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The Carey Treatment Blu-ray Review

James Coburn elevates “The Carey Treatment.” 

Based on the novel “A Case Of Need” by Michael Crichton (who went under a pseudonym), “The Carey Treatment” revolves around the titular Dr. Carey who takes a new job at a Boston hospital as a pathologist. While there, he develops a relationship with a dietician (Georgia) and befriends Dr. Tao. One day, Dr. J.D. Randall’s daughter Karen dives from an illegal abortion. The crime is pinned on Dr. Tao who could be convicted of murder. Carey doesn’t believe Tao is responsible and takes it upon himself to become a private eye of sorts to find out who the real culprit is. 

Skillfully directed by Blake Edwards, 1972’s “The Carey Treatment” isn’t a film that gets a lot of notice nowadays which is a shame as it’s a rather engrossing movie. Writer James P. Bonner has crafted a rather unusual story in that it kind of feels like 3 movies in one- a melodrama, a neo-noir and a distinctly 70’s crime thriller. Somehow it all works together and becomes increasingly more involving with each passing minute. Sure, there’s a definite suspension of disbelief here with a wise ass pathologist (who barely shows up at work) basically becoming a detective and there are a couple bizarre sequences (the joyride and massage interrogation come to mind), but that’s also part of the film’s weird charm. On top of that, the story tackles some weighty subject matters about abortion, truth, judgments, honesty, drugs, and lies.

As I mentioned in the headline, James Coburn is the reason to see this movie. The late great actor had such a way of commanding the screen. He can be charming and a jerk all at once and you’re eager to see what he’ll do next. The supporting cast is also on point here with fine performances from Pat Hingle, James Hong, Jennifer O’Neill and Michael Blodgett.

Note: This title can be purchased on the Amazon Warner Archive Store along with other online retailers.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.4:1 1080p. How does it look? This Panavision production gets a crisp hi-def transfer.

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Expect a nice clean 2.0 track here.

The lone extra is “The Carey Treatment” trailer.

May 15, 2022 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Blake Edwards, James Coburn, Michael Crichton, The Carey Treatment Blu-ray Review