Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

I Need a Ride to California Blu-ray Movie Review

A long-lost film by Morris Engel (Little Fugitive).

I Need a Ride to California is a rare and never-before-released gem from the great Morris Engel (Little Fugitive). The film was never commercially distributed theatrically and became shelved upon original competition. Citing additional work needed, director Engel never finished the film for a number of years. A recent restoration completed by the Museum of Modern Art, I Need a Ride to California is at last available on home media from distributor Kino Lorber.

The story of I Need a Ride to California centers upon a group of hippies and their life experiences during the cultural revolution in America during the 1960's. The central protagonist is Lilly (Lilly Shell), a beautiful young woman from the East Village neighborhood who experiences life with a radiant sense of joy and wonder: walking around the bustling city with her own handheld camera – taking photographs and performing music. Lily lives moment-to-moment: adapting to the culture of the times and exploring her romantic relationship with Rod (Rod Perry) and other men. Exploring the peace-culture of the 60s, I Need a Ride to California is a must-see long-lost gem – with a shocking and gut- wrenching conclusion.

Lilly Shell is excellent in her leading role. The performance was involving. A moving effort by the actress, the role was perfect for her. Shell carries herself well throughout the entire film. The role explores 60s peace culture and Shell provides a vibrant aura that is impossible to ignore.

Psychedelic 60s.

One of the best components is the evocative cinematography by Morris Engel and Max Glenn (The Dog Lover, Gangster Story). Transitioning from black-and-white cinematography to color, the film manages to showcase a beautiful array of visuals. There are many artistic shots and photographic components. A beautiful effort by Engel and Glenn.

The music is composed by Mark Barkan, Rolf Barnes, Jimmy Lyons, and Don Oriolo. The score provides the film with a back-drop that perfectly fits the time-period. The essence of the 60s is thoroughly explored through the music.

Morris Engel directs. Based on an original story by Leon I. Rayphil (with additional story contribution by Vivian Tyson), featuring additional screenplay contributions by Morris Engel, I Need a Ride to California manages to feel like a long-lost gem of independent cinema. The film has so many artistic elements (expertly edited by Peter Weibel). I Need a Ride to California is a film full of life and energy that Engel imbues in it as the directorial author. The film feels like a love-letter to the 60s. Without a doubt, an impressive effort – long lost – and now beautifully restored. Don't miss it.

I Need a Ride to California Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino, I Need a Ride to California is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original aspect ratio of 1.37:1 (full frame). I Need a Ride to California received a new restoration by the Museum of Modern Art. The restoration was completed using the Celeste Bartos Preservation Fund. The scan preserves the color cinematography well. The print is in exceptionally good shape throughout the presentation. Colors look impressive for the time-period and the cinematography never struggles to showcase the visual sensibilities of the 60s. An exceptional effort by all involved.

I Need a Ride to California Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in uncompressed PCM 2.0 mono. The 16 bit lossless audio is surprisingly great. Dialogue was crisp, clear, and easy to understand throughout the presentation. The track never sounded overly harsh or fatiguing. The audio presentation of I Need a Ride to California was well preserved and restored.

Optional English SDH subtitles (for the deaf and hard of hearing) are provided.

I Need a Ride to California Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Collected Shorts:

The Dog Lover (HD, 23:38) is one of the most entertaining shorts in the collection. The film has a charming storyline and it was easy to become invested in the storytelling. A must-see.

The Farm They Won (HD, 10:29) is an engaging short with a farm back-drop. The piece was quite engaging and visually inventive. Worth a watch.

One Chase Manhattan Plaza (HD, 9:40) seems to be a promotional piece for Chase banking (produced as a short feature). The film showcases banking being completed and the processes that banks under-go to serve customers.

Peace Is (HD, 11:29) explores some of the same themes focused on in the feature-length I Need a Ride to California. The short is an example of 60s counter-culture from the "hippies" of the time-period. Check it out.

Commercials:

Oreo cookies (HD, 1:11)

Ivory soap (HD, 1:01)

Fab detergent (HD, 1:02)

I Need a Ride to California Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

I Need a Ride to California is an outstanding exploration of 60s counter-culture. The film features a wonderful performance by Lilly Shell. A long lost effort by Morris Engel (Little Fugitive, Weddings and Babies), I Need a Ride to California has been lovingly restored by the Museum of Modern Art. At last available from Kino Lorber, the film is well worth checking out (and the release comes with an assortment of worthwhile short films). Highly recommended.