Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 15, 2023

1974’s “The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz” is an adaptation of a 1959 Mordecai Richler novel, and director Ted Kotcheff is certainly dedicated to the preservation of the literary experience, with Richler handing the screenplay himself. It’s a layered study of ambition and self-preservation, daring to present unlikable characters doing unmistakably human things, creating a viewing experience as itchy as its eponymous character. There’s a lot to work through in the feature, and there’s definitely an expiration date with this story, but Kotcheff nails an opening hour of unfiltered desire from the players and the plot, creating an interesting journey of a hustler without game, struggling to assign himself importance by any means necessary.

Duddy (Richard Dreyfuss) is a teenager in the 1960s trying to become a man, looking to impress his blowhard father, Max (Jack Warden). Desiring to “be somebody,” Duddy goes on a journey of maturation, beginning with time as a resort employee, where he works to build a small fortune, giving him the money to purchase a plot of land and establish his imagined empire. Duddy comes up short in the cash department, pushing him to try increasingly complicated schemes and vocations, building his reputation, which he repeatedly threatens with erratic, self-destructive behavior, lusting for his shot at respect and power while burning all of his bridges.

Duddy is a restless soul, driven to do something with his life after experiencing disillusionment with his father’s unearned arrogance. “The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz” explores this unusual odyssey, with Richler maintaining the chapters of the character’s experience, following his quest to earn money, holding to a dream of land ownership he feels will automatically legitimize his life. It’s a struggle that’s not easy to watch, but Kotcheff captures buzzing energy early on, with Duddy subjected to the highs and lows of resort life, learning about rivals and women. Time at the hotel is arguably the most interesting stretch of the film, as it clearly displays Duddy’s youthful mistakes, making for an active viewing experience filled with sharp dramatic events.

“The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz” expands as the years pass, with the character finding his way into various business opportunities, including time as the producer of bar mitzvah films. He gets tangled up in love and loss, and there’s room for family entanglements, which test what little honor he has left. Richler remains close to his novel, and Kotcheff tries to navigate the complexity of growth and failures, managing the growing ensemble as the feature begins to lose steam in its second half, tasked with establishing and destroying Duddy’s business schemes and personal relationships, which doesn’t always translate to riveting cinema.

The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz" is listed as a "New 4K restoration from its original 35mm interpositive." It's a softer viewing experience, but a passable level of detail is present, doing fine with skin surfaces and period costuming. Interiors offer a substantial amount of decorative additions, and most areas are open for inspection, and Canadian locations are reasonably dimensional. Colors are preserved, with a cooler sense of city life, while more distinct greenery is found during rural tours. Clothing offers heartier primaries, and skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is decently resolved. Source is in good condition.

The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD mix presents a clear understanding of dialogue exchanges, with emotionality preserved throughout the listening event. Some sloppy ADR work is present, especially in the beginning of the film. Scoring supports with a warm, clear sound, maintaining dramatic emphasis. Atmospherics are mild but appreciable, adding to the bustle of crowd scenes.

The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (14 pages) contains an essay by Nathan Holmes.

• Commentary features film historian Adam Nayman.

• A Theatrical Trailer has not been included on this release.

The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz" grows unwieldy with relationships and failures, but it's a story with a rich sense of personality, finding the lead performance from Dreyfuss charged up in a way that's wild to watch at times. He's all grand gestures and facial reactions, doing his best to inhabit a man incapable of remaining still, going big with acting that actually helps to land some of the story's cloudier ideas on failure and a twisted sense of perseverance.