John Candy 4K and Blu Rays Roundup: A Hearty Serving of Comedy Gold

The auditory journey of 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles' maintains a steady altitude with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, familiar terrain for those attuned to the film's previous releases. Venturing no further into the Atmosphere, this flight opts for the safe route, preserving the film’s soundscape with integrity. While a Dolby Atmos remix could have delivered an immersive experience to compliment the visuals, the existing audio arrangement manages to convey the essence of Hughes’s narrative—delivering each line, melody, and slapstick sound effect with a clarity that doesn’t disappoint, albeit doesn't venture beyond the comfort zone. The original score's integration and nuanced dialogue faithfully navigate through nostalgic airs, ensuring the film's comedic beats and emotional crescendos land with audience expectations intact.

Where Paramount's UHD release ventures into appreciated extras, airline metaphors aside, the package notably enriches the flight plan. The dual-disc setup accommodates a generous baggage allowance of legacy content alongside a treasure trove of newly unearthed deleted scenes and audition tapes, revealing layers to Hughes’ comic vision and Candy's unparalleled charm. 'Getting There is Half the Fun: The Story of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles' serves as an engaging deep-dive into the film's lore, while the tribute featurettes draw fans closer to the creative heart behind the hilarity. However, while these bonuses merit a tip of the hat, they accompany a visual and auditory journey that, despite moments of uplift, reminds one of the limitations within the 4K realm—a reminder that not all enhancements ensure a smoother journey for beloved classics.

Mel Brooks’ space inheritance doesn’t just glow visually; its sound constellation has been fine-tuned for an unparalleled auditory experience. With corrected pitch issues that plagued earlier voyages, the updated English DTS-HD Master Audio tracks (5.1 and 2.0) offer a sonic clarity to rival the depths of space itself. Dialogues are crisp, echoes of ludicrous speed envelop you, and every swish of a Schwartz-saber hums with palpable tension. The 5.1 surround mix orchestrates a galaxy-wide stage that majestically balances the comedic antics with moments of exhilarating spaceship chases—without letting any sound element fall into a black hole of obscurity. The precisely calibrated balance ensures that Brooks’ timeless humor and parody notes are hit with the finesse of a maestro, making the auditory journey as fulfilling as the visual escapade.

The special features aboard this 4K disc edition are akin to unearthing a cosmic trove of spaceballs-sized proportions. At the helm, Mel Brooks’ commentary steers us through a nebula of nostalgia and creative brilliance, offering firsthand insights that are both enlightening and, at times, hilariously revealing. From the high-definition gathering on the supplementary Blu-ray disc, the canon of extras—ranging from in-depth documentaries to playful film flubs—ensures enthusiasts can orbit deeper into the ‘Spaceballs’ universe. These archival gems, alongside the main feature on 4K, furnish a comprehensive exploration of the film’s enduring legacy and satire. Whether it’s revisiting the adventures of Lone Starr and Barf through a lightning-fast Ludicrous Speed montage or delving into a tribute to the comic spirit of John Candy, each bonus feature enriches the ‘Spaceballs’ viewing experience, rendering this edition a galactic necessity for fans and cinephiles alike.

Venturing into the audio realm, ‘Uncle Buck’s’ Blu-ray outing echoes a sentiment of missed opportunities. Armed with a 384kbps DTS stereo mix, it feels like a whisper from the past rather than a declaration of present capabilities. Dialogues, while carrying the narrative, miss the crispness expected of modern soundtracks, leaving Ira Newborn’s melodic contributions blending rather than accentuating the experience. The handling is akin to tuning into a beloved radio show on outdated equipment—comforting yet craving the lucidity of today’s technology. It’s a concerning oversight from Universal, one that underlines a reluctance to fully embrace the potential of Blu-ray’s aural capacities, leaving ‘Uncle Buck’ audibly tethered to its roots, for better or worse.

