Don't Give Up the Ship Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Don't Give Up the Ship" offers an impressive visual treat, benefiting from a meticulous 4K HD restoration. The AVC encoded image, presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio at 1080p, stands out for its remarkable clarity and precision. It effectively supports the original cinematography, highlighting intricate facial features, short haircuts, and detailed set ornamentation. Underwater sequences, including scenes with a rubber octopus, are particularly noteworthy for their convincing textures and controlled whites. The restoration has successfully minimized imperfections, with only minor scratches and speckling detected.

The greyscale handling in this Blu-ray presentation is commendable, providing excellent separation that reveals a full range of whites, blacks, and shadows. This allows for a clear distinction between elements on screen, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The strong black levels contribute significantly to the sense of three-dimensional depth, although the visual atmosphere remains somewhat flat due to the use of three-walled sets. Despite this, the presentation does an admirable job of showcasing the available details, making it a valuable upgrade from previous releases.

In summary, "Don't Give Up the Ship" on Blu-ray is a solid demonstration of high-definition restoration. The image quality exhibits fine detail and sharp delineation while maintaining a crisp and clean appearance. Minor source damage is present but negligible, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the film's visual charm.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Don't Give Up the Ship" features an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix. This sound mix stands out for its clarity and robustness, delivering a surprisingly hearty experience that complements the film’s slapstick nature. Dialogues come through crystal clear, preserving the nuances of the performances and energetic exchanges without any muffling. The track’s scoring is well-defined, supporting the scenes with precise instrumentation and creating an engaging listening environment.

The sound effects and ambient noises are finely layered, enhancing the overall atmosphere and presence of each scene. This level of technical craftsmanship ensures that the soundscape captures everything from interior echoes to underwater pressure with remarkable clarity. Additionally, the levels are meticulously balanced, negating the need for constant volume adjustments during playback. It might be advisable to keep the volume a bit lower than usual due to the natural loudness of the audio track, which ensures that you won’t miss any auditory detail. The absence of any audio artifacts such as hiss, pops, or scratches further solidifies this track as a virtually flawless presentation.

In summary, the audio quality of "Don't Give Up the Ship" on Blu-ray offers a robust and immersive DTS-HD MA 2.0 experience that enhances the comedic and atmospheric elements of the film seamlessly.

The Blu-ray release of “Don’t Give Up the Ship” lacks substantial supplementary materials, with Kino Studio Classics opting to provide only a standard selection of trailers from other films. It’s disappointing for fans hoping for more in-depth insights or behind-the-scenes content, such as commentaries, featurettes, or deleted scenes, which are entirely absent. The limited additions do not complement the main feature and miss an opportunity to enrich the viewer's experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• After The Fox (HD 2:49): Trailer showcasing a comedic heist film.
• A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum (HD 2:23): Preview of a classic musical comedy.
• Haunted Honeymoon (HD 2:19): Trailer for a spooky comedy tale.
• Life Stinks (HD 2:01): Highlighting a satirical comedy on societal issues.
• Delirious (HD 2:22): A glimpse into a fantasy-comedy narrative.
• The Couch Trip (HD 1:14): Teaser for a film about mistaken identity and escapism.

Jerry Lewis, known for his polarizing comedic style, delivers a surprisingly engaging performance in the 1959 comedy "Don't Give Up the Ship." As Lieutenant John Paul Steckler VII, Lewis is reluctantly pulled away from his honeymoon to recover a mysteriously missing naval destroyer escort. This film stands out due to its unconventional setting and plot, which require a substantial amount of exposition in the opening act, relegating Lewis's trademark antics to a secondary role initially. Set in a post-WWII context, the narrative explores military interactions and comedic misadventures, notably featuring a group of Japanese soldiers unaware that the war has ended. The climax, set underwater, showcases Lewis’s ability to devise imaginative and elastic comedic scenarios, adding a unique flavor to the film.

While opinions on Jerry Lewis’s comedic style vary greatly, his performance in "Don't Give Up the Ship" is notably restrained under the direction of Norman Taurog. The film benefits from a robust supporting cast, including Dina Merrill as the psychologist Ens. Benson, who aids Steckler in recalling the events leading to the ship's disappearance. Despite the occasional slow moments and instances where Lewis’s exaggerated humor might seem overbearing, the film manages to maintain its comedic momentum. The supporting performances from actors like Mickey Shaughnessy, Robert Middleton, and a brief appearance by Claude Akins add depth and stability to Lewis's eccentric antics, making this comedy a memorable entry within his uneven filmography.

"Don't Give Up the Ship" offers a good mix of spirited action and comedy, though it is not without its inconsistencies. One can occasionally sense Jerry Lewis straining to deliver humor in scenes that fall flat. However, the film compensates with its unique visual style and unexpectedly open appreciation for the promise of marital sex, adding an amusing layer. While it may not rank as premier Lewis, the movie offers a fair share of laughs and curious visuals, keeping it engaging if not classic.

Jerry Lewis' distinct brand of comedy—which tends to be an acquired taste—shines in "Don't Give Up the Ship." His trademark rubber face and sharp wit manage to bring out comedy gold from a straightforward narrative. Devotees of Lewis will certainly want this film in their collection, while those less familiar with his antics might find it a good entry point to reconsider his work. Kino Lorber's Studio Classics label has masterfully brought this film to Blu-ray, offering a stellar audiovisual presentation that enhances the viewing experience significantly.

In conclusion, "Don't Give Up the Ship" may not be Jerry Lewis' most consistent work, but it offers enough humor and unique visuals to make it worthwhile. Kino Lorber's exceptional A/V restoration ensures that this comedy has never looked or sounded better. Whether you're a longtime fan of Lewis or new to his brand of humor, this Blu-ray release is an easy recommendation.