Buck Privates Blu-ray Review

Universal's AVC encoded 1080p transfer of "Buck Privates," presented at a 1.35:1 aspect ratio, exhibits the expected digital noise reduction (DNR), albeit not excessively. The noise reduction isn't as aggressive as seen in some other Universal catalog releases, but it does reduce the grain visibility while retaining commendable fine detail, especially in close-ups. The source elements are generally in good condition, though several brief scratches and flecks can still be seen. A few frames are missing, though they don't disrupt the overall experience. Contrast levels are strong, depicting gray scales and black levels effectively, despite the film appearing slightly soft at times, particularly in second unit and stock footage.

The transfer benefits from being digitally remastered and restored from high-resolution 35mm original film elements, resulting in a clean picture free from noticeable dirt or wear. Grain is minimal, likely due to the mild DNR application, which becomes apparent in specific scenes, such as the close-up on Herbie's face during a craps game. Although black and white renderings lean slightly towards gray, they still provide suitable contrast and depth. The high-definition quality reveals some false backgrounds, like the large photo backdrop at the camp arrival scene, and there are moments when a dissolve transition results in sharper focus popping.

Texture detailing is well-executed, evident in the suits and uniforms worn by characters. Fine lines in Smitty's suit are distinctly clear, enhancing sharpness, while Herbie's two-tone tweed jacket suffers from some noticeable aliasing. Overall, viewers with some tolerance for DNR may find this transfer satisfactory due to its good balance of preserved details and minimal disruptions.

The Blu-ray of "Buck Privates" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix. This ostensibly stereo mix fundamentally serves as a mono track distributed over two channels, reflecting a common practice among various labels. The resulting audio is notably narrow, with minimal discrete splaying or directionality, but fidelity remains unexpectedly high considering the film's age. Despite the somewhat compressed range, particularly in the highs and lows, the sound maintains a fulsome quality. The Andrews Sisters' musical performances are particularly well-represented, and dialogue is delivered crisply and cleanly throughout.

However, the ADR exhibits notable issues, particularly during the production numbers featuring the Andrews Sisters, where the singers' voices are mixed louder than the accompanying music, creating a hollow effect. An additional ADR discrepancy can be found in a scene where Herbie dons Smitty's pack. Contrary to expectations, part of Herbie’s dialogue appears to be poorly dubbed, failing to match the on-screen mouth movements. The overall audio presentation, while clean and free of defects, highlights these limitations due to its mono origins. Despite this, the source material's integrity is preserved with a commendable degree of fidelity given its vintage.

The Blu-ray release of "Buck Privates" includes several engaging and meticulously curated extras that provide a deeper insight into both the film and Universal Studios' rich history. The highlights include the television special "Abbott and Costello Meet Jerry Seinfeld," offering viewers a nostalgic and humorous retrospective hosted by comedian Jerry Seinfeld. This special, although presented in standard definition, features some of the duo's iconic routines and rare home movie footage. Additionally, the "100 Years of Universal" series enhances the collection with high-definition featurettes that explore the studio's history and the painstaking restoration process of its classic films. These extras collectively enrich the viewing experience by blending historical context, technical insight, and pure entertainment value.

Extras included in this disc:

• Abbott and Costello Meet Jerry Seinfeld: A 1994 NBC special featuring a retrospective hosted by Jerry Seinfeld.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer for "Buck Privates."
• 100 Years of Universal: Restoring the Classics: An overview of the restoration process for Universal's classic films.
• 100 Years of Universal: The Carl Laemmle Era: A brief look at Universal Studios' founder.
• 100 Years of Universal: Unforgettable Characters: A montage highlighting iconic characters from Universal films.

"Buck Privates," starring Abbott and Costello, marks the beginning of their illustrious film career as leading players under Universal. The film capitalizes on their successful vaudeville and radio routines, most prominently integrating their iconic "Who's on First?" sketch into the cinematic format. The plot cleverly uses the peacetime draft instituted before the U.S. officially entered World War II as a backdrop, setting up a narrative where the comedic duo inadvertently enlist in the army while evading law enforcement. This premise allows Abbott and Costello to showcase their signature slapstick and fast-talking humor, blending it with a surprisingly patriotic tone reflective of its era.

The film isn't just about comedy, though. The inclusion of The Andrews Sisters adds a lively musical component with standout performances like the Oscar-nominated "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy." However, the secondary storyline involving characters like the wealthy playboy Randolph (Lee Bowman) and his valet Bob (Alan Curtis) attempting to join the service, and their interactions with camp hostess Judy (Jane Frazee), can feel somewhat extraneous and slow down the pacing. The narrative's overtly optimistic resolution aligns well with the period's socio-political climate but might feel overly simplistic by today's standards.

Overall, "Buck Privates" deftly combines humor with thematic elements pertinent to its historical context, making it an enduring artifact of wartime cinema that still entertains. The Blu-ray release enhances this experience, offering a sharp transfer of the film and additional material, including an introduction by John Landis and in-depth cast and crew biographies, providing a comprehensive viewing package for both new audiences and nostalgic fans of Abbott and Costello.

The Blu-Ray release of Buck Privates, Abbott and Costello’s first starring film, captures the essence of a bygone era with its classic comedy and musical interludes. While not everyone may appreciate the film's humor, avid fans of the comedy duo will find this high-definition presentation invigorating. The release includes solid video and audio quality, although it does exhibit some Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) artifacts which purists might disdain. Nonetheless, the vibrant performance of the Andrews Sisters and the seamless blend of comedy and music make up for minor technical shortcomings.

The historical significance of Buck Privates cannot be overstated. As a pivotal entry in the journey of Abbott and Costello, this film encapsulates a unique period in Classic Hollywood. While the bonus features are somewhat limited, the inclusion of a nostalgic TV special compensates for the otherwise slim pickings. Some fans might lament the absence of the Lux Radio Theater adaptation, akin to what Warner Brothers did for other classic films, but the thoughtfully curated material in the digibook offers plenty of value.

In conclusion, Buck Privates remains a delightful mix of lunacy and melodic charm despite contemporary concerns over political correctness and burgeoning militarism inherent to its premise. The genuine comedic spirit coupled with good video and audio quality makes it a recommended addition to any classic film enthusiast's collection. The package is elevated further by the inclusion of the Seinfeld special, ensuring fans old and new will appreciate its contribution to cinematic history.