Morgan: A Suitable Case for Treatment Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.5

Morgan: A Suitable Case for Treatment Blu-ray Movie Review

This 4K restoration isn't monkey business!

An off the wall dark-comedy with its own set of filmmaking rules to play with, Morgan (A Suitable Case for Treatment) is a unique cinematic offering which was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Actress (Redgrave) and Best Costume Designs (Rickards). The film is based on a televised play produced for the BBC in 1962. The cinematic adaptation of this offbeat tale was produced by Leon Clore (The French Lieutenant's Woman, The Conquest of Everest) and will appeal to fans of unique comedic visions.

Morgan (David Warner) is a down-on-his-luck artist (who some might even consider as being a “failed” creative type) who is struggling to find himself and his own artistic voice. Things aren't shaping up at all for Morgan when his gorgeous wife, Leonie (Vanessa Redgrave), seeks a divorce. As Leonie seeks a new relationship with a art snob gallery-owner Napier (Robert Stephens), Morgan has a mental breakdown of sorts. Determined to win back the love of his life, Morgan embarks on a journey to win back his one true lover at any cost... and blowing up relatives or kidnapping her are not impossible obstacles (in his deranged guidebook to romance). Can love strike twice?

There are a number of elements which are worth commending. The production does have some impressive elements. The award nominated costumes by Jocelyn Rickards (From Russia With Love, Blow-Up) provide the characters with some interesting attire and seem to fit their personalities quite well. There is also an element of the film involving gorillas and Morgan's infatuation with them: this gives the costume designer ample opportunity for monkey-business (which is effectively brought into the production lore with ease).

"This isn't a love story."

Morgan was edited by Tom Priestley (Deliverance, 1984) and the pace and tempo of the film give it a energy which is jubilant and care-free. The film never drags and it seems to be edited in a precise and satisfactory way. There is much to appreciate about the results here: Morgan is more zany, off-kilter, and memorable because of the editing.

The cinematography by Larry Pizer (Timerider, Phantom of the Paradise) and Gerry Turpin (Seance on a Wet Afternoon, The Whisperer's) is one of the greatest strengths of the film. The black and white cinematography is fantastic and provides a number of impressive visuals which enhance the story. Throughout the entire viewing of the film, I was consistently impressed by the stylistic choices of the cinematographer. These elements also go hand-in-hand with the music score by John Dankworth (The Last Grenade, Perfect Friday).

Directed by Karel Reisz (Night Must Fall, Saturday Night and Sunday Morning), Morgan is a strange and offbeat film that simply wishes to play with audiences and their emotions: the story is so strange, quirky, and unique that one would think this was a fantasy film. Perhaps it is. The comedy lends to some unique creative choices (such as the implementation of clips from classic monster movies). Considering the screenplay by David Mercer (90 Degrees in the Shade, Family Life) blends both comedy and (to an extent) dramatic-horror well, Morgan makes an interesting case for itself: check it out.

Morgan: A Suitable Case for Treatment Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from distributor Kino Lorber, Morgan: A Suitable Case for Treatment features an impressive 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.66:1 widescreen. The scan is the result of a brand new 4K restoration and the results are clear: everything about this transfer amazes. This is a nearly perfect presentation of the film: the black and white cinematography looks altogether lush, tranquil, and mesmerizing. Depth and detail are both equally impressive on the presentation as well. The scan appears naturally filmic and never seems overly harsh or outdated during any point of the transfer. There were one or two subtle burn marks noticeable in blink-or-you-miss-it moments and the end credits overlay scene has some minor, thin scratches, but other than these slight elements, the scan is nearly flawless. A top notch 4K restoration.

Morgan: A Suitable Case for Treatment Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Blu-ray release features a DTS-HD Master Audio mono soundtrack. The lossless audio mix is quite competent and manages to present the sound quality in a pleasing fashion. Dialogue is crisp, clear, and easy to understand. The track is never too robust or dynamic but manages at the base level to provide the clarity that audiences are looking for in a sonic presentation. Music is also suitably crisp to listen to on the high-resolution track. There were never any moments during the presentation where it sounded harsh or muffled to my ears. An outstanding encode.

Optional English subtitles are provided.

Morgan: A Suitable Case for Treatment Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Entertainment Journalist and Author Bryan Reesman

The release also includes a selection of trailers promoting other releases available from distributor Kino Lorber: Billy Liar (SD, 4:16), The Knack... and How to Get It (SD, 3:44), and How I Won the War (SD, 3:14).

Morgan: A Suitable Case for Treatment Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

A strange and unique dark-comedy, Morgan manages to make an impression on viewers. The film has an abundance of ideas that are interesting to watch unfold throughout the course of the offbeat story. The lead performance by David Warner is a fascinating curiosity as well (with the actor delving to unexpected ends for a laugh). Lead actress Vanessa Redgrave also gives the film some of its best moments (adding some dramatic depth). The Blu-ray release features a top-notch 4K restoration and comes recommended for fans of the film.