The naked ape is only human. From executive producer Hugh Hefner comes this provocative adaptation of Desmond Morris’ pop-zoology bestseller. Through a series of animated and live-action vignettes starring Johnny Crawford (TV’s The Rifleman, Village of the Giants) and Victoria Principal (TV’s Dallas, Vigilante Force), The Naked Ape traces the evolution of sex and offers insight into why we behave the way we do. Part docudrama, part satire, part surreal countercultural experiment, The Naked Ape exposes the naked truth about love, courtship, jealousy and violence. Can you dig it? This Playboy-produced cult classic finally reveals itself in a glorious new HD transfer!
For thoughts on The Naked Ape, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic here.
Video Quality
The Naked Ape comes to Blu-Ray from Kino Classics and Code Red with a digital AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.85:1 from a new 2K master. The presentation is really pleasing throughout most of the runtime with image stability and delineation being top notch. Instances of nicks and scratches occasionally pop up very briefly, but overall clarity and detail is excellent. This transfer maintains the natural film grain of the presentation with only minor instances of it seeming a bit thick. The picture can run the slightest bit soft in long shots, but colors are well saturated in a visually pleasing way. Skin tones are natural with subtle facial features easily noticeable in closeup. Black levels are solid with next to nothing in the way of crush. This presentation is excellent and should more than please fans who have wanted this one in HD.
Audio Quality
This new Blu-Ray comes with a lossless DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio mix that captures the intention of the film well. The dialogue is strong, coming through clearly without being stepped on by the music or sound effects. The environmental effects are delineated nicely from the chatter of the classroom to the sounds of combat in the war segments. The track avoids most instances of age related wear and tear or distortion. All music maintains a pleasing fidelity as it comes through the room. This is a track that represents the film in a practically perfect manner. Optional English subtitles are provided on this disc.
Special Features
- Trailers: The two-minute trailer for The Naked Ape is provided here. There are also trailers provided for Checkered Flag or Crash, The Hound Of The Baskervilles, La Cage Aux Folles II, Pufnstuf and One More Train To Rob.
Final Thoughts
The Naked Ape is a very surprising film in many respects. It takes a premise that could be very exploitative, presented by a company like Playboy known for selling skin, and comes across almost quaint. The feature does attempt to make this anthropological exploration entertaining, but the comedy is not bold or hilarious enough to elevate it to something special. The movie is a decent time waster, but those expecting something edgy should keep their expectations in check. Kino Classics and Code Red have released a new Blu-Ray featuring a pretty great A/V presentation but next to nothing in the way of special features. If you are curious about this one, it is worth seeking out if only to witness a historical oddity.
The Naked Ape is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray and DVD.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Kino Classics and Code Red have supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
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Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.