The Bed Sitting Room Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "The Bed Sitting Room" on Blu-Ray, presented in an AVC encoded 1080p transfer, offers a serviceable visual experience. This typically manifests through satisfactory details that highlight the collection of textures arranged throughout the film. In particular, facial details and locations are well-preserved, maintaining spatial distances effectively. The aspect ratio of 1.85:1 handles the range of colors adeptly, from everyday hues to more extreme radiated sequences that saturate the frame, albeit with some mild specking and occasional frame damage.

Furthermore, the 1.66:1 transfer maintains an organic look, bolstered by a noticeable amount of film grain. Colors, while muted due to the film's setting in an abandoned rock quarry, still deliver a somewhat subdued palette. Primaries are present but lack vibrancy, and flesh tones can appear slightly pink with boosted reds. Black levels stand out as a significant strength, offering rich inkiness that provides depth to the image. Although the film print shows signs of fine scratches and nicks, it remains relatively intact considering its age and lack of extensive restoration. For a back-catalog title approaching fifty years old, the preserved visual integrity is commendable.

The Blu-ray of "The Bed Sitting Room" features a DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio track that aligns with the production limitations of its era. The track is largely flat and front-centered, which might not impress audiophiles seeking modern soundstage dynamics. Dialog is generally clear but can occasionally be challenging to follow due to the heavy accents and the film's eclectic and often chaotic nature. Musical interludes by Ken Thorne are decently rendered, though at times they may overshadow spoken lines, potentially obscuring some of the finer comedic elements.

Atmospheric sounds maintain interest despite their thicker, less refined quality. Synchronization issues are present, likely stemming from the original ADR work rather than the Blu-ray transfer itself. The audio levels are consistent throughout the film, eliminating the need for frequent volume adjustments. While the overall audio experience is free from hiss or other age-related artifacts, listeners should remain attentive to grasp all dialogue nuances fully. This track serves its purpose well but doesn’t offer any exceptional auditory experience beyond what is expected from a 1960s sound design.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Bed Sitting Room" offer an engaging and nostalgically rich exploration that will captivate fans and cinephiles alike. John Landis's contribution in "Trailers from Hell" is particularly noteworthy, offering a blend of personal admiration and political commentary that adds depth to the viewing experience. Allan Arkush’s take on "The Knack… and How to Get It" through "Trailers from Hell" provides a delightful and concise reminiscence of Richard Lester's film. Additionally, a series of theatrical trailers rounds out the package, offering glimpses into related films that complement the main feature well. While brief, these extras collectively enrich the historical context and appreciation of 1960s British cinema.

Extras included in this disc:

• 'The Bed Sitting Room' Trailers From Hell: John Landis shares thoughts on the film and nuclear proliferation.
• 'The Knack… and How to Get It' Trailers From Hell: Allan Arkush's reflection on Richard Lester's film.
• 'Theatrical Trailer': Original movie preview.
• 'A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum' Trailer
• 'Juggernaut' Trailer
• 'How I Won The War' Trailer
• 'The Knack… and how to Get It' Trailer

Richard Lester's 1969 film "The Bed Sitting Room" emerges from the brilliant and peculiar minds of Spike Milligan and John Antrobus, presenting a uniquely British comedic narrative set in a post-nuclear war landscape. This adaptation of their play showcases an eccentric and surreal brand of humor, reminiscent of what inspired Monty Python's own style. The comedic atmosphere is dryly ridiculous, maintaining English manners amidst chaos and absurdity. Lester's episodic direction captures the perpetual peculiarity of the story, replete with constantly unexpected — and often exhausting — twists and encounters.

The narrative spotlights the remaining twenty or so survivors in England, each navigating the oddities of their new world. Characters like Mrs. Ethel Shroak, Nurse Arthur, and Lord Fortnum, who undergoes an absurd transformation into a bed sitting room, underscore the film's unusual charm. Other characters, from underground train riders to hot air balloon police officers, enhance the film’s whimsical exploration of survival in an irradiated wasteland. The movie's comedic success hinges on its randomness and sheer unpredictability, offering modest yet significant societal commentary through its bizarre humor.

However, potential viewers should be forewarned: "The Bed Sitting Room" is likely an acquired taste. Its brief yet telling opening credits — ordered by height — hint at the nonsensical nature that defines the film. Such surreal comedy might not appeal to all; it's a deeply niche cinematic experience. Those unamused by its early antics may find it challenging to engage with the rest of the movie. Yet for those whose sense of humor aligns with Milligan’s avant-garde absurdity, this film promises an exceptionally hilarious ride through a truly singular vision of post-apocalyptic Britain.

"The Bed Sitting Room" on Blu-ray is an intriguing release that showcases a unique blend of absurdist comedy and surreal storytelling. Directed by Richard Lester, the film is a post-apocalyptic satire that excels not only through its outlandish scenarios but also through the impressive performances of its ensemble cast, including Ralph Richardson, Dudley Moore, and Peter Cook. The characters' timing and patience complement Lester's scattered narrative style, making this bizarre yet compelling storyline engaging for audiences who are attuned to its offbeat humor.

The Blu-ray transfer by Kino Lorber is commendable, offering a strong video presentation that does justice to the film's eclectic visual design. The audio track, while serviceable, could have benefited from a more robust mixing to better capture the eccentric tonalities of the actors’ performances. Moreover, the disc includes a selection of extra features that, while not exhaustive, provide a meaningful context to the film's production and its place within the genre of absurdist comedy.

The charms of "The Bed Sitting Room" are limited to a few escalations of absurdity, and there's a fine ensemble collected here to bring the material to life. The Bed Sitting Room benefits from the talented cast's execution and patience with Lester's frenetic direction, giving the feature a fighting chance to attain some level of appreciation during what ends up becoming a very long 90 minutes of barbed shapelessness. Ultimately, this Blu-ray release is recommended for fans of absurdist comedy who appreciate the film's unique delivery and the technical care given to its high-definition presentation.