Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round" by Imprint Films is presented in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, utilizing a 1080p transfer encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. Sourced from the same high-quality Sony Pictures master as the Kino Lorber release, this edition offers impressive clarity and detail for a film originally shot in 1966 on 35 mm Pathecolor by Lionel Lindon. The visual presentation is characterized by superb definition and grain quality that enhances the film's cinematic texture, preserving its historical authenticity.

Despite minor encoding differences, the Imprint transfer captures a vibrant color palette, showcasing vivid primary colors. Rich and velvety blacks further enhance the film's atmospheric depth, and the diverse color saturation offers lifelike visual dynamics, with standout elements such as the shimmering silver of a belly dancer’s outfit and a woman’s bold red blouse. The presentations are nearly identical between the Imprint and Kino Lorber releases, with both revealing minor issues like uneven grain exposure and clipped highlights but maintaining image stability without significant visual imperfections.

Overall, this Blu-ray release does justice to its age and origin, offering a film-like viewing experience with consistent sharpness and exemplary rendering of both interior scenes and bright exteriors. While slight grain inconsistencies and color saturation could benefit from further adjustments, the film elements themselves remain in excellent condition, marking a noteworthy leap from previous DVD editions and resulting in a presentation that belies the film's 57-year-old vintage.

The Blu-ray release of "Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round" features a singular audio track presented in LPCM 2.0, offering a robust monaural experience. This track, though notably lossy, stands out for its clarity and precision, characteristics evident in Sony Pictures' careful audio remastering process. English SDH subtitles are also provided, ensuring accessibility. There's a noticeable absence of deterioration or aging artifacts, indicating a well-preserved audio quality that suggests subsequent restorations may not significantly enhance the current auditory experience.

The soundtrack's crispness extends to the distinct dialogue clarity and the presence of Stu Phillips’ dynamic score. This score elevates the film's atmosphere, successfully communicating emotions that the script occasionally struggles to convey. The sound effects—ranging from the mechanical sounds of landing and departing airplanes to ambient noises typical of airports and bustling police stations—are intricately woven into the sonic tapestry, offering an immersive experience. The mix effectively handles these elements without overwhelming the dialogue or score, preserving their impact.

Overall, the Blu-ray's audio presentation triumphs in delivering clean and depth-filled sound reproduction, particularly for enthusiasts with high-quality home theater setups. The monaural mix displays an admirable punch and vibrancy, enhancing the film's engagement level. Even as the audio quality surpasses the consistently dependable video quality, this release stands as an exemplary showcase of technical audio mastering that effectively supports the narrative and aesthetic intentions of "Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round."

The Blu Ray release of "Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round" unfortunately does not include any supplemental features. Despite being part of Imprint's exclusive collection lineup, this edition remains barebones, similar to a previous release by Kino Lorber earlier in the year. Both releases likely employ the same Sony HD transfer, yet neither provides additional content beyond the film itself. This lack of extras is unexpected given the film's intriguing narrative and the unique allure of off-beat capers, which often benefit from supplementary materials that provide context or behind-the-scenes insights. The absence of extras is disappointing for enthusiasts who hoped for more enrichments in terms of special features.

Extras included in this disc:

• None: No supplemental features are available on this release.

Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round (1966), directed by Bernard Girard, offers an engaging narrative focused on the suave yet unscrupulous con man Eli Kotch, portrayed by James Coburn. This caper film revolves around Eli's intricate plan to rob a bank at Los Angeles International Airport during a highly-publicized event. Coburn's performance is central to the film's allure, displaying a knack for impersonating different personas and seducing vulnerable women to facilitate his schemes. Despite his charisma, Coburn as a leading man stretches believability as a heartthrob capable of charming multiple women without consequence, which critics often note as a pivotal flaw within the narrative.

The film also serves as a platform showcasing the acting prowess of its supporting characters. Camilla Sparv offers a convincing portrayal of one of Eli's unsuspecting love interests, who is unwittingly drawn into his criminal plots. Additionally, the film marks Harrison Ford's theatrical debut in a brief yet noteworthy scene as a bellhop. The movie's setting and Girard’s direction benefit from impressive location choices that lend an air of grandeur to the production, misleadingly implying a bigger budget than what might have been available.

Technically, Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round blends heist thriller elements with touches of comedy, although it falls short of the brilliance seen in more ambitious caper films. Instead, its charm lies in these chosen aesthetic decisions and witty dialogues that sync well with its period-specific atmosphere. While the screenplay emphasizes Eli’s crafty machinations and villainous charm, it fails to offer depth to his character beyond his role as a conniving criminal—which may hinder viewer empathy. Overall, while not perfect, the film remains an intriguing watch for fans of the genre, bolstered by its vintage appeal and Coburn’s captivating screen presence.

"Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round" presents itself as a classic 1960s caper film, featuring the charismatic James Coburn in a lead role that highlights his knack for embodying sly, clever characters. Despite being set during a transitional era in Hollywood when the traditional Production Code was waning, the film integrates themes such as casual morality and portrays bank robbers in a more favorable light. The narrative structure is marred by a slow pace and character development that feels surprisingly uninspired for a caper. The master used for the Blu-ray transfer from Imprint Films provides decent visual clarity, aligning with Kino Lorber's previous U.S. release—a reassuring detail for collectors who prioritize audiovisual fidelity.

Although "Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round" does not rank as a masterpiece within its genre, it delivers a certain nostalgic charm that can be appreciated during quieter seasonal periods. The film contrasts sharply with noir thrillers like "Harry in Your Pocket!", offering viewers an opportunity to enjoy Coburn's transformation into an unflappable thief with inventive schemes. Regrettably, the anticipated twist that should have propelled the narrative fails to impress, leaving a sense of letdown as the credits roll.

For those intrigued by the interplay of classic caper elements and Coburn's performance, "Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round" remains a worthwhile watch. While not groundbreaking, it stands as a competent piece of entertainment, especially suitable for fans of the genre searching for lighter distractions against a chilly backdrop. In conclusion, despite its narrative shortcomings, Imprint Films’ release is recommended for those seeking to explore the transitional nuances of 1960s cinema.