Hopscotch Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.39:1, Ronald Neame's "Hopscotch" arrives on Blu-ray with an impressive 1080p transfer, courtesy of Criterion. The restoration, sourced from a 35mm internegative and completed in 2K resolution, effectively removes thousands of instances of dirt, debris, and other imperfections. This meticulous effort results in a film that looks remarkably clean, with almost no visible scratches or speckling. Grain structure is admirably intact, offering a film-like presentation without the use of digital noise reduction, thus maintaining a wonderfully cinematic feel.

Color reproduction stands out, with primary colors—especialy blues and reds—richly saturated and well-balanced. Contrast is expertly handled, producing a first-rate picture with believable skin tones and vibrant hues that capture the late-70s aesthetic beautifully. Black levels are deep and inky, avoiding crush issues and rendering dimly-lit scenes with impressive depth. Details are abundant across various interiors, exteriors, and costumes, ensuring that the film’s scenic locations and production design are vividly presented.

Overall, Criterion has delivered a stellar transfer for "Hopscotch," living up to its reputation for high-quality restorations. The encoded MPEG-4 AVC and the absence of problematic digital adjustments ensure stability and clarity, making this release a key example of superb restoration work.

The Blu-ray release of "Hopscotch" offers two primary audio tracks: an English LPCM 1.0 Original Theatrical Soundtrack and an English Dolby Digital 1.0 Television Soundtrack. These tracks ensure flexibility for different viewing preferences, including an option to avoid explicit language. Both tracks have undergone extensive remastering, significantly improving depth and clarity. Age-related imperfections such as hiss, crackle, and pops have been meticulously removed, resulting in a pristine listening experience. The optional English SDH subtitles are crafted to appear neatly within the image frame.

The uncompressed LPCM 1.0 mono track stands out for its exceptional dialogue clarity, with no interference noted throughout the film. The sonic layering of Ian Fraser-adapted Mozart compositions and other classical themes is expertly achieved, providing a rich, atmospheric soundstage. While imaging may be slightly restrained at times, the dynamic balance between dialogue and music is effectively maintained. The mix reaches its peak during the film's grand finale without any distortion or loss in quality, reflecting an overall strong auditory presentation. Minor hiss can occasionally be detected in quieter scenes, but it does not detract significantly from the overall experience.

In summary, "Hopscotch" presents a robust set of audio options tailored to different audience needs. Both LPCM and Dolby Digital tracks excel in reproducing clear dialogue and well-balanced music, despite inherent mono limitations typical of the era. Most age-related audio artifacts have been expertly eliminated, and the final presentation is both engaging and faithful to the film's original soundscapes.

The Blu-ray release of "Hopscotch" by The Criterion Collection delivers a modest but engaging selection of extras. Notably, the archival episode of The Dick Cavett Show featuring a hilarious interview with Walter Matthau and the comprehensive documentary with author Brian Garfield and director Ronald Neame provide valuable insights into the film's adaptation from novel to screen. While the features are limited, they offer substantial entertainment and informative content about the production and behind-the-scenes experiences. Criterion includes the original theatrical trailers, completing the collection but leaves fans wanting more retrospective content or commentary tracks.

Extras included in this disc:

• Dick Cavett and Walter Matthau: Archival interview where Matthau discusses his childhood and career.
• Brian Garfield and Ronald Neame: Documentary on adapting "Hopscotch" from a novel to film.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer for "Hopscotch".
• Teaser: Original teaser trailer for "Hopscotch".
• Leaflet: Illustrated essay by critic Glenn Kenny.

"Hopscotch," directed by Ronald Neame, exemplifies the kind of charming, old-fashioned comedy-thriller that seems rare in contemporary cinema. Walter Matthau, in one of his most effortless and engaging performances, stars as Miles Kendig, a seasoned CIA operative who finds himself sidelined by his irksome superior, Myerson (Ned Beatty), after sparing his Russian rival. Rather than languish in a dull desk job, Kendig goes rogue, shredding his personnel file and embarking on an audacious plan to write a memoir that threatens to reveal the CIA’s darkest secrets. Enlisting the help of his old flame, Isobel (Glenda Jackson), Kendig dispatches excerpts of the tell-all book to intelligence agencies worldwide, sending Myerson into a desperate scramble to prevent an international crisis.

Based on Brian Garfield's novel, "Hopscotch" thrives not through its narrative but through the chemistry between its stellar cast. Matthau exudes a laid-back charm that is contagious, imbuing his character with a sly intellect that continually frustrates his pursuers. Meanwhile, Beatty's portrayal of the bumbling Myerson and Sam Waterston as Kendig's protégé Cutter create a dynamic interplay that amplifies the film's dry humor. The plot takes viewers from the United States to various European locales, providing a colorful backdrop that adds a sense of adventure without overshadowing the film’s comedic undertones.

Neame’s direction smartly maximizes suspense and humor, often treating significant plot points with a breeziness that enhances the film's lighthearted nature. Despite its espionage theme, the movie strikes a balance with scenes of genuine wit rather than relying on heavy-handed jokes or action sequences. The Mozart-infused score not only complements Matthau's real-life love of classical music but also underpins the film's sophisticated yet playful tone. "Hopscotch" stands out as an amusing and well-crafted caper that showcases its ensemble cast’s talents while delivering a subtle parody of Cold War-era spy thrillers.

Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of "Hopscotch" brings this delightful and witty action comedy back into the spotlight with an impressive presentation. The film, directed by Ronald Neame and starring the ever-charming Walter Matthau and Glenda Jackson, effortlessly blends elements of 70s thrillers with a cleverly crafted parody. The humor is sly and dry, perfectly attuned to Matthau's strength in delivering sharp, comedic performances. The restoration from a new 2K master ensures that both the visual and audio presentations are top-notch, making this the definitive version for fans and newcomers alike.

"Hopscotch" serves as a brisk and breezy caper film, showcasing a CIA agent humorously at odds with his superiors. This old-fashioned romp benefits immensely from the charismatic leads, whose performances anchor the witty narrative. The bonus features, though not groundbreaking, include worthwhile interviews that add depth to the viewing experience. While some may lament the sparse extras, the quality of the film’s restoration more than compensates.

In conclusion, "Hopscotch" is a prime example of an R-rated action comedy that Hollywood has seemingly forgotten how to make. Criterion's Blu-ray release is a solid testament to the film’s enduring charm and wit, ensuring it remains accessible for future audiences. Highly recommended.