In this day and age, it's rare to see a mainstream comedy that doesn't get an extended, shocking,"unrated," or "totally inappropriate" release on Blu-ray Disc. More often than not, these unrated releases pile on the nudity and crass language, but if the film isn't funny to begin with, what's the point? (I'm still holding my breath for Funny People: The Actually Funny Edition.)
Where am I going with this? Allow me to get to the point.
Paramount recently brought three classic comedies to Blu-ray Disc - Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Airplane, and The Naked Gun - and these films are just as funny today as they were years ago. They're not unrated, they're not extended, and they don't feature an outrageous alternate ending. They're just damned funny movies, and thankfully they're now on Blu-ray.
All three titles are initially available exclusively at Best Buy, but you can rest assured we'll see them at Amazon and elsewhere before the holidays arrive.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles Blu-ray Review
If there's a better John Hughes film than this one, I haven't seen it. And if John Candy ever gave a better performance than he does here, I haven't heard about it. PTA is a mainstay in my house at Thanksgiving time and every year I manage to find a new detail to fall in love with. Paramount's Blu-ray features a watchable 1080p transfer, but it's not one to write home. Apparent noise reduction is a problem here and there, but fine detail has received a welcome boost. The DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack is solid, though this is hardly a surround-heavy film. Apart from the improved picture and sound quality, my favorite thing here is Paramount's new 2-part documentary on John Hughes. It's a lovely look at the man who truly defined a generation.
Airplane Blu-ray Review
Have you ever been in a Turkish prison? Do you like movies about gladiators? Have you ever seen a grown man naked? Be prepared to answer these questions and more when you fire up this comic gem from Jim (not J.J.) Abrahams and the Zucker brothers. Paramount's Blu-ray edition gives the film a remarkable face lift, with impressive new detail visible in every bead (or bucket) of sweat pouring from Ted Striker's brow. Highlighting the modest set of extras here is a "Long Haul Version" which gives you context-sensitive interviews, deleted scenes, and other behind-the-scenes goodies.
The Naked Gun Blu-ray Review
Leslie Nielsen had a small (albeit hilarious) role in Airplane, but The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! is all Leslie, all the time. His Detective Frank Drebin is arguably a less-funny, filthy American version of Peter Sellers' Inspector Clouseau, but I dare you to keep a straight face while he marvels at Priscilla Presley's "nice beaver." Like Airplane, Paramount has done a fine job bringing Naked Gun to Blu-ray, with impressive improvements in fine detail, a pleasant veneer of film grain, and a natural color palette boasting honest skin tones. Extras are limited to an audio commentary and the film's trailer presented in high definition.
Purchase at Best Buy:
Purchase at Amazon:
