Wonderwall

A psychedelic fantasy, this 1968 British comedy stars Jack MacGowran as Oscar Collins, an eccentric, reclusive old professor who becomes infatuated with his beautiful neighbor—a model named Penny Lane (Jane Birkin)—after a small peephole quite literally erupts in the brick wall between their apartments. The oddball, absent-minded professor turns into something of a voyeur, spying on the funky photo shoots and swinging parties next door, while also drifting into dreams and fantasies. Penny remains a silent figure of obsession—she speaks no dialogue and never leaves the apartment (except to appear in Oscar's dreams)—and Oscar's only real contact with Penny is through her boyfriend, who periodically comes over to borrow ice for the nonstop parties. Wonderwall at times recalls Richard Lester's Beatles films with its swinging London color and imagery, perhaps because director Joe Massot had a similar background in music films and impressionistic shorts. But it also has a more direct Beatles connection: the score was composed and performed by George Harrison and friends with a mix of European and Indian instruments (notably the sitar). More interesting as a time capsule lark than an engaging or entertaining story, the film has been beautifully restored for DVD and its Blu-ray debut, and features both the original theatrical version and a shorter director's cut with different musical choices and arrangements. Extras include Massot's 1966 short film "Reflections on Love," stills galleries, production notes, and a booklet. Optional. (S. Axmaker)