A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy (1982)
Company: Twilight Time
Starring: Mary Steenburgen, Tony Roberts, Woody Allen, Mia
Farrow, Jose Ferrer, Julie Hagerty
Plot: Product Description: A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy,
is a period-style romantic roundelay set in and around a stunning—and possibly
magical—country house. The film focuses on a nutty inventor, his frustrated
wife, a philosopher cousin, his much younger fiancée, a randy doctor, and a free-thinking
nurse – the possibilities, of course, are endless. Gorgeously shot by the great
Gordon Willis.
My Review and Thoughts:
Film: 3.5/5
Here is another wacky comedy from the film genius and guru
Woody Allen. This 1982 film is everything you would expect from this film
master. Woody Allen was and is a director that always knows what he wants in a
film and how he wants to go about the final touches to finish the film. This
like many of Allen’s films has a wonderful cast of actors and actresses. Your
main female lead is his once wife and often a stable in many of his early
films, actress Mia Farrow. Always a wonderful treat to see. An amazing actress
that owns and creates a memorable character that only she can do. Also starring
the true Hollywood icon Jose Ferrer. He was a true performer in everything he
did in his long career. The beautiful and very talented Mary Steenburgen, the
amazing Tony Roberts and the stunning Julie Hagerty make up the cast of this
simplistic comedy.
Woody Allen has a style that only he can do and get away
with in film. He has a natural talent of creating truly original pieces of
cinema. His ultimate completion of films is something that stands out as being
one of a kind experiences.
Twilight Time has lovingly brought out another Allen film
with a new outlet that is flawless and an example of how to treat a film.
Twilight Time has released many Allen films on Blu-ray. You can read my review
here for: The Purple Rose of Ciaro and Love and Death.
You either love or hate Woody Allen movies. Most of Allen’s
films are simple, down to earth and nothing grand, just great interaction of
performing. That performing holds the watcher and creates a satisfied
experience, no matter how simplistic it is.
Now A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy is not Allen’s best, and
not his worst. I think it’s a film that many like, and many say it’s okay. This
I have to admit is not really my favorite of his films. I thought some of the
acting was really not up to the quality you would expect in Allen’s films. Which comes
to the reality that this is the only time, that an Allen film has ever been nominated
for a Razzie Award. A Razzie Award, is an award ceremony for the worst in film.
And Mia Farrow was nominated for her role in, A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy as
worst actress in a film. I don’t agree with that reality, I didn’t think her
part was that horrible. Might I add this
was the first time Farrow acted in a Woody Allen film?
I personally think it’s a great fun time even with its
elements of not being Allen’s best, it’s funny, and everything you would expect
from early Allen film making. It’s a great watch for lovers of Allen, and for
those who love a simple comedy that only Allen could make work. I personally
feel it’s an over looked, and underrated film even with its flaws. I think
Twilight Time did a fantastic job in picking this film for one of their special
edition blu-ray's.
It’s never looked any better. The quality of this blu-ray is
a fantastic experience. I love how Twilight Time honors a film and gives it the
wonderful treatment they do. There are so many films out there that deserve
this treatment.
Yes this is lessor known Allen film. Many people in my
direct movie friends, have never seen it and that is something that is sad.
Because there are certain directors no matter if it’s not their greatest film, that
should always be seen, and Woody Allen is one of those directors that should
always be expressed.
A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy is like Allen took the city
to nature. He took the bustling simple style of directing a city like
Manhattan, and leading into the forest. He took the city and returned it in his
style to nature. I think it’s a very funny film that gives great laughs, that
you will remember.
Audio/Video: 5/5
Another beautiful and amazing example of these top notch
special edition blu-ray's that only Twilight Time can master. Audio has never
sounded any better and the imagery is crisp, vibrant in color and excellent to
the eyes.
Extras: 2/5
The very important isolated music score. A fantastic listen.
The music displayed in the film was by the great composer and legend of the past, for the score, Felix Mendelssohn.
Original Trailer
Also you get the wonderful insert booklet. Written by the
amazing film guru historian, the wonderful, smart and film educated, Julie
Kirgo, which is always a treat to read and is an important part of these special
editions.
Overall:
I have to mention the cinematographer behind this film. Gordon
Willis. A master at his craft. Sadly passed away in 2014 but not without
leaving a major career of cinema. He was the cinematographer for many Allen
films, and one of my personal favorites, Allen’s comedy masterpiece Annie Hall.
Willis was the director of photography on many masterpieces of film, including
two of the greatest films in history, The Godfather and The Godfather Part 2.
Other important films, Klute, All the Presidents Men. His ability for capturing
beauty and his expertise on film shines in his work. He brought that skill to A
Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy.
This is a fantastic blu-ray to experience this film. Amazing
video transfer and equally amazing sound quality. I highly recommend this
product.
INFO:
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the wonderful Twilight Time Blu-rays. The main page that gives you these
beautiful releases on top quality Special Editions.
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