The most poignant misstep, perhaps, lies in the scarce offering of extras—or the complete absence thereof. In an age where the behind-the-scenes craft and historical retrospectives often enrich a film’s home release, ‘Uncle Buck’s’ Blu-ray version stands starkly empty-handed. Those seeking a deeper connection with the Hughes-Candy magic, a wish to peek behind the curtain of this beloved comedy, will find themselves facing a closed door. This decision, or lack thereof, strips down the experience to its cinematic core, but the heart yearns for more—a commemoration of the creativity and laughter that ‘Uncle Buck’ has gifted audiences over the years. It’s a missed opportunity that dims the shine of reliving this familial journey, leaving fans holding onto the memories evoked by the film alone, unaided by insights or accolades.

In the auditory expanse of ‘The Great Outdoors,’ the film's DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track crafts an ambiance that's surprisingly expansive given its stereo limitations. The soundtrack, spreading like sunshine through trees, brings warmth and depth, making the laughter resonate a little more, even if environmental sounds sometimes lose their way, becoming a muffled backdrop to the film’s forefront of dialogue and music. The conversations, crucially, are crisply rendered, ensuring that every witty exchange and comedic quip is delivered with the clarity of a mountain stream. It’s a soundscape that, despite its constrained stereo setup, feels alive with the echoes of familiarity, inviting us to sit back and revel in the comedic exploits unfurling before us.

Venturing into the extras—or the lack thereof—‘The Great Outdoors’ Blu-ray feels like unpacking a picnic basket only to find it half-filled. The solitary offering of a theatrical trailer, though a nod to nostalgia, leaves us craving more. In an era where bonus content often provides a richer understanding of the film’s creation and legacy, the absence of such insights here is like a fire that fails to ignite, dampening the full potential of a communal cinematic reconnection. This minimalist approach, much like a campfire without marshmallows, misses the opportunity to draw us closer to the tales behind the scenes, leaving the extras as barren as an unexplored trail.

When it comes to serenading our ears, ‘Home Alone’s’ 4K UHD soundtrack takes a less is more approach, sticking with the familiar warmth of the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. While it misses an opportunity to deck the halls with boughs of Dolby Atmos, the soundscape brims with holiday spirit, keeping dialogue crisp and John Williams’ score jubilant. Although the resonance of Kevin’s inventive traps might not echo through the corridors of our homes with modern, multidimensional flair, there is comfort in the classic rendition—a toasted marshmallow in audio form, if you will. It maintains the film’s original auditory charm, ensuring that each giggle, gasp, and thud lands with the intended emotional punch, wrapping us in a blanket of nostalgia just in time for the holidays.

While the main event dazzles in 4K, the extra features of ‘Home Alone’ don packaged in the familiar Blu-ray format, a choice that’s akin to finding last year’s stocking reused but filled with timeless joys. The array from director Chris Columbus and Macaulay Culkin's commentary to delightful anecdotes about the film’s global impact and Buzz’s speculative fate, serves a platter of fan-favorite treats. However, this trove of memories, rich in nostalgia, leaves one yearning for behind-the-scenes magic captured through the 4K lens, perhaps a missed opportunity to sprinkle a little more joy into the mix. Even so, the compilation affords a comforting dive into the creative wellspring of Hughes’ holiday masterpiece, reflecting on laughter and cinematic craftsmanship that has warmed hearts for generations.

With the thrust of DTS:X Master Audio, ‘The Blues Brothers’ embarks on an auditory crusade that elevates every musical riff and comedic misadventure to divine dimensions. The mix, a broad and engaging soundscape, truly serves the film’s legendary soundtrack, allowing the soul-stirring performances of R&B icons - Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, they just keep on coming - to fill the room with palpable energy. The nuanced layers of Chicago’s ambiance, from the rustle of alleyway litter to the distant hum of the L train, wrap the viewer in a blanket of urban authenticity. While the soundtrack gracefully sidesteps an overhaul in favor of preserving the film’s original sonic charm, it does so with a clarity that ensures not a beat is lost. It’s a testament to balancing reverence for past artistic choices with the capabilities of present-day technology—ensuring that every note of Jake and Elwood’s journey resonates as intended, from soulful melodies to screeching tires.

