Customer Reviews

Brass Bottle [VHS]

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Before Barbara Eden played a Genie on the home screen, she played the fiance of a man (Tony Randall) who had a Genie. This film is a lot of fun to watch. The Genie (played by Burl Ives) tries everything to please his master, but to no avail. All of his good works turn into problems. This is a light-hearted comedy which should be reproduced for public viewing. We all need a laugh now and then (especially now!). And this film will fill the bill. Encourage the video and DVD makers to bring back "The Brass Bottle".

This movie was originally released in 1964, in the days when Universal was still producing this light, colorful fare that was filmed entirely on their backlot. It has the look and feel of a first-rate TV sitcom of the period, but I kind of like that. Burl Ives plays a genie who creates havoc for architect Tony Randall. Barbara Eden, at her most beautiful, is Mr. Randall's girlfriend. If you like "I Dream of Jeannie" or "Bewitched" you'll like this.

As Bewitched, and other excellent TV shows from the 60s get remade, it's about time people start to look at what was the genesis of these great shows.
First and foremost, you can sit down and enjoy the show. Randall, Ives, and the young Eden, all team up to produce some great moments. The court room scenes being some great fare.
As basic as the FX are, they are subtle, and work well.
I recall watching this movie many times on afternoon movie matinees on TV, and it was always one to watch and enjoy, just as some of the Ray Harryhausen works were always ones to sneak up in the middle of the night, and watch with the volume low.

Hopefully the studios will see these great films as candidates for full restoration, either THX, or taking the audio from basic stereo to good surround sound ( augment if they must), but at least give us these great films with as many extras as possible; and most definitely in the original aspect ratio.

When buying a "custom burn" DVD I don't expect more than a good clean image in it's original ratio (anamorphic video when applicable) and clear sound whether it's mono or stereo (whatever the original film was released in). This Universal Vault release of "The Brass Bottle" delivers on all counts!

This is a wonderful story that, unlike most movies today, is appropriate for both parents AND their children. The story and acting are wonderful and it is a movie that is just fun to watch. I can't say enough about the quality of the movie. The print this movie was taken from was excellent and the picture, the colors, the sound are all superior. I read some feedback about this movie not playing in some DVD players but I had no problem at all. When you watch this movie, you'll wonder why it is hardly ever seen or known about. It is one of those hidden gems you find in the film archives from time to time.

I love this movie so much it just is to funny. I was lucky enough to be able to buy a copy of this after it was stopped being produced...Well This movie is just so funny with the future Geanie Barbara Edan. and Burl Ives as the silly Jeanie. Well This is a great classic comedy.Its odvious why Universal put this in their Comedy Classics Collection.

This isn't a review but this is a film that I've wanted on DVD and I'm trying to determine if this archive release is in its OAR 1.85:1 (according to IMDB). I haven't seen any online reviews as yet but if the Universal archive titles are similar to the Warner archive titles, I'm guessing that this one is OAR. Has anyone bought this yet from Amazon? I noticed that Amazon didn't list the format (OAR, 1.33:1, etc) in their product information.

[edit] According to a member over on the Home Theater Forum, this release is in its OAR and is anamorphic. Yes! :) The HTF member rates this film transfer as very good with little film dirt/noise present.

As for the movie, I rate it a five-star film. It's a typical 60's (1964) comedy film with Barbara Eden in a "non-genie" role but this film actually inspired the hit TV series "I Dream Of Jeannie".

It has a strong supporting cast with Edward Andrews, Richard Erdman, Kathie Browne, Parley Baer. And, Burl Ives as the genie with Tony Randall as the reluctant owner of the bottle.

I highly recommend this film for an early 60's family comedy treat.

I wanted this film because I am a huge fan of I Dream of Jeannie and I wanted to see the film that inspired the series. However, be warned that the DVD may not play in All DVD players... When I tried to watch it the first time it would not play and I just assumed it was corrupted. Then I read on the cover that it may only play in DVD Players and may not work in some DVD Recorders or Computer DVD drives, which was the case with my current DVD Recorder... After reading the warning, I decided to try it in my old GO Video DVD Recorder and it worked just fine... I did not try it my computer drive though... The film itself was very interesting and well done...

I have waited a long time for this DVD to be published. It's a funny movie that my wife and I have watched on a deteriorating VHS tape for ages. Very good movie that all can watch. Thanks for bringing out this DVD. It's been a long time coming.

Burl Ives is a riot in this film. It's funny, hilarious and full of camp. It's a great laugh and reminds us all of a gentler time. Burl Ives as Fakrash ala Mash, a Genie of the Green Gin, gets Tony Randall into so much trouble you just can't stop laughing. It's great to which him turn the father in law into a mule (Since thou art stubborn as a mule, thou shalt become one,) with a flick of the hand. In the end, you can see the moral of the story and it's really a great light hearted film.