Road to Bali Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded 1080p transfer of "Road to Bali" (1.33:1) provides an engaging visual experience, preserving the vibrant Technicolor hues that have been a hallmark of this classic film. The bright and bold colors enhance the viewing experience, with reds, yellows, and particularly blues standing out. The fine film grain maintains a film-like appearance and is generally unobtrusive, though it becomes slightly heavier during optical transitions and certain effects shots. The natural greenery, detailed costuming, and makeup further immerse the viewer, contributing to both the comedic and picturesque aspects of the production. Black levels are robust, granting the image a pleasing depth and dimension.

Color accuracy is a standout, with vivid primaries giving the picture an exceptional allure that distinguishes it from previous black-and-white entries in the Road series. The transfer's clarity accentuates facial features, intricate costumes, and even the artificial elements like plastic plants and flat studio backgrounds. Detail handling is precise, allowing viewers to discern fibrous outfits and character reactions clearly. Although some stock footage contains minor speckles and debris, the overall source is clean, free from significant damage or dirt.

The movie's 1.37:1 theatrical aspect ratio is preserved impeccably, with sharpness robust enough to notice body doubles in certain scenes. Skin tones appear appropriately tan, presenting a lush and beautiful image overall. For an aging public domain film, this Blu-ray video presentation is near-flawless and should delight both nostalgic fans and new viewers alike.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Road to Bali" stands out with a robust English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix that enriches the film's viewing experience. The mix effectively balances vocal clarity, music, and sound effects. Compared to "Road to Rio," the audio here feels more vibrant, likely benefiting from better-preserved source elements or greater restoration efforts. The vocal work during the song and dance sequences is notably more crisp and cleaner, ensuring the comedic timing and subtleties are maintained.

Dialogue throughout the film is clear and quick, perfectly preserving the comedic exchanges that are central to the film's charm. Instrumentation accompanies the vocals well, maintaining a lively and immersive performance atmosphere. The atmospheric sound effects get an added layer of depth with the setting of the film—ranging from oceanic scenes to lush jungle environments—all coming through with a commendable range. The climatic volcano blast is intense, although it verges on distortion, reflecting the chaotic energy of the scene.

Notably, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono sound mix exhibits good fidelity for its era, free of age-related audio anomalies like hiss, crackle, or flutter. These technical details ensure a clean, immersive listening experience. The seamless integration of dialogue, songs, background score, and atmospheric effects, including a storm at sea and an erupting volcano, underscores the meticulous care put into this mix. Overall, "Road to Bali" offers a magnificent audio experience that brings the film's vibrant world to life.

The extras in the Blu-ray release of "Road to Bali" feature compelling content, specifically a detailed and insightful audio commentary by film historians Michael Schlesinger and Mark Evanier. Their commentary is rich with trivia, covering both major players and behind-the-scenes personnel involved in the movie. They deliver an engaging discussion, only making minor factual errors, creating a valuable viewing experience for enthusiasts. However, the disc does not include a theatrical trailer, which might be a small disappointment for some viewers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: film historians Michael Schlesinger and Mark Evanier provide engaging production trivia and behind-the-scenes information.
• Hope Movie Montage: snippets from various Bob Hope films released by Kino.

"Road to Bali" marks a vibrant Technicolor debut for the series, providing an excellent showcase for Bob Hope and Bing Crosby's comedic synergy under the direction of Hal Walker. Saving no effort in exploiting the new color medium, the film is visually engaging, adorned with scenic vistas that serve as a lush backdrop for their comedic antics. In their roles as Harold and George, Hope and Crosby not only bring their seasoned wit but also infuse the film with a frenzied, almost surreal humor that frequently breaks the fourth wall, inviting the audience into their lively escapades. This sixth installment of the Road series refuses to adhere to conventional storytelling, favoring spontaneous gags and visual comedy over narrative cohesion.

In "Road to Bali," Hope and Crosby take on roles of deep-sea divers escaping jealous fathers in Australia, only to dive into an ocean of hilarity alongside Dorothy Lamour's Princess Lala. Classic to the Road series, the plot serves mostly as a skeletal structure, enabling the stars to fill scenes with improvised quips, infectious songs, and whimsical dance numbers. As the narrative veers wildly with run-ins including a giant squid, wild apes, and headhunters, it's clear that Hope and Crosby thrive in this loosely-scripted environment. Their ad-libbed exchanges remain refreshingly funny and dynamic, propped by notable cameos and imaginative sequences which keep the movie energetically unpredictable.

While not the most structurally sound of the Road films, "Road to Bali" excels in its unrelenting commitment to fun and spontaneity. The film boasts memorable gags like a snake-charming sequence gone awry and humorous cameos from icons such as Humphrey Bogart and Dean Martin. Supported by an engaging musical score with standout songs like "Moonflower" and "To See You Is to Love You," this installment reveals the enduring charm of Hope and Crosby's partnership. Despite its narrative looseness, "Road to Bali" exemplifies humor through sheer performance artistry and remains a timelessly entertaining piece in the Road series legacy.

Kino Lorber Studio Classics' Blu-ray release of "Road to Bali" triumphs as an exemplary representation of classic Hollywood comedy, delivering a visually striking and technically proficient product. Bob Hope and Bing Crosby shine in their roles, blending effortless charm and sharp comedic timing with the randomness and absurdity that fans have come to expect from their collaborations. Complementing their antics is Dorothy Lamour, whose presence rounds out the trifecta of amusement. This disc not only assures high-quality audio-visual presentation but also includes enriching bonus features such as an insightful audio commentary track, elevating the overall package.

The movie itself does not prioritize plot or story, instead opting to saturate the screen with non-stop gags and jokes, displaying an array of celebrity cameos, including Humphrey Bogart's seamless insertion via footage from "The African Queen." The musical numbers performed by Bing Crosby add another layer of enjoyment, fulfilling the franchise’s established formula while keeping audiences entertained. Despite their advancing ages, both Hope and Crosby maintain a comedic vibrance that holds up remarkably well even after several decades.

In conclusion, "Road to Bali" offers a unique blend of humor and chaos that remains infectious to audiences. This Blu-ray edition amplifies its appeal with superior technical quality and valuable extras, making it a highly recommended addition for enthusiasts of classic cinema. Ultimately, if you are looking for an engaging and laugh-filled escape, this release is an excellent choice for your collection.