Blu-ray Movie Reviews

Two elderly, eccentric, next-door neighbors sustain a rancorous relationship that only a wise observer could recognize as a very special friendship. When a lonely, flamboyant, middle-aged widow moves in across the street from them, the male rivalry begins. One of the great screen duos of all time - Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau - reunite in this romantic comedy that examines the decades-old love-hate relationship between two neighbors and the way their lives are thrown into total upheaval when a lovely, free-spirited widow moves in across the street.

I had almost forgot about this film despite falling in love with it ages ago. Lemmon and Matthau are hilarious as the bitter rivals that go out of their way to impress the new “hottie” in town. This film stands the test of time and still delivers some priceless laughs. A pleasant surprise to the Blu-ray library.

Warner delivers a pretty solid HD transfer for this catalog classic. Some of the matte shots early on are a bit soft but the principal photography holds up pretty well. The image has a nice sense of dimension and depth and contrast was stronger than I expected. Fine detail is good, but short of reference level. Colors are slightly muted but not distractingly so. All things considered this is a pretty solid presentation for an older film.

The Dolby TrueHD soundtrack is limited to stereo for its presentation but the front soundstage manages to keep a pretty open balance. The film’s score provides decent range overall and the mix has a pretty spacious feel overall. Dialogue is a tad bright at times and even a bit forward.

Extras are limited to the trailer.

Good catalog comedies are hard to come by but this one is still a treat. Warner has delivered a pretty good presentation here so if you can get a good deal it is one to pick up.