Percy Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Percy" is an impeccable blend of technical excellence and visual fidelity. This release is built upon a 4K restoration sourced directly from the original camera negative, maintaining an AVC encoded image in a 1.66:1 aspect ratio. The results are striking, with a vivid portrayal of primary colors that enrich the costuming and enhance the period-specific visuals. The city landscapes in the film benefit from this restoration, reflecting precise hue separation and realistic skin tones. The image detail is impressive, revealing intricate facial features and textile textures without compromising the natural film grain, which remains fine and appropriately retained throughout the presentation.

Filmed on 35 mm with spherical lenses by cinematographer Ernest Steward, the Blu-ray's visual quality is accentuated by Kino Lorber and Code Red's dedication to authenticity, in collaboration with StudioCanal. While there might be a subtle application of noise reduction, it doesn't detract significantly from the film's grain structure or the clarity of intricate details. The restoration handles any pre-existing damage effectively, with only minimal scratches visible under scrutiny during still frames, remaining virtually undetectable in motion. Colors are faithfully presented, though with a slight tendency for flesh tones to appear pinkish under certain lighting conditions. Overall, contrast levels are well-balanced, contributing to a robust visual experience that faithfully represents the film’s original aesthetic vision.

This Blu-ray edition serves as both a respectful homage to the cinematography of the era and a testament to modern restoration techniques, ensuring a superior viewing experience for both nostalgic appreciators and new audiences alike.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Percy" arrives as a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio mix, which endeavors to tackle the challenges posed by the original material's age-related deterioration. While the dialogue remains largely intelligible, the track lacks clarity and precision, lending a muddy quality to exchanges. This extends to the soundtrack as well, where musical contributions—comprising songs written by Ray Davies and performed by The Kinks—fail to achieve their full potential in terms of instrumental and vocal definition, at times sounding flat with occasional distortion at peak moments.

The audio quality is further compromised by limited fidelity. Although the inclusion of optional English SDH subtitles aids comprehension, listeners might detect an overarching lack of crispness, along with noticeable sibilant harshness. These issues are accentuated by instances of background hiss and infrequent stretches of mild audio damage. Despite these shortcomings, audible dialogue ensures the narrative remains accessible, though notable improvements could enhance the overall auditory experience of this release.

The Blu Ray release of "Percy" lacks supplementary materials to enhance the viewing experience. Despite its status as a cultural artifact from an era of evolving British comedy, the absence of extras is notable. This film, initially released in 1971 and followed by its sequel in 1974, remains significant not only for its narrative but also for the insight it provides into the comic sensibilities of the time. However, potential insights such as interviews with filmmakers or a retrospective on its impact and transition over the years would have been valuable additions. As it stands, "Percy" is presented without additional content that might contextualize or enrich the film for contemporary audiences.

Extras included in this disc:
There is no supplementary material on this disc.

1971's "Percy," directed by Ralph Thomas, adapts Raymond Hitchcock's novel into a British comedy, exploring the peculiar premise of the first penile transplant. The film revolves around Edwin (played by Hywel Bennett), a despondent business owner whose life spirals into chaos after a bizarre accident involving a naked man and a chandelier results in genital trauma. Dr. Whitbread (Denholm Elliot), an eager surgeon, seizes the chance to perform a groundbreaking transplant, transforming Edwin into both a medical marvel and a reluctant media sensation. Rather than delving into raunchy or bawdy comedy, the screenplay—crafted by Hugh Leonard with uncredited contributions from Terence Feely and Michael Palin—opts for a more nuanced approach, navigating the emotional fallout rather than indulging in superficial humor.

Thomas's direction maintains a lively, post-Swinging London atmosphere. The restless camera work complements Ray Davies and The Kinks' evocative soundtrack, shaping a series of montages that underscore Edwin's journey. As he embarks on an unusual quest to uncover details about his donor, Edwin engages with various women once connected to him, providing the film with an unexpected melancholic undertone. These encounters reveal personal histories and emotions, offering depth beyond the surface-level absurdity of the plot.

Though "Percy" is not entirely satisfying due to its inherent silliness, it adeptly balances comedic elements with dramatic undertones. It features a noteworthy supporting cast including Elke Sommer, Britt Ekland, Cyd Hayman, Janet Key, and Pauline Delaney. Despite its unusual premise, "Percy" remains calm and thoughtfully executed, avoiding overtly crude antics while maintaining an engaging narrative trajectory through its modestly humorous execution.

"Percy" is a unique cinematic effort from the early 1970s, originally marketed as a comedy but more accurately functioning as a character study with humorous elements. The film attempts to explore identity crises through its peculiar premise, yet it often struggles to maintain focus. Performances are commendable and dedicated, with actors bringing vitality to an otherwise meandering narrative. The film somewhat falters in achieving consistent dramatic impact which may leave audiences seeking more substantial satire unfulfilled. Despite this, the film's concept holds a high curiosity value, creating intrigue for those interested in the less conventional cinematic offerings of the era.

Percy's legacy is underscored by the moderate success of the original film, which prominently showcased the evolution of British comedies as they increasingly challenged societal norms from the 1950s to the early 1970s. The humor presented in "Percy" aligns more with the subtlety expected from its time, rather than the overt nature of contemporary humor. The 1974 sequel, "Percy’s Progress," further underscores the film's cult status, albeit marred by distribution changes that altered its presentation for North American audiences. This sequel, distinct in its casting and dubbing edits, reflects the ongoing fascination with Percy’s story, albeit through mixed critical reception.

In conclusion, while "Percy" may not fulfill expectations for laugh-out-loud comedy or incisive social commentary, it remains a fascinating artifact for film enthusiasts. Those interested in period-specific cultural artifacts or experimental narratives might find "Percy’s" deviations from genre norms particularly captivating. Despite its shortcomings, the film contributes to understanding the broader landscape of British cinema during a transformative era, offering entertainment combined with cultural curiosity. The Blu-ray release ensures the preservation and appreciation of such historically significant yet niche films for future audiences.