The Producers (Blu-ray Review)

Reviewed by Jason Lockard

Mel Brooks is known for his spoof comedies. He made a career out of making fun of film genres. The old west with Blazing Saddles, horror with Young Frankenstein, Hitchcock/ thrillers with High Anxiety, epics with History of the World, Part I, the adventure film with Robin Hood: Men in Tights and more.

But where did his film career start. It started with the classic The Producers. In 1968 he wrote and was given the reigns to direct this film. The producers have received many home video releases over the years, but nothing like this new Blu-ray release from KL Studio Classics.

Originally titled "Springtime for Hitler", The Producers follow a has-been producer Max Bialystock (Zero Mostel). When his new accountant Leo Bloom (Gene Wilder), suggests that if Max could make more money on a flop than with a hit. The duo begins to put together the worst play possible, but it doesn't quite go as planned.

Mel Brooks wrote a hilarious script based on a real life producer. He also did some genius casting with Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder in the lead roles. They are the perfect comic duo. The music is amazing and preformed perfectly. This really is the perfect storm of music and comedy. 

There is just some times that a writer or director hits all the right notes and I believe Mel Brooks did it in his first time out! The Producers is a masterpiece of comedy!

Now Kino Lorber has sourced the new 4K restoration for this Blu-ray release. What results is by far the greatest looking transfer of The Producers I have ever seen on home video. The colors are perfectly balanced and the picture is flawless. Than there is two audio choices a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and a DTS-HD master audio 2.0. The film looks and sounds absolutely remarkable. There is also English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Kino Lorber went above and beyond with this release and gave us some great bonus features as well. Take a look at what is included:

* NEW Audio Commentary by Filmmaker/Historian Michael Schlesinger
* The Making of THE PRODUCERS (63:51)
* Playhouse Outtakes
* Sketch Gallery
* Peter Sellers' Statement Read by Paul Mazursky
* Radio Spot
* Theatrical Trailer

*Additional trailers: Spaceballs, Life Stinks, A funny thing happened on the way to the forum, The adventures of Sherlock Holmes' smarter Brother, The Woman in Red and Haunted Honeymoon.

For me the gorgeous transfer was enough to give this release my highest recommendation. But the bonus features are just delicious icing on an already yummy cake. The audio commentary give the listener so much great information it is a must listen. The over hour long making of feature is required viewing in my opinion. The outtakes and gallery, spot and trailers. This Blu-ray is a magnificent home video release that a magnificent film truly deserves. 

So if you are looking to get The Producers on home video. I highly recommend this Kino Lorber Blu-ray release. Any other release just doesn't match the picture and audio quality. So Had over to Amazon.com and order your copy of Mel Brook's first film The Producers on Blu-ray.



Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) KL Studio Classic's Blu-ray of The Producers receives...