Pillow Talk (Blu-ray) Official AVSForum Review

( Max score: 100 )

77

Film Synopsis:

Jan Morrow (Day), an uptight interior decorator, must share a telephone party line with laid-back playboy Brad Allen (Hudson). But the real connection is made when the two meet and he begins wooing her while pretending to be someone else.

My Take:

Hollywood legends Rock Hudson and Doris Day light up the screen in Pillow Talk. A charming romantic comedy that features Day as an uptight interior decorator, Jan Morrow (Day), who is forced to share a telephone party line with carefree playboy Brad Allen (Hudson). Having never met they spend their time quibbling over phone time and generally have no use for one another. However, when the two accidentally meet in person, sparks fly and the smitten Brad pretends to be a wealthy Texan, and begins wooing Jan with dinner dates and late-night calls. Though flattered by this "stranger's" attention, it's not long before she discovers his true identity. Now, it's her turn to have a little fun...at his expense! Featuring timeless songs by Doris Day and scene-stealing performances by Tony Randall and Thelma Ritter, this is a light, fun and entertaining film that will sweep you off your feet.

Parental Guide:

This film contains mild thematic material.

Audio: 74

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Video: 80

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Pillow Talk comes to Blu-ray from Universal Studios Home Entertainment featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 30 Mbps and lossless DTS-HD Master Audio Stereo sound that has an average bitrate of 1.8 Mbps.

Part of Universal Studios 100th Anniversary Collector's Series Pillow Talk has undergone a digital restoration. Purists may argue that the results compromise fidelity but I wouldn't say that is the case from a overall standpoint. This presentation is framed in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and the restored color palette appears lustrous as primaries and secondary hues look terrific. Fleshtones are warm with a balmy quality that isn't as natural as I would like but doesn't prove distracting. The level of visible detail in facial features, hair and clothing during close-ups is notable but not consistent from a texturally revealing standpoint. Wide angle shots vary in terms of visual penetration but I found the majority of the exterior and interior shots to reveal appreciable levels of refinement and dimension. Resolution is quite good and remains stable over the course of the presentation. Blacks are noise free, stable and fairly deep. Contrast and brightness are balanced well which enliven bright scenes and colors while maintaining discerning levels of visibility and depth during darker segments. Grain is present but inconsistently rendered which appears attributable to the restoration process. The application of digital noise reduction is apparent however I don't see its effects as a blanket that compromises the film's original elements. I think that the overall outcome of the restoration process is generally a positive one that presents fans with the opportunity to see Pillow Talk looking better than it ever has on home video.

There are lossless DTS-HD Master Audio options in mono and stereo flavors. I opted to use the stereo track but did audition the Mono track and neither had trouble presenting the film's recorded elements. The presentation has an open expression with a central primary focus. Clarity and detail are excellent which pays dividends with vocal and music reproduction. Bass frequencies are held to the upper registers which doesn't leave much work for the subwoofer but I never missed them. The dated components in the recording are apparent but I thought it sounded fine.

Bonus Features:

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• Back in bed with Pillow Talk - 22 minute featurette
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• Chemistry 101: The film duo of Doris Day & Rock Hudson - 5 minute featurette
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• Feature commentary with film historians Jeff Bond, Julie Kirgo, and Nick Redman
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• Theatrical trailer
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• (HD) 100 years of Universal: Restoring the classics - An in-depth look at the film restoration process - 9 minutes
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• (HD) 100 years of Universal: The Carl Laemmle era - 8 minute featurette
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• (HD) 100 years of Universal: Unforgettable characters - 8 minute featurette
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• My scenes bookmark feature
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• Bonus DVD of Pillow Talk
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• BD-Live
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• This Collector's Series release comes housed in a sturdy Blu-ray Digibook keep case containing reprints of various production related memorabilia, quotes, trivia, actor profiles and photos.

Final Thoughts:

Pillow talk is a fondly influential and purely delightful romantic comedy that showcases the talents of bedroom comedy duo Rock Hudson and Doris Day. It is a charming film that is deserving of the accolades (including an Academy Award for Best Screenplay) that have been bestowed upon it. This Collector's Series Blu-ray Edition from Universal Studios Home Entertainment features newly restored video and crystal clear lossless sound that positively reflect upon this wonderful film. The supplied bonus features are ported over the 2009 50th Anniversary DVD release and include insights from film historians as well as a look at the Day/Hudson tandem. If you're a fan this easily bests any previous home video release and will make a worthy addition to your Blu-ray collection.