Review by Gary Tooze

NOTE: Houdini is compared to the Olive Blu-ray HERE

Theatrical: Paramount Pictures / Dino de Laurentiis Cinematografica

NOTE: Those Daring Young Men in Their Jaunty Jalopies stats in green.

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Description: The wonderfully talented Tony Curtis heads up two all-star casts in these unforgettable classic films. Boasting as his first leading film role, Tony stars as the world's most captivating magician and escape artist in Houdini. From his beginnings as a 'wild man' carnival act to the internationally famous feat of escaping from a locked trunk in an ice-jammed river, Houdini effectively captures the amazing life and courage of this fascinating man.

Those Daring Young Men In Their Jaunty Jalopies is a hilarious, romantic and action-packed romp that follows an international, star-studded cast through the beautiful landscape of Monte Carlo. Tony Curtis stars as the dashing Shofield who teams up with the calculating Sir Cuthbert Ware Armitage (Terry-Thomas) in a zany, winner-take-all car rally beset with scheming competitors, treacherous cliffs and one very beguiling blonde (Susan Hampshire).

 

 

The Films:

Excerpt from Howard Thompson of the NY Times located HERE

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

Legend Films (notable for their colorization of films-to-DVD like The House on Haunted Hill, The Most Dangerous Game, Corman's The Little Shop of Horrors and even Pasolini's The Gosepl According to St. Matthew) have a new digital gimmick - dual-release bare-bones packages on Blu-ray. We have this pairing (Houdini + Those Daring Young Men in Their Jaunty Jalopies) plus coming out on the same date; Student Bodies +Jekyll & Hyde Together Again (we may review) and The Man Who Could Cheat Death / The Skull!  I think it's a pretty good idea since it is doubtful that many of these films would ever see the HD light of day via Paramount. So, this is 2 separate single-layered discs (maybe cheaper that way?) and both seem adeptly transferred with bitrates far in excess of SD level.  They are both 1080P and look a bit better than I was expecting. Houdini is the 'star' film of the two and appropriately it looks the strongest with some even grain and vibrant colors. Skin tones are very red. I understand the existing DVD was fairly weak visually. There are still light scratches but nothing fatal. Contrast is modest but the image quality is reasonably consistent looking thick and pleasing. It's no demo but does its job well enough for this reviewer. Those Daring Young Men in Their Jaunty Jalopies is a bit worse for wear with some inconsistency in the contrast. It looks the fault of the source and, again, no restoration has been implemented. This Blu-rays both gave me a decent to surprising viewing - not in the league of most modern HD transfers but nothing I could sit and complain about extensively either.

NOTE: Houdini is compared to the Olive Blu-ray HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This would be my complaint - in that no uncompressed audio is offered. Both films are transferred in simple stereo and although sound 'okay' (and Jalopies is less consistent) it is certainly not taking advantage of one of the format's greatest strengths. Perhaps, again, though this is a factor of cost. There are no subtitles offered and my Momitsu has identified it as being a region FREE disc playable on Blu-ray machines worldwide.

Extras :

 

 

BOTTOM LINE:
I must says that Legend Films may not be fancy but they seem very competent. Houdini is a great film and it was 'bonus' to see it via Blu-ray (I'll take any opportunity to see Janet Leigh in high-res). Jalopies (aka 'Monte Carlo or Bust!') is a bit Brit-goofy but if you are in the mood it can be fun on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Obviously this isn't the height of the format - but we get two films on Blu-ray for a very reasonable price. I endorse. I'm going to check out more and hope Legend Films continues this foray with more, lesser-known, but essentially entertaining films to 1080P. I'm fairly sure we aren't likely to see either film looking any better than this... Houdini is worth the price alone! 

Gary Tooze

May 2nd, 2011

NOTE: Houdini is compared to the Olive Blu-ray HERE