The African Queen [Blu-ray] Review

The African Queen has always been one of my favorite movies (didn’t see it when it was first released because I was only seven years old). Imagine–a hot adult romance with no nude sex scenes. Imagine–thrilling effects without CGI. Imagine–actors with actual personalities. Imagine–a tight, exciting, humor-filled movie that does its job in 90 minutes, with no “Director’s Cut” lard. Imagine–a grownup movie that’s actually FUN! But no need to imagine–just buy this Blu-Ray disc. Forget about the “Sex and the City” nymphos; Hepburn and Bogart show what middle-aged sexy is all about. It’s just the two of them most of the way (with the incomparable Robert Morley–who never made it to Africa and filmed his scenes in England–in the first reel, and the irreplaceable Peter Bull and STILL ALIVE Theodore Bikel at the end). Simple quest story–steer a leaky old tub with a dying steam engine down an unnavigable and danger-filled African river and blow up an armed-to-the-teeth German steamer so a key lake can be accessed by British troops during WWI. The rest is the chemistry between Kate and Bogey. And the gorgeous technicolor, which is crisp and thrilling on this disc (and don’t reach for the “Zoom” button on your remote–the square frame is correct for its time). The accompanying documentary, making use of home movies and photos, is excellent and informative. Enjoy this flick, and realize why so many action adventure films today are just dreary.

Product Feature

• ISBN13: 0097360759143
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

The African Queen [Blu-ray] Overview

Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 03/23/2010 Run time: 105 minutes Rating: Nr

The African Queen [Blu-ray] Specifications

The 1951 John Huston classic, set in Africa during World War I, garnered Humphrey Bogart an Oscar for his role as a hard-drinking riverboat captain in Africa, who provides passage for a Christian missionary spinster (Katharine Hepburn). Taking an instant, mutual dislike to one another, the two endure rough waters, the presence of German soldiers, and their own bickering to finally fall into one another’s arms. This is classic Huston material–part adventure, part quest–but this time with a pair of characters who’d all but given up on happiness. Bogart (a longtime collaborator with Huston on such classics as The Maltese Falcon and Key Largo) and Hepburn have never been better, and support from frequent Huston crony Robert Morley (Beat the Devil, also featuring Bogart) adds some extra dimension and color. –Tom Keogh

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Customer Reviews

Superb Commemorative Release – Kenneth R. Kadan – San Diego, CA
Okay, most movie aficionados know that “The African Queen” is a movie classic. That being said, let me state that this new region one DVD release is magnificent! Here’s what you get: All your new treasures are protected within a substantial, heavy cardboard box with wonderful artwork. Inside there are many goodies including two discs nicely secured in a plastic protective holder. Disc One is the movie in glorious Technicolor and the bonus is a comprehensive video presentation showing the massive effort required to film “The African Queen” along with in-depth background information regarding the people both in front and behind the cameras. The second disc is a 57 minute audio CD of the Lux Radio Playhouse broadcast of “The African Queen” starring Humphrey Bogart and Greer Garson. But wait, there’s more: you get eight film images (photos), a reproduction of Katherine Hepburn’s published (now out of print) book of “The Making of The African Queen” or “How I Went to Africa with Bogart, Bacall and Huston and almost lost my mind”. Finally, a heavy card is included that demonstrates the Technicolor three color dye process. This in itself was quite an eye opener for me. I had no idea what was involved shooting a movie in Technicolor. Amazing. I encourage you to spring for the extra bucks and add this superb commemorative release to you growing collection. Please note, “The African Queen” was not filmed in wide-screen. Peace.

Lotsa sloshing about! – Gary D. Thomas – Studio City, CaliforniA
Wow, what’s not to like about this film. Bogart/Hepburn, who can ask for anything more…So glad it is finally on dvd, have old on vhs tape.

Classic! – Mike – Hawaii
A must have for anyone’s classic collection! The features alone are worth the price of this beloved film. Kudos to the production crew for the high quality transfer from the original film to Blu-ray.
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jun 06, 2010 03:34:07

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