Going Berserk

The video presentation of "Going Berserk" on Blu-ray, encoded with AVC and sporting a 1.84:1 aspect ratio, aligns closely with what has been observed in other Universal catalog titles intended for fans of vintage films. The transfer appears to be from an older scan, resulting in a picture quality that, while generally passable, doesn't quite meet the high-definition standards some might hope for in a modern Blu-ray release. The level of fine detail is moderate at best; textures in facial features and the distinctive period attire are visible but don't pop with the clarity one might expect. This is particularly noticeable in wide shots of city landscapes, where the details are serviceable for an overview but lack finer points that would make the visuals more immersive.

In terms of color reproduction, the Blu-ray does an adequate job. Colors are correctly balanced, managing to stand out in scenes featuring vibrant aerobic outfits and neon-lit club environments, yet they don't reach a level of vibrancy that could be termed dynamic. Skin tones are rendered naturally, avoiding any unnatural shifts that could detract from the viewing experience. The black levels and shadow delineation are deemed satisfactory, which is commendable considering the older scan source used for this release.

Grain presence is noticeable and leans towards the heavier side, which could be seen as either a detractor or an enhancer of the film's vintage charm, depending on personal preference. Despite this, the overall condition of the source material can be described as well-preserved. It appears there were efforts made to ensure the original film's aesthetic was maintained, which may appeal to purists and fans of classic cinema despite the aforementioned limitations in detail and color dynamism.

The audio presentation of "Going Berserk" on Blu Ray is serviced by a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio mix, which proficiently handles the comedic elements and musical cues of the film. This mix ensures that dialogue is presented with clarity and precision, an essential aspect considering the movie's reliance on comedic timing and the delivery of lines during frenetic scenes. The mix's handling of dynamics allows for an immersive listening experience that doesn't sacrifice the intelligibility of speech, maintaining a balance that complements the film's pacing.

Musically, the soundtrack benefits from a distinct emphasis on bass and percussion, lending a groovy, energetic backdrop to the on-screen antics. This choice enhances the overall tone of the film, providing a funky atmosphere that aligns well with its comedic ambitions. The instrumentation across the board is rendered sharply, ensuring that each musical element, from the vibrant opening rap song to the score’s funk-infused tracks, is distinct and engaging. Such attention to audio detail enriches the viewing experience, offering audiences a sonically robust accompaniment to the visual spectacle.

In summary, this Blu Ray's 2.0 DTS-HD MA audio mix expertly captures and conveys the film's sonic elements, from clear and lively dialogues to a dynamically rich musical score. Its precise management of sound levels ensures that neither dialogue nor music overwhelms the other, providing a well-rounded auditory experience. This meticulous audio treatment amplifies the humor and enhances the overall enjoyment of "Going Berserk," showcasing the care taken in preserving the movie's auditory integrity.

The extra presentation of the Blu Ray of "Going Berserk" provides a succinct but rich array of supplementary materials meant to enhance the viewer's appreciation of the film. Although brief in their runtimes, each piece brings its unique flavor to the overall package. The included Photo Gallery is a visual feast, presenting a compilation of vibrant poster art, nostalgic lobby cards, and captivating film stills that collectively chart the film's journey from promotion to legacy. The T.V. Spot, though short, acts as a charming time capsule that encapsulates the era's marketing prowess, while the Theatrical Trailer offers more context and flavor of the film's comedic essence. Together, these extras serve not just as filler, but as a bridge connecting modern audiences with the film's original cultural and cinematic moment.

Extras included in this disc:

• Photo Gallery: A collection of poster art, lobby cards, and film stills.
• T.V. Spot: A commercial for Going Berserk.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer for the film.

In the 1983 cinematic endeavor "Going Berserk," John Candy is elevated from a scene-stealing sidekick to the leading man, a transition underscored by the inclusion of fellow "SCTV" alumni Eugene Levy and Joe Flaherty. Set against a backdrop of absurdity and comedy, the film, directed by David Steinberg, spirals into an eclectic mix of sketches and subplots that loosely tie back to John Candy's character, John, and his tumultuous journey leading up to his impending marriage to Nancy, played by Alley Mills, amidst a plot involving assassination and cult dynamics. Despite Candy's efforts to anchor the film with his comedic prowess, "Going Berserk" struggles to find a cohesive narrative thread, opting instead for a scattergun approach to humor that yields mixed results.

The storyline weaves through John's life as a limo driver entangled in a bizarre assassination plot by The Church of Sun Yi while simultaneously preparing for his wedding. The film attempts an ambitious crossover of themes, from spy-movie parodies to satirical takes on cinematic clichés, yet it often lapses into disjointed sequences that seem more like filler than crucial narrative components. While the performances of Levy as a desperate movie producer and Flaherty as John's naive partner add layers of entertainment, they cannot overcome the screenplay's fragmented structure.

Technical aspects like Steinberg's direction and the inclusion of rap in the opening titles for exposition ironically highlight the film's attempt at creativity while underlining its disjointed execution. Noteworthy is how "Going Berserk" inadvertently becomes an electrical showcase for SCTV talent, bordering on an extended skit with movie production values. Despite its ambition and the unmistakable charm of its cast, "Going Berserk" oscillates between moments of genuine hilarity and stretches of tangential content, reflecting a missed opportunity to fully harness the comedic goldmine it had in Candy and company.

In the comprehensive presentation of "Going Berserk" on Blu Ray, John Candy's dedicated performance stands out as a beacon of comedic commitment. Despite Candy's vigorous attempts to breathe life into the script, the film struggles under the weight of its own indecision. Together with notable contributions from the supporting cast, including Paul Dooley and Kurtwood Smith who adeptly navigate the film's eccentric narrative - from everyman absurdities to the bizarre spectacle of an African tribe lip-synching 'Blue Moon' - the ensemble's effort is palpable. However, the film's Achilles' heel lies in its direction under David Steinberg. Steinberg's laissez-faire approach manifests in a disjointed array of comedic sketches that fail to coalesce into a cohesive narrative, leaving Candy and his co-stars to contend with material that often feels aimless and undercooked.

The technical aspects of the Blu Ray rendition, while not the focal point of prominent critiques, proficiently cater to the 1980s cinematic aesthetic, without offering much in terms of restoration or enhancement to elevate the viewing experience. This adheres to a preservationist approach rather than a transformative one, leaving much of the original film's visual and auditory experiences intact. For aficionados of vintage cinema and Candy's oeuvre, this may suffice, but it does little to bridge the gap for newer audiences or those with more contemporary expectations for remastering quality.

Conclusively, "Going Berserk's" Blu Ray presentation serves as a testament to John Candy's unwavering comedic dedication within a film that stumbles over its disjointed direction and lackluster narrative ambition. While the supporting cast brings depth and diversity to the table, their efforts are undercut by a script in desperate need of focus. This release will undoubtedly cater to die-hard fans seeking nostalgia or completeness in their collections but offers little in terms of redefining or rediscovering this overlooked entry in Candy's filmography.