Review by Gary Tooze

Production:

Disc:

Video:

Audio:

• 'Galleries

• Isolated Music Track
• Audio Commentary with Songwriter/Screenwriter Leslie Bricusse and Film Music Historian Mike Matessino
• Rex Harrison: The Man Who Would Be King (44:10)
• Original Theatrical Trailer (1:37)
• Liner Notes by Julie Kirgo
• Limited Edition of 3,000 Units

Bitrates:

 

Description: So, they let both Rex Harrison and Anthony Newley sing. This 1968 family musical is classier than the 1998 Eddie Murphy remake, with all of its scatological humor. This won a couple of Oscars (Best Song, Best Effects) and was nominated for seven more, including Best Picture. At the time of release, however, this was a box-office dud. Based (in part) on the magical Hugh Lofting book, it begins in Puddleby-by-the-Marsh, England, from which the world-renowned veterinarian Dolittle (Harrison) begins his quest for a giant pink sea snail. Children should find this enjoyable for its exotic creatures, such as the Pushme-Pullyou. Most adults may not agree as readily, although some of us consider this a guilty pleasure.

***

Doctor Dolittle is a world-renowned veterinarian who speaks a wide array of animal languages. He sets off from his home... in Puddleby-on-the-Marsh, England, in search of the Great Pink Sea Snail. In so doing, he and his friends meet such exotic creatures as the Pushme-Pullyu and the Giant Moon Moth.

 

 

The Film:

Excerpt from NY Times located HERE

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

Doctor Dolittle arrives on Blu-ray from Koch Media in Germany. This is only single-layered for the 2.5-hour film and my major complaint would be the colors  -which seem not only less vibrant than I was anticipating - but have an earthy brown bias - giving the skin tones a grayish overlay. Detail is promisingly visible and detail is acceptable. This Blu-ray is superior to SD and I guess with the film's middling reception - it probably won't be set for dynamic marketing in the near future. Frankly, it's just not that big of a moneymaker. This Blu-ray isn't of sterling quality but my presentation was consentient and, at best, reasonable.

My reservations about the Koch Blu-ray look like they have been addressed in this new Twilight Time transfer and colors gain significant vibrancy and the black levels are richer and darker. It shows more information in the 2.20:1 frame (negative ratio - 70 mm print). No contest really - the Twilight Time is a vastly superior video presentation.

CLICK EACH BLU-RAY CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION

1) Koch Media - Region FREE - Blu-ray  - TOP 2) Twilight Time - Region FREE - Blu-ray BOTTOM

1) Koch Media - Region FREE - Blu-ray  - TOP 2) Twilight Time - Region FREE - Blu-ray BOTTOM

1) Koch Media - Region FREE - Blu-ray  - TOP 2) Twilight Time - Region FREE - Blu-ray BOTTOM

1) Koch Media - Region FREE - Blu-ray  - TOP 2) Twilight Time - Region FREE - Blu-ray BOTTOM

1) Koch Media - Region FREE - Blu-ray  - TOP 2) Twilight Time - Region FREE - Blu-ray BOTTOM

 

More Twilight Time - Region FREE - Blu-ray Captures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The DTS-HD Master in an odd 4.0 channel mix at 1809 kbps works reasonably well. I can't say I noted any strong depth but the singing was very pleasant (I kinda like Anthony Newley's style.) There is some crispness overall but I can't say I was overly impressed. The disc offers optional subtitles in English, German and Italian and my Momitsu has identified it as being a region FREE disc playable on Blu-ray machines worldwide.

Twilight Time give the choice of DTS-HD Master tracks in wither a robust 5.1 surround at a whopping 3761 kbps or a 2.0 channel (both 24-bit as opposed to the Koch's 16-bit.) The 70 mm had a 6-Track (Westrex Recording System) soundstage. There is some separation and responsive depth in the surround and buoyancy with the alternate being flat with more modest depth. It is filled with the music composed by Leslie Bricusse (for both releases this include the Overture and Entre'act to black screens). Notable are 'Talk To The Animals' and 'Doctor Dolittle' - available, with all the music, in an isolated score option. There arte optional English (SDH) subtitles on the Region FREE Blu-ray disc.  

Extras :

 

 

Twilight Time - Region FREE - Blu-ray

 

 

BOTTOM LINE:
If you have the time to spend - with some kiddies in the room - this isn't such a bad way to entertain. Doctor Dolittle has enough charisma to make for a nostalgic evening. Popcorn is probably a good idea... and a little scotch. I'll admit that I've never seen the Eddie Murphy remake. The Blu-ray is imperfect but I wouldn't anticipate anything better on the near horizon. Those who have some strong memories of the film may wish to indulge - the rest won't be missing too much although I, personally, found more to like than I was expecting. I guess that is not much of a recommendation.

 

Gary Tooze

December 13th, 2011

November 23rd, 2017