The Apartment [Blu-ray] [1960]

‘The Apartment’ comes to Blu-ray under the supervision of Arrow Academy. ‘The Apartment’ is brilliant movie that is timeless and breaks the traditional elements of a comedy. It’s tone is so unique that lead actor, Jack Lemmon, refers to it as a drama rather than a comedy. The movie is presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.35:1 with its original mono soundtrack and a 5.1 mix. The movie has a magnificent restoration that looks modern, even if it’s presented in black and white. Highly recommended.

After 58 years it is still a classic! Bud Baxter is in a company where the guys in upper management are truly reprehensible. If he wants to keep his job or get promoted, his bosses want to use his upper west-side apartment for their extra-marital affairs. Being a bachelor, but wanting a little companionship himself, he tries to date one of the elevator girls and winds up with a problem when he finds out that she is one of the bosses affairs. Great cast, screenplay and direction. Gene Wilder's films have been called sardonic comedies and this is a good example!

A bachelor has an apartment, which is used by 4 other executives for their affairs. The plan is to get ahead in business by lending out his flat. The plan works well, until the big boss, Fred Macmurray, finds out about the 4 executives and confronts Jack Lemmon. Both men are interested in one of the buildings elevator operators, Shirley Maclaine. It's a great movie.

The Apartment is a classic and every time I watch it, I get more out of it. This was in the bargain bin at Best Buy for around $5, so I picked it up to replace my old DVD copy. The Blu-Ray is a definite step up in both image and sound. It has an excellent audio commentary and two special features. There is also an Arrow "Limited Edition" that came out this year, but it costs more. For my money, this Blu-Ray for $5 was the way to go.

My favorite Marilyn Monroe film is 'Some like it Hot.' Researching the film I found the director Billy Wilder has quite a film resume. This film has been recommended viewing for ages. Finally found it in the bargain bin at Best buy and had to pick it up. Great film with a darkly comedic premise that is still relevant today. Great quality Blu-ray with decent extras. Get it if you find it. Recommend.

One of the best written comedies of the golden age of Hollywood. It is biting, satirical and emotionally deft where it counts as well as where it is unexpected when it reveals the tragic underpinnings of modern corporate living from all facets. 4 star review is only because like all MGM discs from a period, it annoyingly has no main menu and just cycles the movie, features only accessible through the pop up menu which inhibits the experience.

I put off seeing this movie because the subject matter is kind of gross, but I should have trusted Billy Wilder. He took this film to dark places and didn’t let CC Baxter off the hook. Lemon and MacLaine are great as Baxter and Kubelik. I highly recommend this film.

Bud Baxter is a struggling clerk in a huge New York insurance company. He's discovered a quick way to climb the corporate ladder - by lending out his apartment to the executives as a place to take their mistresses. He often has to deal with the aftermath of their visits and one night he's left with a major problem to solve. Great comedic romance. Don't miss it.