominence.

The technical presentation excels in eliminating any age-related imperfections—there's an absence of hiss, pops, or crackles, providing a clean and clear sonic experience throughout. Sound effects such as machine gun fire, howling winds, sirens, and subtle elements like puffs of steam are distinct and immersive. It's worth noting that although previous releases included a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, this LPCM mono track offers a more authentic auditory scope that aligns closely with the film's original sound design. Overall, the balance between dialogue and atmospherics is meticulously maintained, ensuring that the humor and charm of the film are preserved intact.

The Blu-ray of "Some Like It Hot" offers an impressive suite of extras, providing depth and rich context to this classic film. The package includes a mix of new features and archival content, featuring significant insights and engaging discussions. Highlights include a captivating 56-minute interview with Billy Wilder from 1982, where he reflects on his career and experiences. There’s also an informative audio commentary by film scholar Howard Suber, with interspersed remarks from Jack Lemmon. Other notable extras are a rare 1955 audio interview with Marilyn Monroe, a 1988 segment with Jack Lemmon discussing his role, and a detailed conversation between Tony Curtis and Leonard Maltin filmed in 2001. Costumes designed by Orry-Kelly are explored in a dedicated feature created exclusively for Criterion in 2018.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Vintage trailer for "Some Like It Hot."
• Billy Wilder and Dick Cavett: Archival interview covering Wilder's career and behind-the-scenes stories.
• Marilyn Monroe: Rare audio interview discussing her career aspirations and personal reflections.
• Jack Lemmon: TV program excerpt where Lemmon recounts his experience working on the film.
• Tony Curtis and Leonard Maltin: Conversation on the film's production and impact.
• Costumes by Orry-Kelly: Analysis of Orry-Kelly's work by costume historians.
• Behind the Scenes: Three-part program examining the production history and legacy.
• Commentary: Audio commentary by Howard Suber with insights from Jack Lemmon.
• Leaflet: Illustrated essay by Sam Wasson.

This extensive collection of supplements enriches the viewing experience, providing both new insights and historical context.

Billy Wilder's 'Some Like It Hot' (1959) makes an exemplary entrance on Blu-ray, courtesy of Criterion. The film's timeless appeal is invigorated by the stellar performances of Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Marilyn Monroe. Set against the backdrop of Prohibition-era Chicago, it combines a gripping narrative with uproarious comedy through its tale of two musicians, Joe and Jerry, who witness the St. Valentine's Day Massacre and must flee the wrath of mob boss Spats Colombo. Posing as women to hide in an all-girl band en route to Florida, the interplay between Curtis, Lemmon, and Monroe, with her character Sugar Kane, significantly enhances the narrative’s charm.

The film's comedic dynamism is underpinned by exceptional direction and seamless rhythm. Billy Wilder's precise management of each scene ensures that even the most casual one-liners and subtle gestures land perfectly. The humor transcends the recycled troupe of cross-dressing comedies by poignantly addressing themes of gender roles and personal acceptance. The story’s era-specific setting permits a timeless exploration of male-female interactions free from contemporary constraints. The performances by Curtis and Lemmon are both hilariously broad and meticulously nuanced, while Monroe adds layers of vulnerability to her iconic sex symbol persona.

Wilder’s astute direction melds humor with profound truths, crafting an enduring comedy that resonates with audiences consistently. The Blu-ray's 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video and LPCM mono audio impeccably capture the film's visual and auditory nuances. Supporting archival materials, interviews, and Suber’s commentary enrich viewers' understanding of the film's production and its indelible mark on cinematic history. Despite Monroe’s tumultuous personal challenges during filming, her performance remains radiant and pivotal to the film’s essential humanity. This Criterion release illuminates why 'Some Like It Hot' continues to be a benchmark in film comedy.

Billy Wilder's timeless creation, Some Like It Hot, epitomizes the quintessential Hollywood classic. This iconic film, featuring powerhouse performances from Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon, stands as the gold standard for cross-dressing comedies. Impeccably directed with a masterful script and superior production values, the film's comedic brilliance and engaging narrative remain just as effective today as they were upon its release. The trio's dynamite chemistry cements this film's status as an unparalleled work of art in cinematic history.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Some Like It Hot is nothing short of spectacular. Sourced from a meticulously executed 4K remaster, the visual presentation is stunning, bringing new life to Wilder's brilliant imagery with crisp detail and vibrant contrast. The solid mono audio track ensures that the film’s dialogue and musical elements are as clear and engaging as ever. Additional features include an insightful interview from 1955 with Monroe herself, discussing her journey and aspirations, which adds depth to her on-screen persona. Echoing the film's significance, the disc offers a rich selection of new and archival bonus materials that deepen appreciation for this cinematic gem.

The term classic has lost its value because in recent years too many people have used it to describe a wide range of good, but not special, films that should have been treated better. I know it is so because I have done it too. Billy Wilder's Some Like It Hot is one of those truly special films that the term was actually meant for -- it's got real stars at the top of their game and a master director that was able to make them look even better together. The magic that Hollywood forgot how to produce really is on full display in this film. Criterion's upcoming Blu-ray release of Some Like It Hot is sourced from a lovely new 4K remaster and offers a fantastic selection of exclusive new and archival bonus features. Do not miss it. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.