While the 4K UHD disc of 'The Blues Brothers' dazzles with visual and auditory upgrades, the encore performance of its extras feels like a familiar tune played on a well-loved vinyl. The inclusion of both theatrical and extended editions offers a comprehensive look at this cinematic gem, yet the accompanying special features—direct carries from the 2015 release—while rich in content, miss a beat by not venturing into new territory. Documentaries and tributes dive deep into the soul of the movie, offering everything from fond recollections to explorations of its musical heartbeat, yet fans might yearn for freshly minted insights or UHD-specific behind-the-scenes footage. Nonetheless, such offerings, even if familiar, ensure the full, vibrant legacy of ‘The Blues Brothers’ is celebrated, reminiscing on the film’s enduring impact while leaving viewers tapping their feet for more.

The auditory trek of ‘Vacation,’ constrained yet charmingly authentic via its DTS-HD Master Audio tracks, captures the essence of the 80s soundscape with fidelity. The iconic tunes of Lindsey Buckingham and June Pointer roar back with a depth that envelops the listener, transporting them back to simpler times when soundtracks punctuated the cinematic experience. While the film’s dialogue and ambient noises traverse a well-trodden path in stereo, the resounding clarity of the mix pays homage to the original sonic vision, preserving its nostalgic beat. The choice to forgo a surround sound overhaul may leave audiophiles longing for a broader soundscape, yet there’s an undeniable warmth in the tracks’ delivery that complements the film’s inherent charm and comedic timing.

As Warner Bros. unveils this 40th-anniversary edition, enthusiasts might feel a slight pang of disappointment at the extras—or lack thereof—that accompany this 4K voyage. The included commentary, a hearty laugh-track of insights from the film’s principals, is an engaging relic from past releases, yet the absence of new, in-depth explorations into the Griswold legacy is palpable. The omission of previously included documentaries leaves the package feeling somewhat incomplete, akin to setting off on a road trip without one’s favorite mixtape—pleasant but missing that special ingredient to enrich the journey. In a time when anniversary editions invite fans to delve deeper into the filmmaking process and the magic behind the scenes, ‘Vacation’s’ supplemental features take a modest rest stop, offering just enough to whet the appetite, but not to satiate.

Entering the auditory battlefield of ‘Stripes’ on 4K UHD Blu-ray, the newly mixed Dolby Atmos track proves its mettle. From the subtle chirpings of a pre-dawn awakening to the uproarious melodies of military calamities, every sound whirls around the viewer, crafting an immersive audio experience. The decision to maximize the utilization of height channels adds a tangible layer to every joke hurled and every tire screeched, bringing the raucous energy directly into the living room. While bass aficionados may hanker for more thunder, the precision in dialogue and the orchestral homage to comedic timing underscore the track’s strengths. In every blare of military fanfare and the rush of urban chaos, the mix finds a harmonious balance, ensuring that 'Stripes' resonates not just as a picture, but as a symphony of laughs, groans, and the occasional explosion.

While ‘Stripes’ trots out the comedic big guns with the visual and audio overhaul, its special features regiment marches in familiar territory. The convergence of Bill Murray and Ivan Reitman in a reflective tête-à-tête offers a wealth of warmth, marking the 40th anniversary with personal anecdotes and a reminiscence that fans will cherish. However, amid this reunion, the absence of entirely new insights or unseen behind-the-scenes footage may leave some recruits feeling a bit out of formation. The assemblage of legacy content, from technical commentary to a whimsical array of deleted scenes, constructs a foundation strong in history but light on innovation. Sony’s strategy—banking on the tried and true rather than venturing into uncharted documentary territory—mirrors the cautious planning of a military strategist more than the wild antics of the film’s beloved characters.

The auditory landscape of ‘JFK’ has undergone a profound transformation, emerging from the Dolby Atmos mix as a powerhouse of environmental immersion and narrative depth. The bustling streets of Dallas and the somber echoes of courtroom walls are rendered with such fidelity that one might believe themselves a silent observer within the scene. John Williams’ haunting score, a character in its own right, traverses this upgraded soundscape with grace, ensuring the film’s emotional beats resonate as profoundly as its spoken words. The commitment to delivering both the original sonic experience and this new auditory breadth speaks volumes of Shout Select’s dedication to honoring Stone’s masterpiece, providing an aural experience that enriches the visual splendor with each note and dialogue.

