I'll admit it, I was planning on reading the famous book by Nabokov book before I wrote this review. After all, Lolita is often mentioned as one of the greatest novels of the twentieth century. I moseyed over to my local small town public library, but my plan was foiled upon discovering that they do not carry the book, even though they do have two lesser known works by Lolita's author, Vladimir Nabokov. Or perhaps I should say mildly surprised. After all, the subject matter is definitely controversial enough to deter some libraries from carrying it.

This controversial nature, combined with a rich and challenging story, are probably what attracted Kubrick to Lolita. Kubrick was just coming off his stint as director of Spartacus, a film whose success elevated Kubrick's status, enabling him to pick and choose a project over which he would exert total control. Kubrick would possess this exacting control over Lolita and his seven later films, and this is probably why he chose not to include Spartacus and his early MGM films in The Kubrick Collection.

Humbert Humbert (James Mason) is a distinguished, well-educated Englishman who is looking for a quiet place where he can continue his writing pursuits. His search includes a visit to the house of a middle-aged widow (Shelley Winters). Just when it appears he has been scared off by the advances of Ms. Haze, she decides to show him the yard, on which is perched her bikini clad daughter Lolita (Sue Lyon). The sight of Lolita brings about a change in Humbert, whose eagerness is communicated when he asks Haze when he can move in.

Is this movie about pedophilia? When I think of pedophilia, I think of some sleazy scumbag taking advantage of an eight year-old prepubescent neighbor. But Lolita is hardly prepubescent. And Humbert hardly fits the sleazy scumbag stereotype, externally anyway. What does age signify after all? Is Lolita really any less mature than her mother, whose silly disposition makes her easy prey for men like Quilty and Humbert, and who dutifully keeps a shrine to her late husband, seven long years after his death? Eons ago it was not unusual for an older man of high social standing to marry a very young girl. How does that factor into Humbert and Lolita's relationship? After all, is Lolita not better off with Humbert than some deadbeat her own age who can barely provide for her, both monetarily and emotionally? Is Humbert taking advantage of Lolita, or is it the other way around? What is Kubrick trying to say by injecting many humorous moments into the story even as Humbert's darker side is revealed?

The performances are exemplary. In fact, I am not sure if I have come across a movie that had three such stellar performances. I guess credit has to be shared by Kubrick, the screenplay, and Mason, Sellers, and Winters (yes, Shelley Winters was quite an actress for a few years). Sellers' performance at the beginning of the film is electric. I wonder how many takes they did of the Roman ping pong scene. Remarkably none of them were nominated for Academy Awards. Sue Lyon is fine as Lolita, although I have a feeling her performance was more Kubrick's doing than her actual acting talent. That impression is strengthened by the horror show that marks the last few titles of her filmography. Going from Lolita and Night of the Iguana to Evel Knievel, Smash-Up on Interstate 5, and Akaza, the God of Vengeance? Whew!

Video: How Does The Disc Look?

Presented in non-anamorphic widescreen, Lolita was at the time considered to be the best-looking disc in the first Kubrick Collection set, so as such perhaps there is a less noticeable difference between that old transfer and this new remaster. The biggest complaint made about the original release was the somewhat shabby condition of the print, which was burdened with specks and dirt that caused much distraction. That is where this new remaster really shines, as the print has been really cleaned up. I could still spot the occasional blemish to the image, but they were certainly less frequent and severe. Otherwise, the disc contains beautiful black and white photography and the image showcases excellent detail and texture. The picture is smooth with only the slightest bit of edge enhancement and ringing to contend with. Very pleasing indeed. (For a closer look at the quality of the transfer, click here for some screen shots.)

Audio: How Does The Disc Sound?

The disc includes the film's original mono soundtrack. While certainly dated in fidelity, it doesn't suffer from excessive background noise and sounds very clean. There were moments, every so often, when it was a bit harsh in some of the dialog, but these were brief moments that should really effect the overall experience.

Another mono track, this one in French, is also included with subtitles in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese and Closed Captions in English.

Supplements: What Goodies Are There?

Aside from the film's original theatrical trailer, presented in full frame and mono sound, there are no other extras on this disc.

Parting Thoughts

Like all the titles in the new Kubrick Collection, Lolita benefits from a nice new transfer, though it is the only title in the Collection that didn't receive a new 5.1 remix. But no matter, Lolita is about the characters, not the effects, so for fans of the movie this disc delivers on the bottom line.

Specifications
- DVD-Video
- Dual-Layer Disc
- Region 1

Aspect Ratio(s):
- 1.85:1 Non-Anamorphic Widescreen

Dolby Digital Formats:
- English 2.0 Mono
- French 2.0 Mono

Subtitles/Captions:
- English Closed Captions
- English Subtitles
- French Subtitles
- Spanish Subtitles
- Portuguese Subtitles

Standard Features:
- Interactive Menus
- Scene Access

Additional Features:
- Theatrical Trailer

List Price:
- $24.95

Released On:
- June 12, 2001

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