On August 16, 1977 the world lost one of the great entertainers when Elvis passed away at the young age of 42. But he left behind many films that the world will enjoy for generations to come. Now as we are upon the 47th year of Elvis' passing Warner Archive who owns the right's to many MGM films have restored 1965's Harum Scarum and released it on Blu-ray!
Synopsis: "Go East, Young Man" sings showbiz star and martial arts wizard, Johnny Tyrone. To hear is to obey. A clandestine group of called the Assassins kidnaps Johnny and whisks him to a remote Arabian realm isolated from the world for 2,000 years. Sheik meets desert chic when Elvis Presley plays Johnny and teams with former Miss America Mary Ann Mobley (Presley's Girl Happy co-star) in this tuneful frolic, partially shot on the original set built for Cecil B. DeMille's 1927 epic King of Kings and directed by music movie musical veteran Gene Nelson. The kidnappers want Johnny to use his fighting finesse to kill a desert king. Johnny a hitman? No, he's a hit, man, a top singer of songs like Kismet, Harum Holiday and nine more, all part of the jammin', scamming, swashbuckling fun of Harum Scarum.
Harum Scarum is the typical Elvis vehicle. Elvis sings, girls swoon. The only real difference is that this film was supposed to be based on Rudolph Valentino's 1921 movie The Sheik. Let's be honest it is far from that. But Elvis gets to show off his karate skills. And his songs are always a highlight.
Elvis puts everything into his role here as he does every time. He never seemed to phone in a performance. He gave every role everything. I respect that! Harum Scarum is far from Elvis' best film, but there is no denying it is a fun little adventure. No wonder it is listed in John Wilson's book The Official Razzie Movie Guide as one of The 100 Most Enjoyably Bad Movies Ever Made.
Warner Archive have lovingly restored this film and have transferred it to Blu-ray. It is presented 1080p in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The audio is an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Now I own a previous DVD addition of this film and so I wanted to compare the two. I went through the DVD release there were many specks of dirt and damage to the picture in certain scenes. This new Blu-ray restoration is void of any of those problems. The colors really pop in comparison to the DVD release as well! Warner Archive have done a wonderful job making this film look better than I have ever seen it before.
Now in addition to a simply gorgeous looking restoration. Warner Archive added some classic cartoon and a trailer! Take a look at what classic cartoons are included here on these Blu-ray bonus features.
Bonus Features:
* TOM AND JERRY CARTOONS:
The Cat's Me-Ouch (1965) Jerry orders a vicious dog from a catalog, but when it arrives, it's even smaller than Jerry. However, despite its size, it launches an impressive attack on Tom.
Of Feline Bondage (1965) Jerry is visited by a Fairy Godmouse who gives him an invisibility potion so that he can get his own back on tricky Tom.
Theatrical Trailer
I (like many) grew up on those classic cartoons, so when Warner Archive adds cartoons to their Blu-rays, for me it takes the cool factor through the roof. I also liked the fact that they choice 2 cartoons from the same year as the feature. Subtle but awesome! And of course, the addition of the Theatrical trailer is a must!
Elvis is still as popular as ever even after all these years after his passing. Elvis will live forever! And Warner Archive is helping his legacy in film live on with his films being released on Blu-ray!
If you love the films of Elvis and you want to see Harum Scarum looking better than ever before. You need this new Blu-ray release. head over to MovieZyng and order your copy today! You won't be disappointed with this restoration.
Out of 4 Films Reels (4 being the best) the Blu-ray of Harum Scarum receives.....
 Warner Archive Blu-ray Review ){kind=link}
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