The Film
By the time Woody Allen wrote, directed and starred in 1977's Annie Hall, he already had a lengthy show business career. However, this was a turning point for the comedian. It was an Oscar winner, and is still regarded as one of the director's best works to date.
Allen stars as Alvy Singer, a comedian and fringe celebrity. Despite his success, he can't seem to maintain a relationship. While this sounds like every romantic comedy that you've ever seen, we have to remember that this is Woody Allen. Also, the one he is pining over is the one and only Annie Hall (Diane Keaton). The film focuses around the two being together and not together, as well as the couple's other relationships, which we get to see through a series of flashbacks.
Again, it doesn't sound like anything outside of the rom-com playbook, but this is the film that wrote that book -- and it's also insanely funny. Allen and Keaton play so well off each other on-screen, which is probably why they used to team up so often. It's a pairing that should not be missed. You just can't be a fan of Allen's work or romantic comedies without seeing (and appreciating) Annie Hall. It's just not possible.
The Picture
"Yikes" would be the proper reaction upon seeing this release's main menu screen. Not sure why MGM chose that shot or shoddy image, but thankfully, the film looks a lot better. Certainly, Annie Hall is not perfect from an image standpoint. There are some flickers here and there, it's a little grainy, and there isn't a ton of detail. That said, it's a huge upgrade over the DVD. Colors in particular look nice. They aren't really bold, but they are certainly accurate. The few seconds of the film that are animated offer a little burst of brighter colors, though.
The Sound
MGM didn't bother trying to boost this film's sound for surround use. We don't blame them. Of course, hearing the ambience of those New York City streets and nightclubs would have been nice. However, Annie Hall is all about dialogue, and the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 delivers that just fine.
The Extras
Woody Allen's recent releases don't include any type of special features, so why should this one be any different? MGM has attached the film's theatrical trailer here (in HD!), and nothing more.
Final Thoughts
Annie Hall is revered as Woody Allen's best film -- if not one of the best. That certainly counts for something here. Even if the film doesn't have the best Blu-ray, it certainly hasn't lost its touch. This is probably the best Annie Hall will get, and it's not bad. It's one worth picking up.
Product Details
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