![Some Like It Hot [Blu-ray]](http://cdn.hometheaterforum.com/6/6a/50x50px-ZC-6a4fa107_B004TJ1H1E-51nxMGf61gL.jpg)
Some Like it Hot
Release Date: Available now
Studio: MGM Studios
Packaging/Materials: Blu-ray "ECO-BOX"
Year: 1959
Rating: G
Running Time: 2:01:32
MSRP: $19.99
| THE FEATURE | SPECIAL FEATURES | |
| Video | 1080p high definition 1.66:1 | Standard and high definition |
| Audio | DTS-HD Master Audio: English 5.1 / Dolby Digital: Spanish 1.0, Portuguese 1.0, Czech 1.0, Polish 1.0, Hindi 2.0 / DTS: French 5.1, Italian 5.1, German 5.1, Russian 5.1, Castellano 5.1 | Stereo |
| Subtitles | Feature: English SDH, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, German, Russian, Castellano, Chinese, Czech, Danish, Netherlands, Dutch, Greek, Hebrew, Magyar, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Swedish, Hindi, Turkish Commentary: English, French, Italian, Spanish, German |
None |
Note: This review contains material from my review of the 2006 Collector's Edition DVD.
The Feature: 5/5
Video Quality: 4/5
Audio Quality: 4/5
Dialogue in the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix is consistently clear and intelligible, though surround activity is minimal. Low frequency effects are non-existent, but the track exhibits good depth and fullness, particularly with the film's various musical numbers.
Special Features: 4/5
The extras carry over most of the items from the 2006 Collector's Edition, the exceptions being the eight-page booklet, postcards, and the gallery of images of the original 1959 pressbook. However the package now includes the original theatrical trailer presented in high definition.
Audio commentary featuring interviews with Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, Paul Diamond, Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandell has Diamond, Ganz and Mandell taking the lead, offering insightful analysis of the film from a writer's perspective and some interesting background details. As obvious fans, sometimes the trio just enjoys watching it the film, but never digresses for long and maintains a level of enthusiasm that is infectious.
The integrated interviews with Curtis and Lemmon sound like the same ones used in the documentaries, which might seem like a bit of a cheat to recycle them, but ultimately the information in context with the onscreen images proves to be effective.
The Making of "Some Like It Hot" Documentary (25:45, SD) explores the making of the film using past interviews with the two male leads and Director Billy Wilder and a more recent interview with I.A.L. Diamond's widow, Barbara Diamond. The piece includes candid stories about the difficulties working with Monroe, the background of the film's famous closing line and audience reaction to initial previews. The documentary's narrator is pretty lackluster, but fortunately he only provides voice over at the beginning and end, letting the interviews do most of the work. Though not particularly in-depth or exhaustive, the documentary has some significant, interesting anecdotes about the film's production.
The Legacy of "Some Like It Hot" Documentary (20:22, SD) includes everyone from Director Curtis Hanson ("L.A. Confidential") to Hugh Hefner chiming in on the significance and lasting impact of the film on the entertainment industry, with some short detours discussing Monroe (this time in a more positive light) and working with Billy Wilder.
"Nostalgic Look Back" Documentary (31:13, SD) has Leonard Maltin interviewing Tony Curtis at the Formosa Café, a major Hollywood hangout back in the day. Curtis talks at length about his involvement with the film, offering some great anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories.
"Memories from the Sweet Sues" Featurette (12:03, SD) features Four of the Sweet Sues reuniting and reminiscing about being in the film. The most interesting part is one of the Sues, Sandra Warner, was the body double for Monroe in the publicity stills because Monroe was pregnant at the time.
Virtual Hall of Memories (21:04, SD) is a multimedia (stills, video clips and music) presentation, framed within a computer animated hallway of portraits, focusing on each of the leads, the director and behind the scenes. Though presented in one continuous piece, chapter stops allow the user to skip to each section.
Original Theatrical Trailer (2:20, HD)
Recap
The Feature: 5/5
Video Quality: 4/5
Audio Quality: 4/5
Special Features: 4/5
Overall Score (not an average): 4.5/5
MGM Studios turns in a fine technical presentation for a truly enduring comedy classic. The special features package includes most of the items from the previous DVD release - and adds the original theatrical trailer in high definition - but collector's may want to hold on to the DVD for the extras this release leaves out. For new or repeat purchasers, the Blu-ray is recommended.
