Play It Again, Sam Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Play It Again, Sam" is framed in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio with a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encode, featuring the benefit of a recent 4K restoration performed at Paramount. The resulting image demonstrates strong delineation and notable depth, with healthy, stable grain faithfully representing its 35 mm Panavision origins. Clarity is generally very good throughout most of the feature, providing fine visibility for facial details, clothing textures, and subtle set dressings such as posters and memorabilia within Allen’s apartment. Black-and-white archive footage from Casablanca is incorporated, with a slightly softer appearance compared to the vibrant color sequences.

Color reproduction is convincingly balanced and nuanced, with natural primaries and well-managed saturation levels. Scene-specific color design is well supported, from the drab tones of Allen’s wardrobe to the stylish vibrancy of supporting characters, extending into sequences where club lighting and atmospheric fog play a role. Shadow details are handled nicely, with pleasing gradations and no evidence of image stability issues. An isolated instance of a blue-to-teal color shift was observed, but such anomalies are rare and not distracting. The restoration appears largely free from age-related defects like visible debris, stains, or cuts, and encoding artifacts are minimal, only requiring minor optimization in select areas.

Overall, the video transfer offers a richly cinematic viewing experience, preserving the original photographic intent while taking full advantage of recent remastering efforts.

The Blu-ray audio presentation for "Play It Again, Sam" is provided via a single English LPCM 2.0 track, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles. Dialogue is clear and intelligible throughout, with no noticeable stability issues disrupting the experience. Some minor thinning in the audio is occasionally detectable, primarily affecting certain exchanges rather than the entirety of the soundtrack. The lossless 2.0 track accurately preserves the native sonic qualities of the original film, but does not deliver significant dynamic contrast or modern enhancements. Billy Goldenberg’s score supports the film’s atmosphere competently, though it remains relatively understated without dramatic impact or pronounced separation.

This restrained approach to audio presentation is consistent with the source material’s era and intent. The track remains true to its original mix, avoiding artificial highlighting or unnecessary remastering, and as a result, both ambience and score blend seamlessly with dialogue. While not designed to showcase a modern home theater system’s full capabilities, the LPCM 2.0 mix ensures faithful reproduction of all key elements, providing an authentic and unobtrusive listening experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Play It Again, Sam" offer a comprehensive exploration of Woody Allen’s creative process and the cultural significance of the film. The standout inclusion is Robert B. Weide’s documentary, which delivers in-depth perspectives through interviews with Allen, Diane Keaton, Martin Scorsese, and others, analyzing Allen’s approach and the evolution of his cinematic voice. Supplementary short documentaries add additional context by touching on Allen’s roots, inspirations, and public persona. A newly recorded audio commentary by critic Martyn Conterio provides a thoughtful scene-by-scene breakdown, examining the interplay of nostalgia, masculinity, and myth within the film, while also connecting its themes to “Casablanca.” Conterio’s insights into Humphrey Bogart’s influence and Allen’s unique characterization further enrich the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Woody Allen: A Documentary: In-depth, two-part study of Woody Allen's career and artistry featuring numerous interviews.
• The New Yorker: Short feature about Allen’s association with the magazine.
• Woody Allen in Idaho: Brief look at Allen’s experiences outside New York.
• 12 Questions: Short-form Q&A with Allen.
• Nettie: Personal vignette about a family member.
• Back to Brooklyn: Reflective piece on Allen’s return to his hometown roots.
• Director Interview: Focused interview with Allen about directing and influences.
• Audio Commentary: Martyn Conterio's new commentary analyzing the film’s themes, character dynamics, and its relationship to “Casablanca.”

Herbert Ross directs Play It Again, Sam (1972), but Woody Allen’s influence as writer and star is unmistakable and often dominates the film’s tone and pacing. The narrative centers on Allen's neurotic film critic Allan Felix, whose insecurities manifest following his divorce. Seeking romantic advice from an imagined Humphrey Bogart (Jerry Lacy) is a clever narrative device, directly referencing Casablanca and establishing the film as a comedic homage to cinematic history. The interplay between classic film tropes and Allen’s sharp, self-deprecating humor permeates much of the story, leveraging well-crafted monologues to drive Allan’s misadventures in dating and self-discovery.

The character dynamics are sharply drawn: while Dick (Tony Roberts) and Linda (Diane Keaton) provide genuine support in arranging Allan’s doomed blind dates, the heart of the narrative lies in Allan’s inner turmoil and often problematic behavior. The script doesn't shy from exposing the darker edges of its protagonist—Allan’s fragile masculinity and the resulting search for validation form a pattern reminiscent of other cinema antiheroes. Yet, through Allen’s witticisms and Ross’s restrained direction, the film maintains a comedic, almost self-aware distance from its troubling elements. Technical elements such as lighting, editing, and music serve more as unobtrusive supports than drivers of mood or meaning, with Allen’s verbal delivery and emotional shifts remaining front and center.

Visually and tonally, the film oscillates between affectionate satire and pointed introspection, referencing cinematic classics while dissecting the complexities—and sometimes the hazards—of romantic aspiration. Play It Again, Sam stands out as both a humorous love letter to Hollywood’s golden age and a candid, at times uncomfortable exploration of flawed male archetypes through Allen's unique lens.

Imprint’s Blu-ray release of "Play It Again, Sam" presents Woody Allen’s signature blend of humor, neurosis, and raw authenticity, anchored by a new 4K master sourced from Paramount Pictures. The transfer provides a notable upgrade in detail and clarity, allowing the film’s visual texture and nuanced performances to stand out. Allen’s portrayal of the awkward, emotionally tangled film critic Allen Felix feels authentic rather than performative, lending even the most uncomfortable comedic moments a relatable humanity. The restoration preserves the film’s original color palette and maintains solid grain structure, enhancing the overall viewing experience while respecting its cinematic roots.

Narratively, "Play It Again, Sam" merges its comedy with a heartfelt homage to Casablanca, using the iconic Bogart figure as a spectral mentor guiding Felix through his romantic tribulations. The humor is both clever and brave, at times delving into risky territory that modern filmmakers might avoid; this willingness to engage uncomfortable material speaks to an era of bolder storytelling. The film’s awkwardness is purposeful—it’s a meditation on insecurity, masculinity, and the often clumsy journey toward self-assurance and social connection.

In summary, this edition effectively showcases both the technical improvements of its 4K master and the unique tonal juggling act that defines "Play It Again, Sam." The result is a home viewing experience that highlights Allen’s compelling mixture of vulnerability and wit, making it an essential addition for fans of classic American neurotic comedy and thoughtfully restored catalog titles alike.