Clambake Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.0
Overall		3.5

Clambake Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 6, 2017

1967’s “Clambake” is not one of Elvis Presley’s most beloved movies. It’s often the subject of mild mockery, with even Tom Hanks getting in a few shots on talk shows when his love for Elvis comes up in the conversation. Indeed, in the grand scheme of things, this is not the King’s finest hour on film, but with lowered expectations and perhaps a great need for escapism, and “Clambake” can be entertaining, offering a jovial party and sporting mood that’s helped along by a lively supporting cast, who do their best to keep a snoozy, woozy Elvis from completely checking out of the production.

A riff on “The Prince and the Pauper,” “Clambake” casts Elvis as Scott, the son of an oil tycoon who’s looking for a normal life. He finds it in Tom (Will Hutchins), a waterskiing instructor about to start a new job at a Miami resort. Switching places, Scott welcomes his average existence, only challenged by his interest in Dianne (Shelly Fabares), who’s at the hotel to score a rich man, locating a target in James (Bill Bixby), an arrogant high- performance boat racer. The ingredients here are simple, putting Scott in the position of an underdog despite his hidden wealth, setting up a romance with Dianna and a rivalry with James, with Bixby pitch-perfect as the cad.

Clambake Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation gets off to rough start with main titles that look like they were dragged over a rural road, showcasing scratches, debris, and speckling. The viewing experience clears up considerably after that, delivering a decent level of detail to help spot set decoration and the visual appeal of the stars, along with all the rear-projection work that really stands out on Blu. Colors are appealing, delivering natural greenery to support the Floridian paradise mood of the effort. Hues also register brightly on costuming, and skintones are correct. Delineation is satisfactory. Source isn't problematic, but a few rough reel changes are detected.

Clambake Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix handles the sonic reach of "Clambake" well, but the first reel is slightly aged, with the track opening up with a cleaner sound in reel two. Dialogue exchanges are compelling, capturing performance choices and comedic speeds. Scoring is supportive, with secure instrumentation, while musical numbers are equally animated, delivering the rock and roll mood. Sound effects are pronounced during race sequences, which deliver roaring engines and splashing water. Atmospherics are simplistic but effective.

Clambake Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features Gideon Kennedy, Matt Owensby, and John Robinson.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:45, SD) is included.

Clambake Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Elvis formula is on display throughout "Clambake," providing a comfortable viewing experience for megafans. The soundtrack, the core of these productions, is bouncier then most, with the title tune a toe-tapper that gets the feature's energy up, and there's "Confidence," where Elvis cheerily offers encouragement to a group of kids while winding around a playground. "Clambake" isn't finely tuned, but it's amusing, and the first hour does a fine job setting a celebratory, Floridian mood with colorful characters.