DVD Corner

A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy Blu-ray Review

“A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy” is an underrated Woody Allen film. 

Written and directed by Woody Allen, 1982’s “A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy” is essentially an homage and a parody to both Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (obviously) and Ingmar Bergman’s “Smiles Of A Summer Night.” The early 1900’s set story revolves around 3 couples that are heading off to a weekend in a scenic country home in the summer. There’s the intellectual Professor and author (Leopold) who is set to be married to a younger woman (Ariel), Andrew (an inventor) and his wife (Adrian who is also Leopold’s cousin) who are having problems in the bedroom, and Maxwell (a Doctor and ladies man) and a sexual nurse (Dulcy). What should have been a relaxing time playing sports, lounging, dining and wining, and embracing nature turns rather complicated when Maxwell and Arthur have feelings for Ariel while Leopold has eyes for Dulcy. Both Arthur and Ariel knew each other in the past and both had crushes on one another but Arthur never acted on it. Will they rekindle their relationship? Who will ultimately end up with who? 

“A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy” is billed as a sex comedy, but it’s much more of a relationship comedy and how relationships are tested through this idyllic weekend excursion. It’s not as titillating as the title suggests which perhaps does effect the film a little bit (it could have been steamier to be sure). Instead, the story explores concepts about longing, regret, jealousy, reservations, spirits, and nostalgia over what once was and what could have been. The notion that something that you have built up in your head for so long not panning out is a key component of Allen’s fable here. It may seem like a more slight plot when compared to other heavy hitters by Woody Allen, but ‘Midsummer’ is short, sweet, breezy, funny and even rather thoughtful in its examination of relationships and desires.

The cast really makes the material come to life here thanks to the six featured players Woody Allen, Jose Ferrer, Mia Farrow, Mary Steenburgen, Julie Hagerty and Tony Roberts. Everyone is on point here, but Ferrer (as the snooty Professor) and Allen (as the crackpot inventor caught in a love triangle) stand out the most. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. How does it look? A quality hi-def upgrade although not without some scratches and dirt specs.

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

No extras.

August 14, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | A Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy Blu-ray Review, Mia Farrow, Sex Comedy, Woody Allen