Bedazzled (1967)

Introduction

Welcome to the sixties!!

This is a film I`ve been wanting to see on DVD for years, yet all we have had up to now are one or two showings on late night television and the excrutiatingly embarrassing remake `starring` Liz Hurley.

Now, all is forgiven and we may now immerse ourselves in what is one of the greatest British comedy films ever made, directed by the great Stanley Donen, who made his name working on films such as `Singin` in the Rain`, `On the Town` and `Seven Brides for Seven Brothers`.

Video

A nice, clear anamorphic widescreen production with bright, crisp colours and hardly any noticeable problems from the age of the film.

Audio

The sound is fine, presented in DD 2.0, with a commendable soundtrack by Dudley Moore.

Features

Extras are great in quality but disappointing in quantity.

The on-location footage gives us a brief, hilarious but far too short glimpse into the world of `Pete and Dud` and there`s a fascinating, but again, too short, interview with Barry Humphries (who plays `Envy`). A re-issue of this film would have benefitted enormously from some form of commentary, especially as many now come with commentaries from `2nd tea boy` or `the woman who cleaned the toilets during the second week of filming`, but not even the director (ok, he`s 81 this year so may have been a little tired) or Eleanor Bron (who`s considerably younger) pop up in celebration of the re-release. I have it on good authority that both were approached to participate, but neither expressed any interest, with Donen making his refusal clearer than most.

Conclusion

A masterly comedy which will easily bear repeated viewing. Peter Cook, as the ever-so-sophisticated devil, who spends much of his time setting us up for the minor irritations in life, is at his funniest. Dudley Moore uses his expertise as a character actor brilliantly; the wimpish short-order cook (who has the great misfortune to get up close and personal with `Lilian Lust, the babe with the bust`, the Welsh Brahms-loving pseud, `Sister Luna` the nun are comedy classics, and deservedly so. I suspect Stanley Donen just let the lads do what they did best and all credit to him.

I can`t recommend this one highly enough! (although the lack of extras, despite the sterling attempts by the fine people at `Second Sight`, prevent me from giving it an overall 10)