The Secret War of Harry Frigg Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Secret War of Harry Frigg," presented in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, delivers a 1080p transfer that largely respects the original film's visual identity. The dated appearance of the film is evident but without problematic digital artifacts, suggesting a remaster potentially aligned with earlier Universal Pictures' Vault Series efforts around 2011. While visual fidelity in terms of delineation, clarity, and depth may not meet modern expectations, it remains sufficient for enjoying the film. Grain exposure isn't optimal, making some visuals appear 'thicker,' and there are minor to moderate weaving issues noticeable in certain areas. These, however, do not significantly detract from the viewing experience.

The color scheme maintains stability, yet there is an evident room for improvement regarding saturation and balance. A few minor blemishes and small dark spots exist, but no significant damage marks or frame issues are present. Fine details, film grain, and the color palette are faithfully represented with minimal cases of vertical lines, dirt, scratches, or tears. All considered, while the presentation has its limitations, it is likely the best that "The Secret War of Harry Frigg" has looked on home video. This Region-A locked Blu-ray release necessitates a native Region-A or Region-Free player for access.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "The Secret War of Harry Frigg" is anchored by an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, with optional English SDH subtitles available. This lossless track delivers a highly satisfying auditory experience, characterized by its cleanliness and well-roundedness. Missing fluctuations or distortions make the track impressive, though there is potential for minor dynamic balance optimizations.

The original mono soundtrack, presented in DTS-HD Master Audio, impressively captures dialogue with strength and clarity while preserving Carlo Rustichelli’s score and the overall sound mix without notable deficiencies. Instances of distortion, dropout, hissing, or crackling are virtually non-existent, affirming this presentation as likely the best the film will sound on home video.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Secret War of Harry Frigg" provide a multifaceted look into the film's history through detailed commentary and nostalgic trailers. Highlighted by an insightful audio commentary from historians Daniel Kremer and Nat Segaloff, this disc elaborates on the movie’s production background and cast biographies, offering a robust defense of this classic war comedy. Additionally, the inclusion of a vintage theatrical trailer and a selection of bonus trailers enhances the viewing experience, making this Blu-ray a must-have for film aficionados.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: New audio commentary by Daniel Kremer and Nat Segaloff discussing the film’s background and production insights.
• Trailer: A vintage trailer for "The Secret War of Harry Frigg".
• Bonus KLSC Trailers: Trailers for "Buffalo Bill and the Indians", "Blaze", "A Lovely Way to Die", "Hornet’s Nest", and "Captain Newman, M.D."

"The Secret War of Harry Frigg" (1968), directed by Jack Smight and featuring Paul Newman, stands as a unique, if uneven, entry in Newman’s filmography. The story revolves around Private Harry Frigg, a rebellious soldier tasked with rescuing five Allied generals imprisoned in an Italian villa during WWII. Initially, Frigg's mission seems straightforward, hinging on his mastery of escape and deception. However, the mission soon becomes complicated by his growing infatuation with the villa’s owner, Countess Francesca Di Montefiore (Sylva Koscina).

Director Smight opts for a blend of action, comedy, and romance without enforcing any heavy-handed messages about heroism, which gives the film a charmingly frivolous tone. Cinematographer Russell Metty's work, though not at his peak as seen in "Spartacus" or "Touch of Evil," delivers a few visually appealing sequences featuring Frigg and the Countess. The film's comedy elements, driven by its loose ensemble cast including John Williams, Tom Bosley, Charles Gray, and Andrew Duggan, work to varying degrees. Unfortunately, the script by Peter Stone and Frank Tarloff occasionally stumbles, with some jokes missing their mark despite spirited performances.

Paul Newman channels his "Cool Hand Luke" charm but is let down somewhat by the uneven screenplay. Supporting roles are capably handled by the likes of James Gregory as Brigadier General Prentiss and Vito Scotti as the quirky Colonel Ferrucci. Sylva Koscina brings allure to her role as the Countess, adding a romantic subplot that distracts yet enriches the main narrative. While lacking the incisive bite of its satirical aspirations, "The Secret War of Harry Frigg" remains a mildly entertaining wartime farce, a light-hearted escape suitable for a relaxed viewing experience.

The Blu-ray release of "The Secret War of Harry Frigg" offers fans the opportunity to enjoy Paul Newman’s 1968 comedy set against the backdrop of World War II in high definition. While the transfer is derived from a reasonably decent remaster by Universal, the source material's rougher patches are occasionally noticeable. Despite these minor shortcomings, the HD transfer does present an overall improvement over previous DVD versions, showcasing Newman's charismatic foray into comedic roles during his heyday. The Blu-ray also features supplemental content like an engaging and insightful commentary, providing added value for collectors and fans.

Kino Lorber’s release continues its reputation for quality Blu-ray offerings. Though not completely pristine, this edition offers clear improvements in terms of visual quality and additional content over the MOD DVD previously available. The film itself remains a charming and entertaining escapade into wartime folly, driven by Newman's charismatic performance. His portrayal of the titular character, Harry Frigg, brings humor and charm to the film, allowing him to demonstrate the comedic abilities that would benefit his later roles. Viewers can appreciate how Newman's charm elevates a narrative that doesn't demand to be taken seriously, maintaining a light-hearted tone throughout.

If WW2 was fought by characters like the ones you will encounter in "The Secret War of Harry Frigg", most likely it would have never ended, or perhaps the wrong side would have won. Of course, this is the exact reason why Paul Newman's character puts his mission on hold for as long as possible -- 'fighting' the enemy in the Italian mansion is a lot better than what most tourist agencies could have offered their clients at the time. But at least this film does not demand to be taken seriously, which is why it manages to be charming and entertaining. I enjoyed it. Kino Lorber's release is sourced from a rather rough but mostly decent remaster that was supplied by Universal. If you want to have it in your library, wait for a sale. RECOMMENDED.