The Party Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Party" by Kino Lorber Studio Classics features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.34:1 aspect ratio. The overall condition of the elements is commendable, showing minimal signs of age-related wear and tear. While colors appear to have faded slightly, resulting in flesh tones that are somewhat brownish and reds that appear rusty, clarity remains impressive throughout the presentation. Fine details, such as the tiny ridges in the elephant's hide, are clearly visible even in midrange shots. The image maintains stability and an organic look, successfully resolving the intricate patterns of late sixties' costumes, sets, and art without introducing any anomalies.

The video achieves rich blacks, accurate whites—as demonstrated by Hrundi's shoes—and satisfying contrast levels. Despite an initial grainy establishing shot with flicker and jitter, the image stabilizes for the rest of the film. Bright hues are well-represented, particularly in the vibrant objects within the film-within-the-film sequence and the psychedelic colors brought to life by younger partygoers. While some dirt and damage are observable in establishing shots during scene transitions, the image predominantly looks clean and offers ample depth and texture. It’s important to note that edges may appear soft at times, but these minor issues do not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience.

The audio presentation of "The Party" on Blu-Ray is facilitated through a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix, which captures the essence of the film with excellent fidelity. The audio track is characteristically noisy and busy, befitting the chaotic nature of the film. It demonstrates clear and clean dialogue rendering without any noticeable defects from age or wear. While parts of the upper midrange can occasionally sound brittle, such as the opening British military whistling scene, these instances are rare and do not detract from the overall pleasant listening experience.

Henry Mancini's delightful score, featuring instruments like the sitar, is delivered with great clarity and depth, enriching the film’s ambiance. However, while the dynamic range meets the film's requirements, it is somewhat limited, impacting the overall robustness of certain auditory elements. For instance, gunfire sequences are rendered softer than expected and lack significant impact. Additionally, some ADR segments can sound hollow which affects the natural feel of scenes, notably when Michèle's song "Nothing to Lose" presents an evident discrepancy between on-screen guitar playing and off-screen multi-instrument audio.

The Blu-Ray of "The Party" includes a robust collection of vintage featurettes and profiles, offering insightful glimpses into the film's production and its creators. "Inside The Party" and "The Party Revolution" provide substantial retrospectives with engaging interviews, detailing innovative techniques like on-set video playback. Additional profiles of Blake Edwards, Ken Wales, and Walter Mirisch give brief yet informative overviews of their influential careers. The inclusion of the original trailer in high definition adds a nostalgic touch. This package honors the film’s legacy, giving enthusiasts a comprehensive look behind the scenes.

Extras included in this disc:

• Inside 'The Party': The making of 'The Party' featuring interviews and production insights.
• The Party Revolution: Exploration of video assistant technology on set.
• Blake Edwards Profile: Brief look at Blake Edwards' career.
• Ken Wales Profile: Overview of the assistant director’s work.
• Walter Mirisch Profile: Summary of the producer’s achievements.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: High definition restoration of the original trailer.

Blake Edwards' "The Party" harnesses the comedic prowess of Peter Sellers, reuniting the duo after previous successes with "The Pink Panther" series. However, unlike their earlier collaborations, this 1968 film feels largely improvised and lacks a strong narrative structure. The movie begins with Sellers as Hrundi V. Bakshi, an Indian actor causing a series of mishaps on a movie set, leading to his accidental invitation to a Hollywood party. Edwards uses this setup to launch into a sequence of comedic vignettes that range from Bakshi's errant shoe escapades to the destruction of a luxurious bathroom.

"The Party" opts for a less conventional story delivery, focusing instead on various slapstick routines reminiscent of silent film comedy. This approach yields sporadic humor but can also result in scenes that drag without delivering sustained laughs. Sellers' portrayal of Bakshi is innocuous but brings up modern sensitivities due to his use of brownface, which might not sit well with contemporary audiences. Despite this, the character's childlike innocence works in his favor, adding a touch of sweetness, particularly in his interactions with Claudine Longet's character, Michèle Monet.

Further adding to the chaotic nature of the film is the unexpected presence of elements like a Russian dance troupe and a group of protesting hippies. These additions feel almost haphazard, as if Edwards decided to inject random bits into the film to see what would stick. While some supporting characters like Steven Franken’s drunken waiter bring genuine comedic moments, overall the film's improvisational nature leads to diminishing returns. "The Party" offers lighthearted entertainment with intermittent laughs but falls short of being a coherent or critically lauded piece in Edward's otherwise illustrious filmography.

"The Party", directed by Blake Edwards and starring Peter Sellers, elicits a varied range of reactions among viewers. The film exemplifies the often boundary-pushing comedic style of the 1960s. Sellers delivers an energetic and multifaceted performance as Hrundi V. Bakshi, a bumbling Indian actor who inadvertently turns a glamorous Hollywood party into a series of chaotic and absurd scenarios. Despite the film’s uneven pacing and indulgent moments, its wacky charm captivates fans, even as it struggles to resonate with some viewers who may find its humor outdated or overly self-indulgent.

The Blu-ray disc from Kino Lorber Studio Classics provides a commendable HD presentation. While the transfer may not equal a full restoration in quality, it offers fans a pleasing viewing experience. The video retains rich color saturation and adequate detail, with only minor grain inconsistencies typical of the film's age. The audio, presented in DTS-HD Master Audio, maintains clarity and balances the dialogue and Henry Mancini’s delightful score effectively. The disc also includes an engaging bonus feature on the film's production, adding depth for those interested in its behind-the-scenes intricacies.

Overall, "The Party" caters to a niche audience appreciative of Sellers' comedic prowess and Edwards' directorial style. The cultural context and portrayal may feel dated and controversial to modern sensibilities, yet there is an unaffected sweetness to Sellers’ characterization of Bakshi that mitigates some of these concerns. Whether you find it a nostalgic entertainment piece or a product of its problematic era, "The Party" remains a notable entry in the comedic landscape of its time. For fans and collectors, this Blu-ray edition is recommended.