Blu-ray Review – Private Benjamin (1980)

      Private Benjamin, 1980.

      Directed by Howard Zieff.

      Featuring Goldie Hawn, Eileen Brennan, Armand Assante, Robert Webber, Sam Wanamaker, Barbara Barrie, Mary Kay Place, Harry Dean Stanton, and Albert Brooks.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Private Benjamin makes its Blu-ray debut with a superb 4K restored print. While the additional features are limited, this new Warner Archive release is a worthwhile addition for fans.

      As I watched Private Benjamin, it struck me that films like it are no longer being made. By “like it,” I refer to movies that humorously depict the military, similar to this one and Stripes, which was released the following year. Both films inhabit a distinct sub-niche where the main character(s) enlist under pressure but ultimately demonstrate their strength.

      The protagonist here is Judy Benjamin (Goldie Hawn), whose unfortunate husband, played by Albert Brooks, suffers a heart attack on their wedding night. Heartbroken, Judy retreats to a motel, and during a call to a talk radio show to express her sorrow, a fellow caller suggests that he can meet her the next day to offer support.

      This caller turns out to be an army recruiter portrayed by Harry Dean Stanton, who presents a view of army life that sways Judy to enlist, despite her previous life as a privileged socialite. She quickly discovers that military life is far from her expectations and initially clashes with Captain Doreen Lewis (Eileen Brennan), but eventually proves herself during a training exercise.

      The narrative takes an intriguing twist towards the end when she leaves the military to marry a French man, who is not quite who he first appeared to be. Ultimately, I’m unsure of Judy’s true goal and the nature of her character development, yet Private Benjamin remains an enjoyable film, largely thanks to Goldie Hawn’s vibrant charm.

      This new Blu-ray from Warner Archive, likely the film’s first release on this format, boasts a 4K scan that aims to restore the movie to its original theatrical appearance in 1980 (anyone asserting they can compare this presentation to what they saw in theaters 36 years ago must possess a time machine). There is one scene where the film grain is quite apparent, but generally, it's a pleasing presentation (I don’t view film grain negatively; I simply believe it should appear consistent, when possible).

      As for bonus features, the disc includes the theatrical trailer and two episodes from the Private Benjamin TV series, which aired 39 episodes from 1981 to 1983. Only Brennan reprised her role from the film, earning an Emmy and a Golden Globe, while Lorna Patterson took on the title role.

      As expected, the show followed Judy’s military experiences, amplifying her struggles with army life after being raised in a privileged household and her continuous conflict with Captain Lewis. Based on the two episodes provided, it wasn’t a bad show, but it only managed to air one complete season on CBS, along with two partial seasons.

      The episodes included are the first and fourth from the inaugural season. The video quality isn’t exceptional, but a disclaimer notes they were sourced from the best available video masters for the series. I understand the budget constraints that precluded restoration for such a show.

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

      Brad Cook