10 Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "10" offers a high-definition experience that falls short of expectations due to a number of inconsistencies and technical shortcomings. The 1080p/AVC-encoded video transfer reveals a film that hasn't aged gracefully, with its inherent grainy aesthetic and scene-to-scene variance often detracting from overall clarity. Blacks are deep yet frequently appear crushed, and darker scenes lack the gradational detail necessary for a truly immersive viewing experience. Colors and flesh tones generally maintain a natural appearance, though reds can be oversaturated at times, causing some visual distraction.

Contrast remains stable throughout most of the presentation, though it does experience fluctuations that impact the depth and dimensionality of the image. Some scenes display a pleasing sharpness and fine grain that contributes to a warm, film-like feel, while others are softened to the point of adopting a gauzy look. Shadow delineation is weak, and although the exterior shots are generally vibrant with lush primary colors, the color timing can be inconsistent. An example is evident in the rescue scene where the ocean's hue varies noticeably between shots.

Despite these issues, the transfer does exhibit an overall proficiency in its encoding, being free from significant blocking, banding, and smearing. Digital noise is present but not overwhelmingly so. Close-ups tend to fare better, delivering detailed textures that add some visual richness. Though not devoid of imperfections—with intermittently soft scenes and visible digital noise on large expanses—this Blu-ray still represents a substantial improvement over its DVD counterpart. However, fans may find satisfaction in this upgrade only partially, as the presentation leaves room for further enhancement.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 track on the Blu-ray of "10" is an accurate representation of its single-channel source, and though it is limited in scope, it provides a satisfactory auditory experience. The dialogue-driven nature of the film necessitates clear vocal reproduction, which this track adeptly delivers. Higher resolution brings out defining detail and notable separation in voices, ensuring excellent intelligibility and smooth tonal character. Despite the occasional thinness and signs of age, purists will appreciate the fidelity to the original mix.

Henry Mancini's score, alongside Ravel's 'Bolero,' fills the room to the extent that the mono channel allows, adding a warm depth of tone. While effects may sometimes come across as thin or tinny, they are distinct and enhance the film’s atmosphere. Although a minor amount of distortion is detectable early on, any extraneous pops, crackles, or hiss have been effectively erased, maintaining an overall clean sound profile.

In conclusion, while the single-channel track lacks the dimensionality of modern multi-channel formats like Dolby Atmos, it remains true to its original presentation and performs its function well. Audiophiles with appropriate expectations will find the audio quality to be sufficient, with good fidelity, dynamic range, and a natural-sounding clarity that befits this classic film.

The Blu-ray edition of "10" features two supplementary materials that enhance the viewing experience, albeit modestly. The Vintage Featurette titled A Dream...a Fantasy...a TEN! provides a succinct glimpse into the making of the film with clips, behind-the-scenes footage of director Blake Edwards, and brief interviews with cast members addressing their roles and thematic elements. The Theatrical Trailer showcases the iconic running-on-the-beach scene, encapsulating what made Bo Derek an instant sensation. While these extras are limited in number and duration, they offer valuable historical insights into the film's production and marketing.

Extras included in this disc:

• A Dream…a Fantasy…a TEN!: A vintage making-of featurette with film clips, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original preview highlighting key scenes and elements.

Blake Edwards' iconic comedy "10" is often remembered for its emblematic scenes such as Bo Derek jogging on the beach to Ravel's "Bolero" and Dudley Moore’s comedic mishaps, including a bee sting and misadventures with pain pills. As a comedy of midlife crises and romantic pursuit, it delivers much more depth than its initial reputation suggests. Dudley Moore's portrayal of George Webber, a successful but dissatisfied composer, sets the tone for a story that deftly navigates between slapstick and heartfelt introspection. Julie Andrews shines as Samantha, offering a grounded performance that provides a stark contrast to Moore's bumbling antics, adding layers to the character dynamics.

The film’s effectiveness can be observed most prominently when George is simply engaging in conversation with characters such as his therapist or his neighbor. These moments are where the film digs deeper than the surface-level comedy, touching on themes of aging, identity crises, and unfulfilled desires. Conversely, the slapstick elements, while amusing, sometimes detract from the more poignant aspects of the narrative. Edwards's direction occasionally struggles with tonal balance, bouncing from comic exaggeration to sincere drama without seamless transitions. This unevenness can make the film feel disjointed despite its strong character foundations.

Despite its flaws, "10" remains a significant work in Edwards’s filmography, thanks largely to its performances and underlying message. The casting of Moore and Derek is both a strength and a shortcoming; Moore’s physical comedy is well-executed, yet sometimes overshadowed by excessive buffoonery, while Derek’s role, requiring her to be an object of obsession more than a fully-realized character, can appear detached. However, the film’s exploration of relational dynamics and the human condition offers timeless commentary, encapsulated well through interactions between characters such as George and Samantha. While not a flawless gem, "10" provides thoughtful insights amid its humor, capturing the intricacies of middle-age dilemmas with a blend of wit and warmth.

The Blu-ray release of "10" brings Blake Edwards' classic 1979 film into high definition, but it falls short of delivering a flawless experience. While the movie itself remains a witty and insightful take on male midlife crises, with Dudley Moore, Julie Andrews, and Bo Derek offering spirited performances, the technical aspects of this release leave something to be desired. The video presentation is inconsistent, with some scenes benefiting from the HD upgrade more than others, whereas the DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track is unremarkable and doesn’t add significant value to the viewing experience.

Despite these setbacks, the Blu-ray still improves upon the previously available DVD format. The visual enhancements, though spotty, do bring a fresher look to some of the film’s iconic moments. However, the lack of substantial supplemental content is a missed opportunity, keeping this release from being a definitive edition for collectors. The package offers minimal additional features, which may disappoint those looking for deeper insights or behind-the-scenes material related to the film.

In conclusion, while the Blu-ray release of "10" might not be a perfect rendition of Blake Edwards' memorable comedy, it does offer enough improvements to warrant consideration for fans of the film. Those who already appreciate the movie will find the upgrade worthwhile, but for new viewers, a cautious approach is advisable. This release is more of a nostalgic revisit rather than a technical benchmark, appealing mainly to those familiar with the charm and quirks of this slice-of-life comedy.