S.O.B. Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray transfer of "S.O.B." transforms this decades-old film into a visually striking experience. The 1080p, AVC-encoded presentation, resulting from a fresh 2K scan by Warner’s Motion Picture Imaging facility, captures the film’s sharpness, clarity, and detail while preserving its innate film-like quality. With Warner Archive Collection's commitment to high bitrates, currently at 34.99 Mbps, viewers are treated to a presentation that accurately represents the original cinematographic intent of Harry Stradling Jr. Grain is exceptionally fine throughout, with the slight exception of the opening Polly Wolly Doodle sequence, where optically superimposed titles make the grain momentarily more apparent.

The film's color palette is handled with meticulous care, showcasing light earth tones of Seventies California decor, punctuated by deep reds and darkness reflecting underlying passions. The sequences featuring bright colors, such as the Night Wind and Sally's guru scenes, are rendered vividly, adding authenticity to visually dynamic moments. Bold primary hues and rich black levels are executed flawlessly, balancing against bright whites for impressive shadow delineation. Flesh tones remain natural while background elements are clearly defined, free from any undesirable specks or marks. The transfer faithfully reproduces Edwards’ complex frames with overlapping conversations and interactions animatedly preserved. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that "S.O.B." not only captures but enhances its notorious vulgarity and gaudy style.

The Blu-ray release of S.O.B. features an original mono soundtrack, meticulously sourced from the magnetic master and presented in lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. One notable aspect of this audio presentation is its impressive fidelity and dynamic range. It provides a robust impact for the numerous sound cues integral to Edwards' comedic timing. Dialogue clarity is exceptional, rendering even the most complex rants perfectly intelligible. This clarity extends across all spoken lines, ensuring every word is easily understood. The score, composed by the prolific Henry Mancini, shines through without any distortion, contributing to a memorable auditory experience.

Despite requiring some adjustment to achieve optimal volume, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 track delivers well-modulated sound without noticeable inconsistencies. The track's dynamic scale adeptly handles the full spectrum of audio elements—from Mancini's sophisticated compositions to the film's varied sound effects. While bass frequencies are present and sufficient, the overall performance is free from typical age-related artifacts like hiss, pops, or crackles. Although mono tracks are inherently limited in providing an expansive auditory experience, this particular track meets all expectations with remarkable efficiency. The audio presentation may not be thrilling by modern surround sound standards, but it excels in delivering clear, undistorted sound that enhances viewers' engagement with the film.

The Blu-ray release of "S.O.B." is notably sparse in supplementary content, offering only the film's theatrical trailer as a bonus feature. The trailer is presented in high definition, ensuring the preview maintains visual integrity despite its age. This minimalistic approach echoes the constraints seen in Warner's 2002 DVD release of the film, which also lacked substantial extras. While the technical quality of the trailer is commendable, those seeking in-depth behind-the-scenes insights or additional contextual materials may find this release underwhelming in terms of supplementary content.

Extras included in this disc:

Trailer: The original theatrical trailer presented in high definition.

Blighted by industry betrayal and personal missteps, Blake Edwards' "S.O.B." emerges as a sharp, chaotic satire, drenched in acerbic wit and unrestrained physical comedy. The film, a unique entry in Edwards' repertoire, draws heavily from his and wife Julie Andrews' experiences, especially following the debacle of their musical "Darling Lili." Andrews’ eye-catching topless scene serves as the film’s scandalous hook, yet "S.O.B." offers much more through its potent critique of Hollywood's ego-driven and unethical practices. With overlapping plotlines and outrageous characters portrayed by a vibrant ensemble cast—including Robert Mulligan’s frenetic Felix Farmer and Andrews' consummate Sally Miles—the movie brilliantly juggles cynicism and slapstick until it abruptly shifts gears in the final act.

Edwards’ direction is marked by precision and chaotic brilliance for most of the runtime, skillfully handling subplots involving Felix’s obsession to redeem his failed film by transforming it into risqué soft-porn. This drastic narrative pivot sparks a series of comical yet cynical events poking fun at studio head David Blackman (Robert Vaughn) and other industry archetypes played by greats like Robert Preston and Shelley Winters. The cast dives into their roles with unbridled enthusiasm, matching the film’s biting humor and energetic absurdity. Unfortunately, the momentum lags in the final half-hour as the focus shifts, diluting the manic energy with over-the-top jokes and swapping sharp satire for cheaper laughs. Nonetheless, "S.O.B." stands as a potent satire from an insider’s perspective, its raw take on Hollywood’s ruthless nature cementing its place as a divisive yet fascinating black comedy.

Blake Edwards' "S.O.B." is a cynical yet compelling satire of Hollywood's absurdities, epitomized by a disenchanted producer's chaotic efforts to salvage a disastrous film. The film stars Julie Andrews as Sally Miles, a character who serves as a clever subversion of Andrews' usually pristine image. Andrews delivers a multifaceted performance, evolving from genteel modesty to raw desperation and ultimately becoming emblematic of the industry’s superficiality. This transformation underscores not just the narrative’s biting humor but also its deeper commentary on the personal costs of fame and success.

Technically, Warner Archive's Blu-ray treatment of "S.O.B." receives high marks. The video transfer is clean and sharp, capturing the visual nuances of the film’s varied settings with clarity. The audio is equally impressive, providing a robust auditory experience that complements the film's comedic timing and dramatic moments. While the lack of supplementary features is a notable shortfall, the primary content's technical quality compensates for this deficiency. The ensemble cast, including notable performances from William Holden and Richard Mulligan, contributes significantly to the film’s lasting appeal despite its occasional unevenness in delivering consistent laughs.

In conclusion, "S.O.B." stands out as a unique and memorable work in both Blake Edwards’ and Julie Andrews’ careers. Despite its minor flaws, the film’s incisive humor and standout performances make it highly recommended. Warner Archive's high-quality Blu-ray release enhances the viewing experience, ensuring this cinematic gem retains its impact for contemporary audiences.