Blu-ray Review Bell, Book and Candle (Sony) Blu-ray Review (1 Viewer)

[Matt Hough]

John Van Druten’s wonderfully offbeat romantic comedy ends up in excellent Hollywood hands in Richard Quine’s fanciful screen version of Bell, Book and Candle.



Bell Book and Candle (1958)



Released: 19 Dec 1958
Rated: Approved
Runtime: 106 min




Director: Richard Quine
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance



Cast: James Stewart, Kim Novak, Jack Lemmon, Ernie Kovacs
Writer(s): Daniel Taradash (screenplay), John Van Druten (play)



Plot: A modern-day witch likes her neighbor but despises his fiancée, so she enchants him to love her instead, only to fall in love with him for real.



IMDB rating: 6.9
MetaScore: N/A





Disc Information



Studio: Sony
Distributed By: N/A
Video Resolution: 1080P/AVC...

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[AnthonyClarke]

Am I right in assuming the image and sound are identical to the Twilight edition?

 

[Andrew Budgell]

Thanks for the wonderful review, Matt! I was fortunate enough to see Kim Novak introduce this film at the TCM Film Festival back in 2014. I didn't get a chance to pick up the Twilight Time release, so this is a must buy.

 

[darkrock17]

This film should have gone to Criterion or Shout Factory, as they would of given us more in-depth features about the making of this underrated classic, not just spit out the TT release again only this time with new cover art.

 

[ahollis]

I missed the Twilight Time release but it’s in my hands now. Great review and just tells me I made a good choice. Thanks.

 

[Josh Steinberg]

I missed the TT one so this will end up on a wishlist. It’s not one of my very favorites but it has Jimmy Stewart and that’s usually all I need to hear.

 

[Robert Crawford]

I missed the TT one so this will end up on a wishlist. It’s not one of my very favorites but it has Jimmy Stewart and that’s usually all I need to hear.

I have to admit my fondness for this movie is strictly about Kim Novak. Hubba, hubba! Also, I kind of enjoyed Jack Lemmon's performance as her brother in the movie.

 

[John Gilmore]

Interestingly, neither she nor Rebello mention her female co-stars at all

Too bad she didn't mention the irony of working with Janice Rule, who played Madge in the original Broadway production of "Picnic." Kim, of course, played the role in the 1955 movie version.

 

[Josh Steinberg]

I have to admit my fondness for this movie is strictly about Kim Novak. Hubba, hubba! Also, I kind of enjoyed Jack Lemmon's performance as her brother in the movie.

Cant complain about any of that either

I wish I liked the movie as much as I like the cast. I’ve seen it a couple times and I always hope to like it more than I do.

 

[Keith Cobby]

Am I right in assuming the image and sound are identical to the Twilight edition?[/QUOT

A favourite film of mine. I always thought the TT image could have been improved but you gave this release a 5. Is this because it is better than the TT release or is it the same and you feel it couldn't be improved.

 

[Matt Hough]

I'm assuming this is the same transfer as the TT. I'm sure with new technologies, the HD transfer done almost a decade ago could be improved, but I doubt Sony would shell out the money it would take for a new update of a vintage title with stars who are no longer on the tips of tongues of many of today's movie watchers.

 

[Darby67]

A most enjoyable film with a stellar cast that gets at least a Christmas viewing and more often when I'm in the mood for a Stewart or Novak film. Thanks for the terrific review, Matt.

 

[Noel Aguirre]

A fun film and I have the Twilight Time pressing so no improvement, no repurchase. But didn’t know it sold out so glad it available to everyone who wants!

Funny how TT discs have been sodramatically reduced lately. I picked up 6 at $9.99 each last week

 

[warnerbro]

Is this release as good as the Twilight Time?

 

[Malcolm R]

Here's the link to the HTF review of the Twilight Time release.

https://www.hometheaterforum.com/co...nd-candle-blu-ray-review.313793/#post-3806750

The only way to compare them directly is for someone to have both versions, and I don't think anyone in this thread has yet said they have both.

 

[Gary16]

I now have both Blurays of “Bell Book and Candle” and was able to compare them tonight. They look and sound the same to me.

 

[philip*eric]

The Twilight Time release has an isolated score track - does the Sony have it? One of my favorite Duning scores..

 

[Worth]

The Twilight Time release has an isolated score track - does the Sony have it?

According to the reviews, no.

 

[skylark68]

Wonder if the TT release will come down from the $200 price tag on ebay....

 

[Robert Crawford]

I have to admit my fondness for this movie is strictly about Kim Novak. Hubba, hubba! Also, I kind of enjoyed Jack Lemmon's performance as her brother in the movie.

Now, that's what I'm talking about.