Moment to Moment Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Moment to Moment," presented in an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC for a 1080p transfer, showcases a solid visual presentation courtesy of Kino Lorber. This version is sourced from a meticulously crafted 2K master. While the video quality exhibits some areas for improvement—such as uneven density levels and mild surface imperfections—the overall presentation is impressive. The grading is particularly noteworthy, with primary colors appearing vibrant and balanced, while the supporting tones are well-represented within the limitations of 1080p resolution. Image stability maintains high standards, offering a pleasing viewing experience. Note that this release is Region-A locked.

The film's production choices are a point of discussion, especially its reliance on Universal soundstages in California over authentic French locations, which impacts its aesthetic. This stylistic choice gives the film a stage-like feel, despite an ambitious exterior set constructed to replicate two adjacent houses and a street. While some footage was indeed captured on location in France, the production's heavy use of process shots and the Universal backlot detracts from its visual authenticity. These decisions contribute to a presentation that lacks the dynamic setting found in Hitchcock's "Charade" and impacts the pacing, making the film feel longer than necessary. However, the technical achievements in color grading and image stability still provide a visually engaging experience on this Blu-ray release.

The audio presentation of the "Moment to Moment" Blu-ray is delivered through a singular English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. This track ensures clarity with a focus on dialog that stands out for its cleanliness and stability, making it easy to follow throughout the film. The soundtrack, crafted by the esteemed Henry Mancini, sets expectations for a rich auditory experience. However, some may find the musical elements rather subdued, not reaching their full potential. Importantly, there are no noticeable encoding anomalies, which is a testament to the professionalism of the release.

In terms of restoration, while the Blu-ray showcases a new 2K restoration of the film, the audio track arguably outshines its visual counterpart. The DTS-HD Master Audio (2.0 mono) performs slightly better than the video transfer, maintaining consistent quality and preserving the nuances of the original sound design. Optional English SDH subtitles are available for added accessibility, supporting those who may benefit from them. In summary, while the film’s visual restoration may fall short of expectations, the audio track delivers reliability and clarity, essential for any classic film home release.

The Blu-ray of "Moment to Moment" impressively enriches the viewing experience with its well-curated extras, showcasing a mix of historical insights and expert analysis. The archival featurette, Moment to Moment with Mancini, offers a concise exploration of Henry Mancini's musical impact on the film, albeit lacking subtitles. Additionally, the Commentary by critics Howard S. Berger and Nathaniel Thompson provides a fresh and informative analysis, unraveling fine nuances and contextual interpretations of the movie. These extras collectively contribute to a deeper appreciation of the film's artistic and technical dimensions, serving both cinephiles and scholars with substantial content that complements the primary viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Moment to Moment with Mancini: An archival featurette highlighting Henry Mancini's contribution to the film.
• Commentary: New audio commentary recorded by critics Howard S. Berger and Nathaniel Thompson.

Mervyn LeRoy's "Moment to Moment" (1966) offers a thoroughly engaging and nostalgic dive into the world of romantic thrillers, now available on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber. The film captures the unique vibe of the mid-60s, characterized by its melodramatic yet straightforward narrative, laden with warmth and suspense. Featuring Jean Seberg and Sean Garrison in lead roles, the film beautifully illustrates a storyline punctuated by unexpected twists and emotional turmoil.

Set in the picturesque French Riviera, the plot centers around Kay (Jean Seberg), who finds herself entangled in a web of emotions and moral dilemmas after meeting Marc (Sean Garrison), a charming American sailor and painter. What begins as a casual acquaintance soon blossoms into a passionate romance, challenging Kay's marital commitments. The dramatic flair is further heightened when an argument spirals into an unintended tragedy, setting off a sequence of tense events amplified by Kay's attempt at covering the mishap with help from her friend Daphnie (Honor Blackman).

The film, scored by the legendary Henry Mancini, continues Universal’s pattern of crafting films influenced by the success of "Charade" (1963). While undeniably old-fashioned, "Moment to Moment" exudes a certain charm largely due to the palpable chemistry between its cast and Harry Stradling Sr.'s polished cinematography. Though predictably structured, the film remains immersive and entertaining, offering audiences an experience filled with suspense and visually delightful moments. The Blu-ray edition enhances these elements, providing pristine visual quality that faithfully captures the film's classic allure and cinematic aesthetics from the era.

"Moment to Moment" emerges as a captivating classic that enchants with its simplicity and charm, effectively overshadowing any minor shortcomings. The film is imbued with an infectious positive energy that makes it an engaging experience from beginning to end. The Kino Lorber Blu-ray release, enhanced by a sharp 2K restoration, successfully preserves the film's visual integrity while accentuating its vibrant aesthetic, providing a delightful viewing experience for classic film enthusiasts. The film's irresistible allure makes it a worthwhile addition to any film collection, especially when paired with "Story of a Woman," highlighting its timeless appeal.

The Blu-ray edition includes valuable bonus content such as a new audio commentary by esteemed critics Howard S. Berger and Nathaniel Thompson, which offers insightful analysis and enriches the viewing experience. Additionally, the inclusion of the unique trailer adds an intriguing historical context, focusing on Henry Mancini’s soundtrack recording session rather than conventional star power—an interesting deviation that frames the film as a product of its era. These extras enhance the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the film, offering a deeper dive into its production and artistic nuance.

In conclusion, "Moment to Moment" on Blu-ray is a commendable release that revisits a forgotten gem with excellent restorative effort and thoughtful supplementals. The film’s ability to charm and engage despite its apparent simplicity reiterates its status as an irresistible classic. With the combination of an exquisite 2K master transfer and thoughtful extras, this release is highly recommended for collectors and fans alike, promising an experience rich in both nostalgia and cinematic brilliance.