Play It Again Sam-

 One of Woody Allen’s best comedies, “PLAY IT AGAIN SAM” is now available on dvd from PARAMOUNT.  Based on one of his plays, the screen adaptation from director Herbert Ross, allows for some creative ideas to be expanded upon even further than the broadway production was able to.  Allen plays a movie fan whose love for the cinema has alienated him from his wife, and caused her to leave him.  His best friend’s wife Dianne Keaton is able to understand Allen’s desire to escape from the turmoil of the real world and the problems of relationships.  Her husband, Tony Roberts, spends more time conducting business than with her.  Through the advice of one of his screen idols, Bogart, appearing from time-to-time throughout the film, Allen tries to woo Keaton and gain the strength and tough-guy image he wants to have.

 The correct 1.85:1 ratio is intact with 16:9 enhancement.  Although the image is a little rough in spots, due to pixilation and shifting contrast, colors are generally solid.  Fleshtones appear natural throughout.  Contrast is fine and there’s excellent detail in dark scenes. 

 All of Allen’s films are in mono, and the original monaural track is here, albeit in Dolby digital. Dialogue is always intelligible, but fidelity is extremely limited.  There is no trailer for the film, which is unusual for a PARAMOUNT DVD release.