Banning Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Banning" by Imprint Films presents a high-quality 1080p transfer, captured in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. Leveraging a newly commissioned 2K master from an interpositive, the film delivers a visually compelling experience. The presentation expertly balances organic textures with a clarity that ranges from very good to excellent, despite minor white specks and nicks that subtly remind viewers of its analog origins. The depth and delineation provide the content with a substantial visual allure, while minor density fluctuations remain present due to stylistic origins rather than post-production oversights.

Color reproduction in "Banning" stands out prominently with outstanding balance across all primary hues and supporting tones, offering a vivid yet authentic period look. While saturation could see slight enhancement in select instances, the overall palette remains convincingly natural, complementing the film's historical aesthetic. The image maintains excellent stability throughout, free from unwarranted digital tampering that often mars such restorations. This Region-Free Blu-ray guarantees compatibility across various geographical locations, reinforcing its accessibility and appeal.

In summary, "Banning" benefits significantly from Imprint Films’ thoughtful restoration efforts, achieving a compelling blend of nostalgic charm with modern technical assurance. Despite some negligible visual remnants of its interpositive roots, this edition of "Banning" is a visually satisfying addition for aficionados and casual viewers alike, nestling comfortably within any Blu-ray collection with a commendable score of 4.25/5.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Banning" is delivered through a standard English LPCM 2.0 track, complemented by optional English SDH subtitles to aid accessibility. The audio track succeeds in capturing the essence of the film's time period, where Gil Bernal's rendition of "The Eyes of Love" and Quincy Jones' original music compositions skillfully enhance the film's atmosphere. These musical elements contribute significantly to the stylish nature of the movie, adding depth and elegance to its presentation.

Despite the audio mix's age, the dynamic contrasts are commendable, allowing shifts in the auditory landscape to be appreciated. However, listeners will recognize it as a product of an era with less emphasis on surround sound technology. Nevertheless, the dialog track is exceptionally clear, sharp, and stable throughout, ensuring that viewers will have no trouble following the narrative. Importantly, the review found no significant age-related anomalies that might detract from the overall audio experience.

While this LPCM 2.0 mix may lack the immersive qualities associated with modern multi-channel formats such as DTS or Dolby Atmos, it effectively delivers a faithful reproduction of the film's sound design. The presentation maintains an authentic and nostalgic quality that aligns with the film's vintage aesthetics, making it a fitting accompaniment to "Banning."

The Blu Ray extras for "Banning" offer a compelling glimpse into both the making of the film and its cultural milieu. The program "A Hole in the One" features Robert Wagner and Jill St. John engagingly discussing their acting careers, the film's unique historical context, and Universal's influence during that era. Insights on Gene Hackman's role and authentic golf hustlers enrich the narrative. "Members Only: Scoring Banning" provides an expert analysis by Jon Burlingame on Quincy Jones's distinctive score, highlighting notable studio trends of the time. The vintage trailer offers a nostalgic throwback, capturing the original promotion style, while the commentary by critics Howard S. Berger and Steve Mitchell lends depth with their extensive insights. The additional treat of an isolated score track offers audiophiles a pristine listening experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• A Hole in the One: Robert Wagner and Jill St. John discuss career evolution and film nuances.
• Members Only: Scoring Banning: Jon Burlingame analyzes Quincy Jones’s score.
• Trailer: Vintage trailer for "Banning."
• Commentary: Audio commentary by Howard S. Berger and Steve Mitchell.
• Isolated Score: Presented as a LPCM 2.0 track.

The 1967 film "Banning," directed by Ron Winston and brought to Blu-ray by Imprint Films, is a quintessential example of Universal's late sixties strategy in film production, characterized by a blend of TV production efficiencies and B-movie aesthetics. Despite its theatrical release, "Banning" was produced within a constrained 21-day shooting schedule, typical of the era's quick-turnaround studio films utilizing the cost-effective Techniscope format. This method imbued the film with unique visual qualities, featuring plentiful light and vibrant colors that diverge from traditional noir shadows.

The narrative intricately weaves a story of hidden gamesmanship within an upscale country club in Arizona, where Robert Wagner's character, Mike Banning, disrupts the status quo. This film oscillates between suspense and intrigue as Banning navigates complex interpersonal dynamics, heightened by the performances of its leading ladies — Jill St. John, Susan Clark, and Anjanette Comer — each of whom adds layers of glamour and complexity. St. John's performance notably outshines her male counterpart with a contemporary sharpness that intensifies the film's appeal.

"Banning" is a deceptive oddity; although a small film by conception, it carries a grand presence due to its thematic richness and stylistic audacity. Its music score by Quincy Jones enhances the film's stylish edge, assisted by Gil Bernal's recurrent rendition of "The Eyes of Love." These audio elements, along with Winston's directorial choices, make "Banning" a remarkably stylish artifact of its time, reflecting an ambitious narrative ambition rarely associated with its modest production roots. This amalgam of style, substance, and ambition results in a film that is compelling, showcasing an unforeseen layered artistry born out of restrained circumstances.

Imprint Films has delivered an impressive new 2K remaster of "Banning," a lesser-known yet fascinating entry into the neo-noir genre. The film follows a trend seen in similar titles, such as "Warning Shot" and "P.J.," adopting film noir's thematic elements while eschewing its traditional stylistic aspects in favor of vibrant colors and light. This bold visual choice arguably laid the groundwork for the more recognizable neo-noir films that gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, making "Banning" an essential viewing experience for enthusiasts keen on exploring the genre's evolution.

One of the standout features of this Blu-Ray release is an insightful exclusive program that includes discussions with stars Robert Wagner and Jill St. John, adding depth and context to the film's production and historical significance. Additionally, the release includes the interview "Members Only: Scoring Banning," featuring film music historian Jon Burlingame. This feature dwells on the innovative contributions of Quincy Jones, spotlighting his role in the transition from grand orchestral scores to jazz-infused soundtracks, thus augmenting viewers' appreciation for Jones' impact on the film's auditory landscape.

Concluding, Imprint Films' release of "Banning" is a must-own for collectors and film aficionados alike. The impressive visual restoration, coupled with enriching supplemental content, significantly enhances the viewing experience. These additions not only bring out the fascinating historical context of "Banning" within the neo-noir canon but also highlight its contributions to cinematic innovation. Highly recommended for those looking to deepen their understanding of how such films influenced modern cinema's narrative and aesthetic transformations.