Reviewed By Jason LockardAt the time of this post, last night was the 92nd annual Academy Awards ceremony! Actors and actresses were celebrated for their performances. Directors rewarded for their visions and films elevated to classic status.
As a way to celebrate Oscar season, the good folks at Kino Lorber have released a film that deals with the highs and lows of stardom and the race to get the coveted statuette. Now on Blu-ray 1966's The Oscar.
The film follows the life of Frankie Fane (Stephen Boyd) had to claw and scratch his way to the top of the Hollywood heap. Going through close shaves with the law, less the savory club jobs, just to get a chance in the film business. Now, all the hard work has finally paid off as he has been nominated for the Best Actor award.
He is so desperate to win the award and all the benefits that go with it, he will do anything to get it. Including trying to drag his friend Hymie Kelly (Tony Bennett) into a despicable scheme to win the honor. Will he cheat his way to The Oscar? Well, you'll have to watch the film to find out!
Stephen Boyd and Tony Bennet are remarkable in these roles. They really pull you into the lives of Frankie and Hymie. I was extremely impressed with Tony Bennett, an amazing singer, but her a tremendous actor as well! The story is very well written by legendary screenwriter Harlan Ellison, who wrote one of my favorite episodes of Star Trek The Original Series. The movie moves along at a very nice pace so you don't get bored with the story. And the direction of Russell Rouse is stellar.
As a special feature, this film gives us cameos by many Hollywood heavyweights including; Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Edith Head, Merle Oberon, Nancy Sinatra, Joan Crawford, Hedda Hopper and look for Milton Berle as Fane's agent.
As for the Kino Lorber Blu-ray release the film print is encoded 1080p transfer in 1.67:1 aspect ratio. Kino Lorber promotes this release as a "brand new 4K restoration". I would have to say it does look and sound amazing with the 2.0 Audio track. There are some spots of damage in the pictures, but nothing to take away from the enjoyment of this release.
Now fo the Blu-ray bonus features. There are two Audio Commentaries, One with Patton Oswalt, Josh Olson and Erik Nelson and the other with film historians Howard S. Berger, Steve Mitchell and Nathaniel Thompson. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. And some additional trailers.
I have to say I was really impressed Kino Lorber's release of this film! I took me on an emotional ride. I am so glad I got to watch this film. If you have never seen it. I would recommend it for fans of classic Hollywood or Great human dramas. Head over to KinoLorber.com or Amazon.com and pick up your copy today!
Objectional Material: mild profanity, mild scene in a strip club (no nudity), mild violence
Audience: teens and adults
Genre: Drama
Length: Over 2 hours
Blu-ray Value Rating: A
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