Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

A Fish Called Wanda Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman October 10, 2017

The supposed “official” unveiling of Blu-ray as a format occurred in 2006, which means we’re well into the adolescence of high definition product for home theaters, and there have of course been some manifest changes in perceptions over the years. One thing that has remained a little frustratingly constant, however, is the often lackluster transfers that MGM/UA has culled from their catalog, releasing them either themselves or licensing them to various niche labels. In a sign that all may not be lost (so to speak) with regard to some of the many appealing (and arguably even classic) films that have not really had their due in high definition, we’re beginning to see some great looking new transfers of MGM/UA releases, typically done by the niche labels releasing them. Despite being one of the studio’s better known hits of its era, Metro Goldwyn Mayer’s Blu- ray release of A Fish Called Wanda several years ago left quite a bit to be desired, including pretty lackluster video quality. Arrow has gone back to the drawing board, or at least the original camera negative, and is releasing this beloved film with vastly improved video quality and with Arrow’s typically bounteous assortment of supplements.

For my thoughts on the film, please see our A Fish Called Wanda Blu-ray review of the first Blu-ray release.

A Fish Called Wanda Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

A Fish Called Wanda is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Arrow Video with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.85:1. Arrow's insert booklet contains the following information on the restoration:

A Fish Called Wanda has been exclusively restored for this release by Arrow Films. The film is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 with mono and 5.1 audio mixes.

The original 35mm camera negative was scanned in 4K resolution on a pin-registered Northlight Scanner at Pinewood Studios. Picture grading was completed on a DaVinci Resolve. Picture restoration was performed using PFClean software. Thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches and other instances of film wear were repaired or removed through a combination of digital restoration tools and techniques. Image stability was also improved.

While this is an inarguable major step up in quality from the previous Blu-ray release, some of the same "less than beautiful" appearance I mentioned in my first A Fish Called Wanda Blu-ray review is still apparent, notably with regard to a kind of slight grayish quality that underlies the palette at times (the previous release also looked slightly bluish at times, something that is not in evidence on this release). That said, the overall palette reproduction is much more appealing in this transfer, as can be seen in side by side screenshot comparisons from the two reviews (as I always try to do, I've attempted to reproduce a few of the screenshots from the first review). There's better saturation and an at least slightly less gritty grain structure, though grain is still highly visible throughout this presentation. The best part of this restoration in terms of the previous Blu-ray release is the absence of splotches, scratches and other damage that made the first transfer less than optimal. While compression is by and large problem free, a few very short anomalous moments crop up (see screenshot 19).

A Fish Called Wanda Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

A Fish Called Wanda includes a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix which while perhaps marginally more immersive than the first release doesn't really overcome what amounts to fairly sporadic surround activity, though the track offers excellent fidelity and good dynamic range. This release also includes a nice sounding LPCM Mono mix which recreates the original theatrical exhibition experience. This track also boasts excellent fidelity and good dynamic range within an obviously narrower soundstage.

A Fish Called Wanda Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Arrow's release contains some of the same supplements that were included on the first Blu-ray release:

• Commentary by Jon Cleese


• John Cleese's First Farewell Performance (480i; 48:03) is a 1988 documentary on the making of the film, with some excellent interviews with Cleese and the rest of the cast.


• Something Fishy (480i; 30:32) is a 15th anniversary retrospective which adds several of the production crew to the interview regimen.


• An Appreciation by Vic Pratt (1080p; 16:55) features the BFI Archivist talking about the film.


• Interview with Roger Murray-Leach (1080p; 7:31) features the film's production designer.


• On Location (480i; 16:31) is a fun piece hosted by Robert Powell.


• A Message from John Cleese (480i; 4:56)


• Deleted and Alternative Scenes (1080p; 29:37) also includes some Cleese introductions.


• Image Gallery (1080p)


• Trivia Track offers subtitle-like factoids that play during the film.


• Trailer (1080p; 1:28)

Additionally, Arrow has provided its typically nicely appointed insert booklet, though in what is evidently a tradition of critics named Kauf(f)man raising folks' hackles, the essay by Sophie Monks Kaufman is generating a bit of controversy.

A Fish Called Wanda Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

A Fish Called Wanda is a wonderful release by any measure, but for me personally I'm hoping it's a harbinger of new releases of MGM/UA catalog titles done right. One way or the other, this is certainly the edition of this film to get, and it easily comes Highly recommended.