NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Deaf Crocodile Blu-ray (March 2025): Deaf Crocodile have transferred Oldřich Lipský's Adela Has Not Had Supper Yet to Blu-ray. It is cited as being from a "New restoration from the original camera negative and sound elements by the Národní filmový archiv, Prague." It is on a dual-layered Blu-ray disc with a max'ed out bitrate. The film is set in the early 20th century, and its look reflects this period with great attention to detail. The costumes, decor, and architecture are all reflective of the time, evoking an early 1900s European atmosphere. There’s a rich use of period clothing, from suits and gowns to accessories like hats and jewelry, which help to transport the audience to this specific era. The visual tone often complements the lightheartedness and absurdity of the story. There are moments of exaggerated action, slapstick, and quirky visual gags, where the camera work and timing contribute to the fun. The film employs a vibrant color palette, with soft hues, warm tones, and rich textures throughout. This is picked up well by the 1080P transfer. The costumes are well-tailored, often in muted pastels, while the interiors of rooms feature dark wood furniture and rich fabrics, creating a somewhat luxurious but still charmingly understated feel. The contrast supports the film well, detail (in occasional close-ups) is pleasing and there are instances of depth. The HD presentation on Blu-ray is clean and consistent throughout. .

NOTE: We have added 70 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Deaf Crocodile use a DTS-HD Master dual-mono track (24-bit) in the original Czech language. Adela Has Not Had Supper Yet 's audio plays an essential role in creating the film's whimsical, lighthearted atmosphere while also contributing to its mystery and comedic elements. There is a delightful score by Lubos Fiser (Mysterious Castle in the Carpathians, Morgiana, Valerie and Her Week of Wonders) whose jazzy, lively tunes often emphasize the humor in the film's more absurd moments. The energetic brass and piano melodies reflect the playful, almost cartoonish nature of the characters and their interactions. It can sound a shade tinny in the uncompressed transfer - this may be authentic to the production. The audio is an integral part of its charm and appeal. The playful jazz score, exaggerated sound effects, snappy dialogue, and clever use of silence all work together to create a fun, lighthearted, and at times suspenseful atmosphere. The audio design not only complements the film's whimsical nature but also enhances the comedic timing and mystery at the heart of the story. The lossless transfer is flawless, if - as stated, a shade tinny. Deaf Crocodile offer optional English subtitles on their Region 'A' Blu-ray.

The Deaf Crocodile Blu-ray offers a new commentary by Czech film expert Irena Kovarová of Comeback Company and film critic and screenwriter Tereza Brdečková. They also did the commentaries on Deaf Crocodile's Prague Nights and Mysterious Castle in the Carpathians. Tereza's father wrote Adela Has Not Had Supper Yet. They delve into the collaborative relationship between director Oldřich Lipský and screenwriter Jiří Brdečka, highlighting their combined efforts in crafting the film's unique blend of satire and adventure. They touch on challenges faced during the Communist era, particularly the restrictions on filmmaking that focused on American themes, and how these constraints influenced the film's creation. They also address the trilogy of films by Lipský and Brdečka, drawing parallels and distinctions with Lemonade Joe and Mysterious Castle in the Carpathians. The commentary is highly informative and well worth the indulgence. Also included are four rare Jiří Brdečka animated shorts; Badly Drawn Hen (Špatně namalovaná slepice / Gallina Vogelbirdae) is from 1963 running almost 1/4 hour. It is an experimental piece, utilizing a rudimentary animation technique where the characters are intentionally "badly drawn." This style was a deliberate choice, subverting the polished animation common in the industry at the time. It aligns with the Czech New Wave's tendency to break from tradition and play with form, creating a surreal, quirky, and humorous tone. The rough, sketchy visuals are central to the film's comedic aspect, drawing attention to its simplicity and irony. Forester’s Song / To The Forest (Do lesíčka na čekanou) - runs 10-minutes from 1966 which showcases his talent for blending humor, visual storytelling, and an appreciation for literature. The Miner’s Rose (Horníkova růže) is from 1974 running 8-minutes. It follows the story of a modest and hard-working miner who stumbles upon a seemingly magical rose. The rose has the ability to bring beauty and wonder into his otherwise mundane life. However, the miner's encounter with the rose soon leads him into a complex situation, where the boundaries between fantasy and reality become blurred. The film explores themes of desire, beauty, the human condition, and the conflict between the ordinary and the extraordinary. It stands out as one of Lipský's works that showcases his ability to mix humor with deeper existential and social themes, typical of his unique style of filmmaking. Lastly is What Did I Not Tell The Prince (Co jsem princi neřekla) running 10-minutes from 1975. The short centers on a quirky and comedic story that involves a seemingly straightforward narrative with plenty of absurdity and fantasy elements typical of Lipský's work. Set against a backdrop of a fantastical kingdom, the plot revolves around a series of misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and comic situations. The limited deluxe Blu-ray edition of Deaf Crocodile's Adela Has Not Had Supper Yet offers a 60-page booklet including a new essays by film historian and expert on Central & Eastern European cinema Jonathan Owen (Avant-garde to New Wave: Czechoslovak Cinema, Surrealism and the Sixties) and film critic Walter Chaw (The Films of Walter Hill: Another Time, Another Place) plus excerpts from the 2015 book Jiří Brdecka: Life-Animation-Magic.

Oldřich Lipský's Adela Has Not Had Supper Yet combines multiple layers of absurdity, social commentary, and whimsy, typical of the director's style. By blending elements of farce with a subtle critique of society, the film creates a playful yet thought-provoking experience. The themes of mistaken identity, social satire, incompetence, and the blurring of reality with fantasy all contribute to the film's lasting appeal. It’s a delightful example of how Czech New Wave filmmakers used humor and the surreal to challenge traditional genres and offer a nuanced commentary on society. It thrives on its sense of whimsy and surrealism. The film’s mystery plot is largely secondary to the bizarre events that take place, and the slapstick humor, exaggerated character traits, and absurd situations take center stage. The surreal nature of the narrative, such as the over-the-top reactions of characters or the fantastical elements that serve no real purpose, enhances the playful and absurd atmosphere. This theme ties into a critique of societal institutions, especially the structures of authority and bureaucracy. The incompetence of Carter and the hotel staff reflects the absurdity of hierarchical systems, particularly in the way they often fail to address real problems. It plays well with Mysterious Castle in the Carpathians that is stylistically (proto-steampunk) atmospheric and inventive (Jules Verne) with a Sherlock Holmesian aspect that adds another layer of enjoyment while evoking Terry Gilliam's work - perhaps even Monty Python with Jan Švankmajer designs and certainly Wes Anderson. Adela Has Not Had Supper Yet is so enjoyable if you are in the right mood. The Deaf Crocodile Blu-ray from a new restoration with expert commentary and director shorts is extremely desirable. We absolutely recommend.

Gary Tooze