Accompanying the visual and auditory marvels are extras that mirror the film’s investigative nature, inviting viewers on a behind-the-scenes probe into its creation. The candid roundtables featuring Stone amongst his collaborators serve as a modern appendix to the film's dense narrative. While the absence of the comprehensive documentary found in previous releases might seem a lost opportunity, the new interviews and existing commentary supply a robust context that celebrates the film’s journey from inception to legacy. This collection of insights, reminiscences, and omitted footage forms a compendium that, much like Garrison’s own journey, encourages a deeper exploration beyond the surface, enriching the viewer's understanding of both the film's production and its historical scrutiny.

Where visuals in ‘Brewster's Millions’ Blu-ray edition cash in on high dividends, the audio track banks a more conservative approach, yielding mixed returns. The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix, whilst clear, lacks the immersive richness one might hope to accompany Pryor’s riotous journey. Constrained predominantly to the center, the soundtrack comes across timid, never fully exploring the spatial potential of home audio systems. However, in moments where the film’s score could elevate the dramatic stakes, it instead hums a modest tune, leaving scenes craving a sonic depth unmet by the provided mix. The dialogue, clear yet uninventive, carries the verbal exchanges well, but one can’t help but imagine the untapped potential of a more dynamic auditory experience, especially in a film that traverses between uproarious laughter and contemplative silence.

In the treasure trove of cinema, extras often constitute the gold dust that enriches the primary jewel; however, ‘Brewster’s Millions’ Blu-ray content could be likened more to fool’s gold. While the inclusion of fascinating commentary and an exclusive interview offer glimmers of insight, the jewel in the crown—an archived version of the 1945 film adaptation—sits as a curious but slightly out-of-place artifact. This decision is akin to Brewster himself being given an heirloom watch when he yearned for a speedboat—a nice addition, but not quite hitting the mark of expectations. The absence of a more comprehensive archival stance or behind-the-scenes exploration into this film’s unique comedic and cinematic methodology leaves fans and collectors with pockets half full. Despite these shortcomings, the attempt to bridge generations through the 1945 version serves as a commendable nod to the film's lineage, appreciated by those with an appetite for cinema history.

The auditory experience of ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ Blu-ray dives deep into the heart of the musical, with the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track recreating Howard Ashman and Alan Menken’s compositions with uncanny precision. The restoration team’s effort shines in ensuring that each musical number, from the darkly whimsical “Skid Row” to the soulful “Suddenly, Seymour,” resonates with a clarity and richness that amplifies their emotional impact. Surround effects are sparing yet effective, drawing viewers further into the film’s world without sacrificing the integrity of its original sound design. This careful curation of the soundtrack showcases Warner’s commitment to marrying the film’s nostalgic charm with the immersive potential of modern audio formats, creating an aural experience that complements the narrative’s highs and lows with finesse and depth.

Beyond the technical restoration, the Blu-ray edition of ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is enriched by a selection of extras that delve into the film’s roots and its enduring legacy. The inclusion of the original ending offers a fascinating glimpse into an alternative vision that broadens our understanding of the film’s thematic ambitions. Coupled with engaging commentary and candid interviews with the creative forces behind the movie, this collection offers a comprehensive look at the evolution from stage to screen. The highlight, however, is the A Story of Little Shop of Horrors: a documentary that features interviews and an insighht in the film's history. This thoughtful compilation of extras not only celebrates the film’s history but also its impact, offering a multidimensional appreciation of ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ as both a cinematic and cultural landmark.

The LPCM 2.0 audio track on ‘Canadian Bacon’s’ Blu-ray edition stands as the release's unsung hero, delivering a dynamism and clarity that breathes life into Moore’s complex narrative. From the spirited renditions of 'God Bless America Again' to the subtler ambient backdrops of cross-border escapades, the audio mix masterfully balances dialogue, music, and soundscapes, ensuring a seamless auditory experience. This careful curation of sound enriches the satirical punchlines and heightens the political commentary, showcasing an auditory landscape as layered and nuanced as the film’s thematic undertones. In doing so, the sound mix offers an immersive journey through Moore’s vision, proving that when it comes to satire, the devil—or in this case, the laughter—is truly in the details.

