Bedtime For Bonzo (1951) {KL Studio Classics Blu-ray Review}

As a kid I grew up on classic comedy films and one I remember vividly was featured a future President of the United States and a chimpanzee. For course I am talking about 1951's Bedtime For Bonzo.

Now over 70 years after it's initial theatrical release Kino Lorber under the division KL Studio Classics are giving this comedy classic a Blu-ray review it so richly deserves. 

A college professor Peter Boyd (Ronald Reagan, Knute Rockne, All American) is in love with the Dean Tillinghast's (Herbert Heyes, Miracle on 34th Street) daughter Jane (Diana Lynn, My Friend Irma), but when the dean discovers that Peter is the son of a one-time criminal, he forbids their marriage, feeling that criminal intent is inherited. Peter, however believes that environment makes a difference. He than sets out to prove his theory by using a laboratory chimpanzee and bring him up like a human child in a law-abiding household.

Sometimes when you watch a film as a kid and than revisit it in your adulthood it doesn't have the same impact. I am glad to say I enjoyed this film just as much now as I remembered enjoying it as a kid. The whole cast is great and Bonzo is cute and so much fun to watch on screen. I truly enjoyed re-watching this film. And especially enjoyed watching it in HD.

Kino Lorber has transferred this comedy to Blu-ray from a brand new 2K Master provided by Universal from a 35mm negative. The film is presented in 1080p in 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The soundtrack is a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. There is also English Subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

This brand new 2K master is absolutely gorgeous. The black and white picture is stellar. There is no signs of damage to this print whatsoever. The audio is clear. It looks better now than ever before. I can not put into words how great this print looks! Simply amazing! But Kino Lorber didn't stop there they added a couple cool features to this Blu-ray as well. 

* Audio Commentary: Film Historian Eddy Von Mueller talks about the career of Ronald Reagan and the careers of the rest of the cast. He speaks on Ronald Reagan's history in Hollywood, politics and more. And no he doesn't forget Bonzo. This is a really nice commentary track.

* Trailers: Bedtime For Bonzo, My Favorite Blonde, Francis Goes To The Races, No Time For Love and Murder, He Says. 

Bedtime for Bonzo is not a film that is trying to say something profound. It is just a fun little film that the whole family will enjoy. And this new 2k scan is the absolute best way to experience it! I can not recommend this film enough! 

If you love 1950s comedies as much as I do, Bedtime for Bonzo would make a great addition to your collection. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today. 

Out of 4 Film reels (4 being the best) KL Studio Classics Blu-ray Bedtime for Bonzo receives...