6.2 | / 10 |
Users | ![]() | 0.0 |
Reviewer | ![]() | 3.0 |
Overall | ![]() | 3.0 |
Best friends and their daughters holiday in Rio only for one to fall for the other's daughter.
Starring: Michael Caine, Joseph Bologna, Valerie Harper, Michelle Johnson, Demi MooreRomance | Uncertain |
Comedy | Uncertain |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 16-bit)
BDInfo
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (C untested)
Movie | ![]() | 3.0 |
Video | ![]() | 3.5 |
Audio | ![]() | 4.0 |
Extras | ![]() | 2.0 |
Overall | ![]() | 3.0 |
There’s always a certain degree of difficulty when translating French farce to American moviemaking. The graduation requires special handling to balance out European sensibilities, helping to rework certain sexual freedoms for audiences who may not be used to such forwardness. 1984’s “Blame It on Rio” is a remake of 1977’s “In a Wild Moment,” with director Stanley Donen feeling the urge to translate an iffy premise for a comedy, helping the cause by relocating the action to South America, with its gorgeous locations and general celebration of the human body. The screenplay, by Larry Gelbart and Charlie Peters, attempts to preserve the French rhythms of the original work, but it’s not an easy task, asking viewers to sit through a story that’s not loaded with appealing characters, demanding a high level of silly business that isn’t there. “Blame It on Rio” attempts its own take on a free-flowing examination of temptation and relationship woes, and while the cast is ready for action, there’s not much here that works beyond a few one-liners and the visual appeal of the titular location.
The AVC encoded image (1.85:1) presentation doesn't provide a fresh remaster for the Blu-ray debut of "Blame It on Rio." Instead, the disc features an older scan, which favors softness, but isn't lacking in detail. Textures are best with locations, surveying tropical and beach adventures, and facial particulars are acceptable. Vacation distances are also preserved. Color is a tad fatigued, lacking special snap with local splendor, but primaries are adequate, and Rio staples such as a golden beaches and blue waters remain intact. Ample skintones are natural, but a bit bloodless at times. Delineation is adequate. Source is in fine condition.
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix doesn't contain any surprises, but keeps the South American beat going with reasonably compelling scoring, handling instrumentation and mild percussion acceptably. Dialogue exchanges are clear, making the picture's speedy comedic interplay easy to follow, and accents aren't clouded. Atmospherics are simple, but beach environments retain group bustle, along with scenes of celebration.
"Blame It on Rio" is far too long for a proper farce, in need of some tightening during the midsection of the film to help erase a sagging pace. There's also a question of extremity for the climax, with one character sent to the hospital for a medical issue, inspiring panic and heated hallway pacing by the rest of the players. It's a sobering bit of reality to drop at the end of a fantasy, and Donen doesn't sell it with any necessary slide, preferring viewers to walk away from the movie slightly unnerved, adding a near-death experience to a tale that already includes break-ups, various betrayals of trust, possible statutory rape, and Caine's outrageously oversized eyewear. "Blame It on Rio" (which became a cable TV staple in the mid-1980s for many) has a plan to be wild and carefree, but Donen doesn't always have the energy to bring it to life, struggling to secure tone and define funny business.
2020
1982
Warner Archive Collection
1960
2010
2011
1984
1983
Limited Edition - 2,000 copies
1984
Fallo! / Do It!
2003
Warner Archive Collection
1986
1978
1955
1992
2016
1945
1987
2018
Limited Edition to 3000
1982
1988
1985