Where's Poppa? Blu-ray Review

The 1.85:1 AVC encoded transfer of "Where's Poppa?" on Blu-ray provides a commendable visual presentation for a film approaching its half-century mark. The newly remastered 1080p transfer introduces a filmic quality that preserves the movie's period cinematography remarkably well. While the image maintains a natural grain structure, there is an inherent softness that surfaces occasionally, yet it doesn't detract from the viewing experience. Detail retrieval is notable; from the textured costumes to the detailed production design, there's a faithful representation of the film's original aesthetic. Whites tend to be slightly bloomy, and skintones can read a tad too pink, but overall color presentation is secure with natural primaries.

Source materials for this transfer are in good condition, showcasing only periodic speckling and minor jitter. Colors exhibit occasional fading but maintain a decent primary pop when it matters, complementing the overall set decoration effectively. Black levels are softer, leaning towards brightness without overwhelming the image quality. This Blu-ray presentation captures nuances in facial features and intricate set designs adeptly, making for an engaging visual experience despite its age. While not perfect, this transfer stands as a respectable upgrade to HD for "Where's Poppa?", allowing viewers to appreciate the comedic elements in finer detail.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Where's Poppa?" is anchored by a 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix that, although exhibiting some minor hiss throughout, ensures dialogue remains clear and comprehensible. This clarity is crucial, as it preserves the comedic impact through well-delivered punchlines. The soundtrack maintains a broad, but contained quality, making sure instrumentation is passable without reaching distortive extremes. Atmospherics are adequately addressed, delivering a competent sense of location and setting that is fitting for the movie's context.

Despite being a repurposed mono track, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix offers a solid listening experience. The audio design effectively situates dialogue front and center, with sound effects and background scores contributing appropriately to the overall atmosphere. Although the imaging isn't highly defined due to the film's primary setting in a single room, what exists complements the on-screen action effectively. The persistent, yet not overpowering, hiss does become more noticeable during quieter scenes, but it doesn't detract significantly from the overall auditory experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Where's Poppa?" offer a collection of rare content that both enhances and complements the film's unique tone. The Alternate Ending provides an even darker, yet fitting conclusion to Gordon's storyline, deserving consideration for an integrated viewing option. The inclusion of two Teaser Trailers and the Theatrical Trailer in standard definition offers a nostalgic glimpse into the film's promotional history. Each feature is well-preserved, adding to the comprehensive nature of this package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Alternate Ending: A darker and extended conclusion to the film.
• Teaser Trailer #1: Original promotional trailer.
• Teaser Trailer #2: Additional promotional content.
• Theatrical Trailer: The complete original theatrical trailer.

Carl Reiner's 1970 film Where's Poppa? offers a unique blend of pitch-black comedy and taboo humor that stands out in the genre. Adapted from Robert Klane's script, the film revolves around New York attorney Gordon Hocheiser (George Segal) whose life is in shambles due to his commitment to care for his batty, domineering mother (Ruth Gordon). The premise hinges on Gordon's escalating desperation to free himself from his mother’s grasp, culminating in darkly comedic attempts at resolving his predicament. George Segal and Ruth Gordon deliver compelling performances that add depth to the twisted humor, making their character dynamics both absurd and relatable.

The supporting cast significantly enhances the film’s chaotic humor. Ron Leibman's portrayal of Gordon's brother Sidney is particularly notable, providing some of the most unpredictable and outrageous moments, while Trish Van Devere's Louise brings a touch of romance and sanity into Gordon's tumultuous life. Despite the sometimes frantic pacing and occasional overindulgence in slapstick, the movie maintains its comedic core through sharp writing and precise direction. The fast-paced narrative occasionally leaves little room for character development outside the central duo, but the manic energy drives the plot forward with relentless comedic momentum.

Clocking in at a swift 82 minutes, Where's Poppa? can sometimes feel rushed, potentially diluting some side characters' impact. However, Carl Reiner's adept handling of dark material ensures that the movie remains engaging and entertaining. The film masterfully straddles the line between comedy and discomfort, making it a standout example of dark comedy done right. For fans of such genre-blending works, Reiner’s film is a gem that balances its edgy humor with screwball performances, ensuring consistent amusement albeit with a few missteps along the way.

"Where's Poppa?" on Blu-ray masterfully combines dark humor with a unique narrative that ventures boldly into the near-macabre. Directed by Carl Reiner, it showcases memorable performances by George Segal and Ruth Gordon, who portray a dysfunctional mother-son duo with impeccable comic timing. The Blu-ray release, courtesy of Kino Lorber, features a well-preserved A/V presentation that does justice to the film's visual and auditory aesthetics. Though the extras included are sparse, the alternate ending provides intriguing content for aficionados and newcomers alike.

The film's comedic value is enhanced by its dedication to themes that might be seen as controversial today, like elder abuse and references to the Vietnam War. It situates itself squarely in its time, offering a rich tapestry of 1970s cultural attitudes, which gives it an almost archival quality. The plot's undeniable bravado keeps audiences engrossed from start to finish, balancing laugh-out-loud moments with more poignant, even uncomfortable, scenes.

To summarize, "Where's Poppa?" is an acquired taste and may not be suitable for those sensitive to its tough themes. Nevertheless, its blend of dark comedy and incisive social commentary make it a noteworthy addition to any film buff's collection. The Blu-ray version stands as a testament to Kino Lorber’s effort to preserve this unusual yet endearing classic. It runs the gamut of emotions effectively, making a strong case for repeated viewings.