Rating summary
| Movie |  | 3.5 |
| Video |  | 4.0 |
| Audio | | 4.0 |
| Extras |  | 1.0 |
| Overall | | 3.5 |
Boy on a Dolphin Blu-ray Movie Review
Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 10, 2016
Although sold as an exotic romance, 1957’s “Boy on a Dolphin” is actually more effective as a mild adventure highlighting a battle of wills and financial gain. It marks the American film debut for Sophia Loren, who makes quite an impression here, playing up her unforgettable physical presence to help energize the feature, adding boldness to what otherwise would be a dry viewing experience concerning archeological finds and professional competition. “Boy on a Dolphin” is lush work from director Jean Negulesco, periodically showcasing real spirit when exploring Greek culture and the living seas, always at its finest when tensions mount and plans are hatched.
Loren is the big draw here, stomping around the frame with distinct vivaciousness, trying her best to come across as true Greek goddess. She comes close thanks to Negulesco, who matches her screen spirit with overt sexuality at times, squeezing the most cinematic value he can out of his star. Co-stars Alan Ladd and Clifton Webb deliver solid performances, but they’re no match for Loren’s sheer presence. The cast is backed by luxurious, sun-kissed locations, traveling around Greece on a sightseeing tour that also happens to double as a drama about the pursuit of sunken treasure in the form of a valuable stone statue. While “Boy on a Dolphin” isn’t a mute-button movie, there are moments when the scenery is so striking, it’s easy to forget there’s a story to pay attention to.
Boy on a Dolphin Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality
Listed as a "4K Restoration," the AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation brings out the vividness of "Boy on a Dolphin," leading with rich, deep primaries that come through with encouraging brightness and power. It's seaside life that's most impressive here, offer blue waters and colorful costuming, while skintones retain their accentuation. Detail is strong overall, getting much out of close-ups and community strolls, with set decoration textured and distances preserved. Delineation isn't troublesome (day-for-night shots look terrible, but they always do). When the action heads underwater, some mild pixelation in the corners of the frame is detected, but the source is in satisfactory shape, without overt points of damage.
Boy on a Dolphin Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix supports the sense of cultural life in "Boy on a Dolphin," offering clarity with dialogue exchanges, though most of the effort is dubbed. Scoring is clear with comfortable instrumentation, and musical numbers also deliver depth and snap. Atmospherics are evocative, handling the presence of water both above and below the surface, and community bustle registers pleasingly.
Boy on a Dolphin Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras
- A Theatrical Trailer (2:25, SD) is included.
Boy on a Dolphin Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation
"Boy on a Dolphin" touches on relationship woes and ethical choices, and the screenplay also wants to build something inviting between characters portrayed by Loren and Ladd. These elements and themes work, but the effort is more enticing traveling around locations, monitoring thinly veiled hostilities and swimming around the deep blue sea, providing a dollop of unexpected vitality to the relationship routine.
