The Brass Bottle (1964) {KL Studio Classics Blu-ray Review}

Reviewed by Jason Lockard

Classic TV fans will remember Barbara Eden in the fantasy sitcom I Dream of Jeannie, but what some people may not know is that there was a film that preceded that series with Jeannie herself Barbara Eden.

The good folks at Kino Lorber Studio Classics are giving this 1964 classic entitled The Brass Bottle starring Tony Randall and Burl Ives a Blu-ray release it so richly deserves for the first time ever.

Harold Ventimore (Tony Randall) is an architect who buys a large antique brass bottle, but little does he realize that imprisoned inside is a genie named Fakrash (Burl Ives), whom Harold inadvertently sets free. Fakrash so grateful to Harold for his releasing him from his prison, begins to try to make his new master happy.  The major problem is that Fakrash's unfamiliar with the modern world causes Harold to end up in a great deal of trouble, including with his girlfriend, Sylvia Kenton (Barbara Eden).

The film is based on the 1900 novel of the same title by Thomas Anstey Guthrie. It is a charming and very funny little film. Along with Tony Randall, Burl Ives and Barbara Eden is an amazing cast of actors and actresses. Edward Andrews (known for many Disney movies), Richard Erdman (Stalag 17), Ann Doran (Rebel without a Cause), Phillip Ober (From here to Eternity) and Parley Baer (Mayor Stoner on Andy Griffith Show).

Kino Lorber have transferred this film in 1080p in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The audio is a DTS-HD Master audio 2.0. Here at our studios we have a DVD version of this film and when I viewed them in comparison this new Kino Lorber release looks to be a very nice little upgrade.

The picture quality is remarkable. The colors are so vibrant it will remind the viewer of Willie Wonka and the Chocolate factory. There is no signs of damage to this print, whatsoever. The audio is a clear as a bell and with no pop or hiss. This is just a gorgeous looking print.

As for the bonus features Kino Lorber have added a extremely entertaining Audio Commentary by Author/ Film Historian Leo Gambin, that features a conversation with Barbara Eden herself. Now that is worth the price alone. But Kino Lorber also added trailer for The Brass Bottle as well as other trailers including, Bedtime Stories, Thoroughly Modern Millie, 40 Pounds of Trouble and Arabesque.

Watch the Trailer Below:


As you can see this film is off the wall and so much fun. It is the perfect escape film. And after all sometimes you just need a film that you can escape from the cares of the world and The Brass Bottle is a perfect escape for 90 minutes.

If you are a fan of I Dream of Jeannie or Tony Randall comedies this is one film we can not recommend enough. Head over to Amazon.com and order your copy today.

Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) KL Studio Classic's Blu-ray release of The Brass Bottle receives...