How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying Blu-ray Review

The Blu-Ray presentation of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying comes with a meticulously crafted 1080p AVC encoded transfer in a 2.34:1 aspect ratio. Although somewhat reflective of typical MGM/UA efforts, this release offers an overall pleasing visual experience, ideal for fans of mid-century modern aesthetics in film. However, it does bear the hallmark issues of mid-1960s movies, primarily slight color fading that impacts specific hues and flesh tones, skewing them towards brown or orange. Detail and sharpness levels maintain commendable consistency despite occasional minor focus issues, while grain structure remains natural and free from compression artifacts.

Not produced by a major studio, the film's transfer is nonetheless impressive, showcasing excellent clarity and a broad color palette. Though contrast suffers minor setbacks due to fading, the picture vibrancy is effectively maintained with well-saturated bold primaries and pastels. The depth of blacks, crispness of whites, and naturally rendered flesh tones add a balanced visual appeal. Print imperfections are minimal, with only faint specks occasionally visible and no detectable digital enhancements. The presentation captures the Panavision 2.35:1 aspect ratio faithfully, preserving the film’s visual integrity and making it a definitive treat for enthusiasts of classic musical cinema.

The audio presentation for the Blu-ray of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" includes lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 mono tracks, both of which provide an impressive and high-fidelity listening experience. Nelson Riddle's vibrant orchestration shines through these tracks, with the 5.1 version offering a slight expansion into the surround channels that enhances the musical numbers without muddying their clarity. Though surround activity is minimal and primarily limited to environmental effects such as office ambiance and crowd noise, the front soundstage enjoys noticeable stereo separation. This extends the sonic image nicely and caters to Riddle's brassy, dynamic range without any distortion or unwanted audio artifacts like hiss or pops.

Interestingly, the mono track is not drastically different from the 5.1 track in terms of audio fidelity. Both maintain clarity and a full-bodied quality, capturing dialogue and song lyrics with ease. The mono track seems to reflect more closely the original theatrical presentation by being marginally louder, yet both versions are free from age-related anomalies like flutter or crackle. Notably, there is some brief and negligible distortion on Morse’s vocals during the opening number, but this does not detract from the overall excellent audio performance.

In summary, both DTS-HD Master Audio tracks offer clear and sprightly soundscapes ideal for a musical soundtrack. The multi-channel mix, albeit subtly immersive, and the straightforward mono option both deliver transparent and engaging audio perfect for enjoying Nelson Riddle’s masterful score.

The Blu-ray release of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" boasts a compelling array of extra features that will delight fans and historians alike. Highlighted by insightful interviews and nostalgic retrospectives, these extras dive deep into the production's history and its cultural impact. Robert Morse provides a lively account of his role as J. Pierrepont Finch in both the stage and film versions, sharing anecdotes and even singing excerpts from the score. Meanwhile, Michele Lee offers a heartfelt reflection on her portrayal of Rosemary Pilkington, filled with personal recollections tied to significant historical events. The disc also includes an isolated score track, capturing some effects in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, providing an enriched auditory experience for aficionados.

Extras included in this disc:

• This Book Is All That You Need: Robert Morse on J. Pierrepont Finch.
• A Secretary Is Not a Toy: Michele Lee on Rosemary Pilkington.
• Original Theatrical Trailer.
• Isolated Score Track: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.

The 1967 film adaptation of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" faithfully captures the essence of its Broadway origins, thanks to the direction and screenplay by David Swift. Bringing over several original cast members, including Robert Morse, Rudy Vallee, and Michele Lee, the movie delivers a captivating portrayal of J. Pierrepont Finch's meteoric rise from window washer to high-ranking executive at the World Wide Wicket Company. The film stays true to the musical's satirical edge, humorously skewering corporate culture with a whimsical approach that resonates through its colorful set designs and energetic performances. However, the adaptation opts for a stagey feel, sometimes feeling like filmed theater, which might not fully utilize the cinematic medium's potential to expand and deepen the material.

Frank Loesser's musical score remains a highlight despite several significant cuts. While "I Believe in You" and "Brotherhood of Man" are delivered with vigor, numerous other songs were excised, including "Happy to Keep His Dinner Warm" and "Paris Original." This omission slightly diminishes the film's musical richness. The choreography by Wade Moreda, inspired by Bob Fosse's original work, enlivens notable numbers like “A Secretary Is Not a Toy.” Despite these strong points, some sequences appear overly broad or stagey due to long takes and minimal cuts, which may lessen their impact.

Performances are robust and engaging. Robert Morse’s portrayal of Finch deviates towards broadness, fitting the film’s whimsical tone but occasionally edging into hamminess. Michele Lee brings charm and vocal prowess to Rosemary Pilkington, delivering a touching rendition of "I Believe in You." Rudy Vallee stands out as the eccentric J.B. Biggley, adding authentic flair to his role. Despite its flaws, this adaptation offers a bright, funny take on corporate satire and remains an enjoyable watch for fans of the genre.

Twilight Time's Blu-ray release of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" presents a vibrant and technically strong restoration of the 1967 film adaptation of the acclaimed Broadway musical. Robert Morse and Michele Lee reprise their stage roles, delivering delightful performances that capture the film’s satirical take on corporate America. The film itself, directed by David Swift, retains much of the charm and vivacity of the stage production, though it occasionally feels encumbered by its plot, which prevents it from achieving the same level of cinematic magic as its source material.

The Blu-ray offers impressive video and audio transfers that faithfully preserve the original look and sound of the film. The vivid color palette pops on screen, while the audio remains clear and well-balanced, particularly during Frank Loesser's musical numbers. Supplementary features include insightful interviews, adding historical context and depth to this period piece. However, with only 3,000 copies available, interested viewers should act promptly to secure a copy.

As Michele Lee alludes to in her interview included on this Blu-ray as a supplement, "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" is really a product of and reflective of its era, and so it may seem incredibly dated to jaded (younger?) viewers. That said, while it's lacking a certain spark which could have tipped it over into truly magical territory, it's one of the more faithful Broadway transferrals of this time period, and it's especially notable (no pun intended) that the film preserves the performances of two of its original Broadway stars. Recommended.