Review by Brian Montgomery

Production:

Theatrical: David Dent Productions

Blu-ray: BFI

Disc:

Video:

Audio:

English (LPCM Audio 2304 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 2304 kbps / 24-bit)

Subtitles:

English, none

Extras:

Description: In this juicy, fast-moving bedroom farce - featuring a sizzling performance from a young Diana Dors - American Army pilot Laurie Vining (Bonar Colleano), on leave in London for his honeymoon, is hoping for a little rest and recreation. But his idyllic bliss is shattered abruptly when his stunning ex, Candy - saucily played with mischievous relish by Dors - unexpectedly arrives at his hotel, insisting that they're still man and wife. Under pressure to think quick and act fast, he enlists the assistance of his gum-chewing, wisecracking co-pilot Hank Hanlon (Sid James) and nervous, girl-shy lawyer Frank Betterton (David Tomlinson). But his troubles have only just begun.

The Film:

Is Your Honeymoon Really Necessary? never really answers its own question, but has no difficulty delivering laughs in full measure. U.S. officer Laurie Vining (Bonar Colleano) hopes to spend a romantic honeymoon in London with new bride Gillian (Diana Decker). Unfortunately, Vining's former wife Candy (Diana Dors) flounces into view, claiming that their divorce is invalid. Legal advisor Frank Bettertorn (David Tomlinson) is brought in to straighten things out--only to find himself in a compromising position of his own. Based on a play by E. V. Tidmarsh, Is Your Husband Really Necessary was shot in two different versions: the British print permitted audiences a view of Diana Dors in a skimpy bikini, while the American version covered up her ample frame with a nightie.

Excerpt of review from Hal Erickson located HERE

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

Although both films share a single disc, neither suffers from the pairing. Both films have roughly 20 GB worth of information on the disc and look better than one would have expected of mostly forgotten films from the early 50s. But, look good they do. In fact, I dare say that these are exceptionally pristine and clear transfers without a single hint of damage on either film. Sharpness levels are generally good and in line with some of the best HD transfers of older films, but won't be mistaken for top of the line transfers for more recent films. The grain levels are generally pleasing and the color contrasts spot on. Overall, it's hard to think of a realistic way in which these transfers could have been done better. Bravo.

My Wife's Lodger (Diana Dors Double Bill) [Blu-ray]   (Maurice Elvey, 1952)   Review by Brian Montgomery   Production: Theatrical: David Dent Productions Blu-ray: BFI   Disc: Region: FREE! Runtime: 1:19:02.625 Disc Size: 41,981,347,293 bytes Feature Size: 20,014,946,304 bytes Video Bitrate: 33.76 Mbps Chapters: 12 Case: Standard Blu-Ray Case Release date: June 21st, 2010   Video: Aspect ratio: 1.33:1 Resolution: 1080P / 23.976 fps Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video   Audio: English (LPCM Audio 2304 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 2304 kbps / 24-bit)   Subtitles: English, None   Extras: • Illustrated Booklet   Description: This finds hapless soldier, Willie Higginbotham (Dominic Roche) returning home after six years hoping for a hero's welcome only to find that his home has become a boarding-house and Roger the Lodger (Leslie Dwyer) has got his arms around his wife and his feet under the table, while Willie's ditzy daughter Eunice (Diana Dors) only wants to sing, dance and jitterbug!     The Film: Upon returning home from six years of military service, Roche has an unpleasant surprise awaiting. His house now resembles a circus. Dwyer, a lodger who is loved by all, becomes Roche's chief adversary. After getting drunk, Roche learns that he's inherited a Texas ranch. Dwyer is also revealed to be a crook. It's not much of a farce, but the energy of the ensemble partly makes up for the film's lack of coherence and taste. Excerpt of review from TV Guide located HERE

Audio & Music:

The LPCM audio tracks on these two discs are also probably the best that we could have hoped for. The dialogue and music sound acceptable, but really ever fail to shine in the way that one might hope from a BD. I have no doubt that the any deficiencies are the result of the source material and not the remastering process. ON the whole, there's little room for complaint as the films both sound very clear without any unwanted background noise. The films also come with an optional English language subtitle track that's always easily read and unobtrusive.

Extras:

The only extra with the set is a lengthy booklet that contains several essays on Dors, and one each on the director and Adelphi Studios. Fans of the films will undoubtedly eat this up, but given the great job that the BFI has done with supplements in the past, I have to admit that I wanted a bit more.

Bottom line:

While neither of these films have that great of a reputation, I have to say that I enjoyed both. The packaging describes them best as "effervescent": bubbly, charming, and congenial. To those that enjoys these sorts of likable and charming comedies, this is an easy purchase. Recommended.

July 16th, 2010