Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.5

Lovers and Lollipops Blu-ray Movie Review

A brilliant effort by Morris Engel & Ruth Orkin.

Lovers and Lollipops is an exceptional effort produced, written, and directed by Morris Engel & Ruth Orkin (the groundbreaking American independent filmmakers behind Little Fugitive). A film full of visual inventiveness and originality, Lovers and Lollipops is a slice-of-life drama that fans of the filmmakers won't want to miss. The film stars Lori March, Gerald S. O'Loughlin, and Cathy Dunn.

Ann (Lori March) is a model struggling with her life as a widow. Attempting to find a father for her daughter, Peggy (Cathy Dunn), Ann begins to see the mild-mannered Larry (Gerald S. O'Loughlin). Larry is a successful engineer with an interest in Ann. As Lovers and Lollipops unfolds, the trio go explore the Museum of Modern Art in New York and Central Park. Peggy is gifted a toy boat (that becomes a vital part of her childhood). An exploration of relationships and family, the heartwarming Lovers and Lollipops is a must-see classic of American independent cinema.

Lori March delivers a strong performance. March capably conveys motherly love and affection. The actress also explores the vulnerabilities of being a single mother attempting to raise a child. March manages to imbue her performance with astonishing depth. Cathy Dunn also impresses (providing Lovers and Lollipops with a strong child performance).

An example of great independent cinema.

The music score by Eddy Manson (Little Fugitive, Weddings and Babies) is one of the best elements of the production. The score was charming and delightful. Full of whimsy, the music ebbs and flows with skill. The musical backdrop will even leave some audiences humming. An exceptional effort.

The black-and-white cinematography by Morris Engel makes a big impression, too. Lovers and Lollipops is a visually inventive film. The outdoor sequences showcasing New York are truly exceptional. The locations are given a nice spotlight to shine – and shine they do.

Morris Engel & Ruth Orkin were brilliant collaborators on Lovers and Lollipops. The couple managed to imbue the works with a sense of sincerity that is heartwarming. There are no wasted shots, either – edited by Ruth Orkin, the film flows nicely from scene to scene. The conclusion is moving. A gem.

Lovers and Lollipops Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, Lovers and Lollipops is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.33:1 (full frame). The black and white cinematography is well preserved by the high-definition presentation. The scan looks exceptional and has little in the way of print damage. The picture-quality is surprisingly sharp and clear given the age of the production and the source elements. An excellent effort by Kino.

Lovers and Lollipops Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in uncompressed PCM 2.0 mono. The lossless audio is quite satisfying. Though Lovers and Lollipops has a somewhat limited dynamic range, the audio track sounds pleasing throughout the presentation. Dialogue is clear and easy to understand. The track was well preserved and had no egregious damage.

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

Lovers and Lollipops Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Lovers and Lollipops is presented on the same-disc as Weddings and Babies. The on-disc supplemental features are as follows:

Still Life (HD, 4:23) features a discussion with director Ruth Orkin.

Home Movies (HD, 11:02) highlights a selection of home movies filmed by director Morris Engel. The footage is silent and is showcased without musical accompaniment.

Lovers and Lollipops Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Lovers and Lollipops is an exceptional effort showcasing early American independent cinema. The filmmaking on display by Morris Engel & Ruth Orkin radiates with warmth and beauty. The film features a strong performance by Lori March. The Blu-ray release features a quality presentation. Highly recommended.