Bachelor in Paradise (1961) {Warner Archive Blu-ray Review}

Reviewed By Jason Lockard

Bob Hope is a comedy legend. For years he gave up his holidays to entertain the troops. But for most films fans remember his numerous comedy films over his career. He began his film career in the 1930s, but after almost 30 years of slapstick comedy it was time for the mature Bob Hope to transition to more sophisticated comedy.

So in 1961 he joined forces with another screen legend Lana Turner to bring the world a romantic comedy entitled Bachelor in Paradise. Now the good folks at Warner Archive Collection is bringing this Bob Hope classic a new Blu-ray release it so richly deserves.

The film follows the swinger life of Author A. J. Niles who writes about the romance and excitement in the life of a bachelor in a series called "Bachelor Books". A.J. is in financial trouble with the IRS, he has to write a new book and fast. So his publisher sends him to the suburbs, and a whole bunch of lonely housewives.

While Bachelor in Paradise may not be Bob Hope's best film, but his quick wit and timing is on full display. There is a real chemistry between Hope and Turner. It is hard to believe they only made one films together.

After the film was completed the writer of this film, Hal Kanter was asked to start writing a sequel, An Armful of Girls, with Hope as a married man chased over Europe by titled ladies. But sadly it was never made.

This new Blu-ray release from Warner Archive is a transfer from a 4K scan of the original camera negative. It is presented in 1080p and in 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The audio is a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio. This MetroColor print is a crisp and super clean copy. The colors are vibrant and the audio is clear. It really looks gorgeous.

The only downside with this release is the bonus features. Included in this release is just the “Bachelor In Paradise” trailer. But the absolutely stunning 4K transfer on Blu-ray is enough to make this a buy in my humble opinion.

Warner Archive has given movie fans another amazing release to add to their collections. Fans of Bob Hope, Lana Turner or 60s comedy are going to find so much to love with this release. It is highly recommended.

So if you love Bob Hope as much as I do, your collection is not complete with out Bachelor in Paradise on Blu-ray. If you want to add this one to your collection, head over to Amazon.com and get your copy today.

Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) Warner Archive's Blu-ray of Bachelor in Paradise receives...