Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round" is a solid effort with a 1080p transfer utilizing MPEG-4 AVC encoding and presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The video quality showcases pleasing clarity, delineation, and depth, even as the source material displays some age-related wear. Despite the absence of significant digital corrections, the natural grain structure is well-preserved, lending the film a film-like texture and honoring director of photography Lionel Lindon's expert cinematography. Notably, blacks are consistently deep, and colors often pop, with vibrant primary hues such as reds and yellows making strong visual statements. Skin tones remain natural, which contributes to an overall satisfying visual experience.

While there is no evidence of extensive remastering, the lack of digital clean-up does not severely impact the viewing experience. There are occasional scratches and blemishes, particularly evident at the film's start, yet these imperfections diminish as the film progresses. The stability of the image is commendable, with no significant warping or torn frames. The Blu-ray transfer delivers commendable highlights and balanced color contrast that ensures visual enjoyment across different scenes, notably with detailed shadow delineation seen in intimate close-ups that reveal fine details like sweat beads and complexion nuances.

Overall, this release pays respectful homage to the 35 mm film origins, presenting a visually rewarding experience that fans and collectors can appreciate. With excellent image stability and appealing color palette intensity, this release should satisfy those who value the integrity of original cinematic presentations. It’s a competent effort by Kino Lorber to bring a 57-year-old film into the high-definition realm while retaining its vintage charm.

The Blu-ray release of "Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round" features a singular audio track: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles. This track delivers an impressive audio experience that belies the age of the film. Remarkably, the soundtrack maintains its clarity and vibrancy, with no detectable aging effects, suggesting that any potential future remastering by Sony Pictures would only yield marginal improvements.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track is particularly proficient in delivering clear and well-modulated sound. Dialogue is consistently articulate and distinct, ensuring comprehension without interference from age-related artifacts such as hiss, pops, or crackle. Stu Phillips' perky score is effectively presented, enhancing the film's atmosphere where the script might falter. Notable sound effects, including airplanes landing, protesters shouting, and sirens, are captured distinctly, contributing to a dynamic auditory landscape.

While the existing track handles dynamic range efficiently without distortion—covering everything from delicate sonic accents like ringing telephones to the roar of jet engines—a touch more fidelity might have expanded its soundstage. Nonetheless, the current audio configuration competently supports the visual narrative without compromise, maintaining a balance that will be appreciated by discerning listeners.

The Blu-ray extras for "Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round" provide intriguing insights but are limited in scope. The main highlight is the vintage U.S. trailer, which, despite its brevity, captures the film's complex and enigmatic narrative—a reflection of the transitional era it was produced in, shortly before the demise of the Hollywood Production Code. While the film itself may not be to everyone's taste, with a plodding plot and an anticlimactic twist, the trailer encapsulates its essence, offering a succinct glimpse into an era where moral ambiguity and unconventional storytelling were on the rise.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A vintage U.S. trailer for "Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round" in English.

Bernard Girard's "Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round" (1966) presents itself as a 60s-era caper film led by the charismatic James Coburn. The Blu-ray release, courtesy of Kino Lorber, offers this sleek but ultimately sluggish crime yarn with a vintage trailer as its sole bonus feature, presented in English with optional English SDH subtitles. Coburn stars as Eli Kotch, a conman leveraging his charm to manipulate and scheme his way through life, targeting a blend of sophisticated and unsuspecting victims. Though he aspires to embody a suave persona similar to a James Bond archetype, Coburn's portrayal sometimes struggles to be as persuasive as the narrative requires. Despite his robust performance, Coburn's character lacks the depth to truly captivate audiences.

The plot revolves around Kotch's elaborate plans to rob a bank at Los Angeles International Airport, orchestrating his scheme amidst the chaos of an international diplomatic visit. The heist's backdrop promises excitement but is marred by a convoluted storyline that saps the film's momentum. Bernard Girard's direction and script infuse the film with a light comedic touch and a nod to its period setting, yet fail to invigorate the narrative sufficiently. While rich in potential and punctuated by an ironic twist ending, the film doesn't consistently engage, leaving viewers wanting more substance amidst the stylish veneer.

Supporting actors such as Aldo Ray and Robert Webber add value, and a young Harrison Ford makes an intriguing debut in a minor role. Despite these contributions, "Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round" struggles to maintain interest over its runtime. Its promise of high-paced action and intricate plotting falls short, though it remains an artifact of its era with brief flashes of appeal, elevated at times by Coburn's nuanced duplicity and charm. The disc features a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video codec with a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono audio track, adding quality to its visual and auditory presentation.

"Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round" is an intriguing film from a transitional period in Hollywood, encapsulating both the charm and limitations of its era. Although James Coburn delivers a charismatic performance as a likable criminal mastermind, the film relies on a script that, while competent, lacks excitement and unpredictability. Its concept as a caper is sound, yet ultimately predictable, leaving viewers amused but not profoundly engaged. The movie's appeal lies in its nostalgic period aesthetic, capturing the zeitgeist of 1960s cinema with casual portrayals and evolving attitudes toward traditional narratives.

Technically, Kino's Blu-ray transfer enhances the visual experience despite some persistent print damage. The vibrant video and robust audio revitalize the film, offering a more vivid viewing than previous releases. The deliberate pacing, unfortunately, remains unchanged, occasionally bogging down the narrative's momentum. While the film's twist is disappointingly flat, the overall packaging of this release makes it a worthwhile acquisition for dedicated Coburn enthusiasts or collectors interested in cinematic history.

In conclusion, "Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round" may not stand as an iconic masterpiece but provides ample entertainment for fans of its genre and era. Its charm lies in a lovely period appearance and a performance-oriented approach. For those who admire Coburn's work or enjoy exploring films of evolving Hollywood sensibilities, this Blu-ray offers an aesthetically pleasing version of a classic sleeper hit. Recommended for fans seeking nostalgic escapism and historical context rather than a groundbreaking crime narrative.