Blindfold

Director– Philip Dunne

Starring – Rock Hudson, Claudia Cardinale, Jack Warden


Country of Origin- U.S.

Distributor - Kino Lorber

Number of Discs - 1

Reviewed by - David Steigman

Date- 09/30/2019

    Based on Lucille Fletcher's 1960 novel of the same name, Blindfold is a 1966 crime mystery comedy movie Dr. Bartholomew Snow (Rock Hudson) is recruited by government agents led by General Pratt ( Jack Warden) in connection with a former patient of his Arthur Vincenti (Alejandro Rey) who just so happens to be a scientist that is wanted by foreign powers. These foreign enemy agents, along with an organization who kidnap and sell scientists to whoever offers the most money for them want to know what secrets Vincenti has discovered.

Vincenti is being hidden at “Base X “.  The location is such a secret that even Dr. Snow is blindfolded whenever he is taken there by the government, be it by car or by a plane. Of course Vincenti is found and kidnapped and Dr. Snow along with General Pratt have to save him.

Dr. Snow is now part of an international espionage caper, but along the way he becomes romantically involved with Vicky Vincenti (Claudia Cardinale). But, can he trust her, as she may also have her own agenda.

I enjoyed Blindfold more than I thought I would; the action sequences were executed well, especially during the climatic chase scene through the Florida swamps.  The comedic aspect of the film was not that funny to be blunt; with just a few chuckles here and there.  Director Dunne wasn’t too successful in combining comedy with the action, but that didn’t make Blindfold a bad film. One thing that really stands out is the wonderful cinematography by Joseph MacDonald who captures some of the gorgeous Florida locations.

Kino Lorber Studio Classics debuts Blindfold on Blu-ray and it’s a solid, release. The picture quality is the star here as the 1080p image is crisp and clear without much in the way of print damages or debris. The colors are rich and bold; skin tones look natural. Scenes taking place during are breathtaking, filled with deep textures and strong details.

As per usual, Kino elected to go with the English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 channel track. The dialog is flawless, and assorted action sounds such as gunshots and the whimsical musical score Lalo Schifrin come in loud and clear with no drop-offs or other issues.

An animated image gallery, a Blindfold television promo and trailers for A Farewell to Arms, The Tarnished Angels, Hornets’ Nest, Avalanche and Mirage are the supplements for this release. It isn’t much but at least there are some extras to view.

Blindfold will certainly appeal to Rock Hudson fans, and to those who enjoy a tongue in cheek espionage thriller. The Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber is recommended and worth picking up.