Witch Gillian (Kim Novak) is bored with the same routine.  She bewitches the finance of Merle (Janice Rule)- a woman she despised in college (so much that Gillian created several thunderstorms that lasted the whole college semester).   The hapless publisher (James Stewart) falls in love with Gillian.  Is it just a spell that makes him fall in love with her or is his love real?   In addition to casting a spell on the publisher, Gillian summons an author (Ernie Kovacs) who wrote a book called Magic In Mexico.  The author's real goal in New York is to write a book on the witches in New York City.  Oddly enough, Gillian's bongo-playing brother (a delightfully manic Jack Lemmon) decides to help the author get the facts right.

BELL, BOOK AND CANDLE is a charming romantic comedy.   Stewart and Novak connect with an incredible chemistry they displayed in a different way in Alfred Hitchcock's VERTIGO.   The Blu-ray transfer has some great color, mostly reproduces the transfer in great form except some scenes where the grain is a little heavy, and helps display the cinematography that shows off the world of late 1950s New York City.   BELL, BOOK AND CANDLE has a wonderfully eclectic cast.   This movie is a nice opposite piece to watch next to VERTIGO.  They're two totally different films that show off their stars Stewart and Novak in different ways set against wonderful cinematography and excellent direction.   It is interesting to compare the film to today's supernatural dramas and the 1960s comedy BEWITCHED.   Gillian considers giving up her powers for love where today's dramas featuring witches focus on the complications a witch has when in love.   BELL, BOOK AND CANDLE is a product of its times where the movie would be totally different if it was made today.   That point doesn't detract from this delightful film.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

BEWITCHED, BOTHERED AND BLONDE features an interview with Kim Novak

RELECTIONS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT-  Kim Novak reflects back on the film MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT

Also included on the disc is the original theatrical trailer and the isolated score track for the movie in addition to an eight page essay on the film.

FINAL ANALYSIS:   BELL, BOOK AND CANDLE is presented in a good Blu-ray transfer with only a few slight flaws.   It is a delightful romantic comedy with colorful cinematography and serves as a excellent counterpoint to VERTIGO.  I wish the Blu-ray wasn't a limited edition.  So please grab a copy before the 3000 units sell out and eBay sellers will be asking higher prices for it,

this Blu-ray review is (c)4-22-2012 David Blackwell and cannot be reprinted without permission.  send all feedback@enterline-media.com