Play It Again, Sam (1972) - Blu-ray Assessment

      Play it Again, Sam, 1972.

      Directed by Herbert Ross.

      Featuring Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Tony Roberts, Jerry Lacy, and Susan Anspach.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Play it Again, Sam, adapted from Woody Allen’s Broadway play and directed by Herbert Ross, has been released on Blu-ray with a new 4K scan of the original 35mm negative. The only bonus is a commentary track.

      There was a period in my life when I could see myself in the awkward characters Woody Allen portrayed in his earlier films (Yes, I’m aware this one wasn’t directed by him, but it is based on a play he wrote.)

      Like Allan Felix, the clumsy film critic played by Allen in Play it Again, Sam, I sought comfort in films and often found myself dumped by women shortly after starting relationships. I have also generally struggled with physical coordination and social situations.

      However, revisiting this film now at 55, with considerable life experience and therapy behind me, I winced at the story’s naive representation of relationships. Allan often calls women “girls” and makes it evident that he prioritizes appearance above all else.

      The Casablanca aspect does enhance the narrative somewhat. The movie begins with Allan watching the conclusion of that classic film in a theater after being left by his wife Nancy (Susan Anspach), then the ghost of Humphrey Bogart (Jerry Lacy) appears, urging him to adopt a more rugged demeanor.

      Simultaneously, his friend Dick Christie (RIP, Tony Roberts) and Dick's wife Linda (Diane Keaton) arrange a series of blind dates for Allan, which are filled with his blunders. (In one scene, it's quite obvious that Tony Roberts is struggling to stifle his laughter.)

      I doubt I’m giving too much away by stating that Allan and Linda come to realize they have feelings for one another, and the concluding scene of Play it Again, Sam mirrors the iconic finale of Casablanca. Yet, it’s unclear whether Allan experiences any significant character development throughout; it's easy to envision him persisting with the same attitudes and behaviors.

      This new Blu-ray release from Kino Lorber presents a fresh 4K scan from the original negative. With director Herbert Ross having passed and Allen typically avoiding revisiting his previous films, it's uncertain who approved this edition, but honestly, it might not be of great consequence. The film looks good, and it’s clearly not a movie that viewers will be meticulously analyzing for picture quality.

      I should also mention Woody Allen and the controversy surrounding his marriage to Soon-Yi Previn. All I will say is that, even if one accepts that they entered into the relationship as consenting adults without Woody having acted as a parental figure earlier in her life, I would still categorize it as “Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.”

      Moving on: apart from the theatrical trailer, the only additional feature included is a commentary track with screenwriter and producer Alan Spencer and film historian Justin Humphreys. The commentary is quite engaging, as they discuss not only the film but also its connection to the stage play and more. It’s an interesting dialogue akin to a “film class on a disc.”

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Brad Cook