In terms of supplementary content, the ‘Canadian Bacon’ Blu-ray opts for a minimalist approach that, while not groundbreaking, respects the film’s legacy. The official trailer and a reversible sleeve and a slipcover are the only extras here for Michael Moore’s only foray into narrative cinema. Despite a lack of extensive behind-the-scenes material or contemporary reflections, the extras serve as a modest but fitting complement to the film, appealing to those with an appetite for history and a penchant for Moore’s distinctive political voice.

Simplicity marks the sonic landscape of ‘Armed and Dangerous’ on Blu-ray, with the LPCM 2.0 stereo soundtrack embodying the film’s down-to-earth aesthetic. While bereft of the immersive qualities a multi-channel mix might offer, the audio stands its ground, delivering clear dialogue and a nostalgically 80s score with an understated confidence. Ambient effects and musical cues, though constrained, navigate the dual channels with fidelity, ensuring the comedic energy remains intact. While the action scenes might crave the depth of bass only a surround sound could provide, this stereo mix pays homage to the original auditory experience, prioritizing clarity over spectacle.

Echoing the minimalist nature of this Blu-ray release, ‘Armed and Dangerous’ arrives with a scant selection of extras that might leave collectors pining for more. The absence of behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, or a director’s commentary reflects a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the production nuances of this comedic escapade. Yet, the tangible appeal of the physical presentation, marked by a reversible sleeve and slipcover, offers a tactile satisfaction that fans of physical media may appreciate, nodding to the enduring allure of tangible collectibles in an increasingly digital age.

The Blu-ray's 2.0 DTS-HD MA soundtrack subtly enhances the viewing pleasure, ensuring that dialogue and the catchy early ’90s score resonate with clarity. Despite the inherent limitations of a 2.0 mix, preventing a fully immersive audio experience akin to contemporary standards, ‘Delirious’ benefits from a clear, undistorted delivery that respects its comedic and musical elements. The audio presentation’s restraint, short of a more encompassing surround sound update, aligns with the release's overarching theme—a commitment to preservation over reinvention. In doing so, it successfully encapsulates the film’s essence, balancing vibrancy and narrative whirlwinds with an authenticity that fans of the genre will appreciate.

In keeping with the theme of modest enhancements, the Blu-ray release of ‘Delirious’ employs a simple approach to its supplementary content. The inclusion of trailers in high definition invites a nostalgic exploration of the era’s cinematic landscape, though it stops short of deepening the audience’s understanding of the film’s context or production intricacies. The lack of extensive extras, such as behind-the-scenes footage or commentaries, leaves a yearning for more substantial insights into John Candy’s performance and the filmmaking process. As such, the disc’s additional offerings, while serving as a memento of promotional styles from a bygone decade, represent a missed opportunity to further celebrate and dissect the cinematic craft of ‘Delirious.’

The 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack presents a dual-edged sword; it wraps viewers in a comfortable blanket of nostalgic soundtracks and dialogue clarity expected of a standard cinematic release from the 80s. While the music bops with an undeniable groove, the lack of depth and punch in dynamic action sequences and environmental ambience speaks to the limitations imposed by a conservative audio mix. Conversations, nonetheless, are relayed with commendable clarity, ensuring that the comedic timing that 'Going Berserk' heavily relies on is not lost. This baseline audio presentation, while not the immersive sonic journey audiophiles yearn for, stands its ground as a faithful deliverer of the film’s auditory elements.

Where one might expect a treasure trove of insights and nostalgic reflections, the Blu-ray release opts for a minimalist path, offering a concise selection of extras. The inclusion of a photo gallery, while visually engaging, and trailers for the main feature and a few contemporary classics serve more as a nostalgic nod rather than a deep dive into 'Going Berserk’s' production ethos or cultural footprint. This sparse offering could leave enthusiasts hungry for more substantive materials that peel back the layers of this comedic endeavor’s creation and reception, underscoring a missed opportunity to enrich the film’s narrative with behind-the-scenes lore and anecdotes.

The auditory layering of ‘Once Upon a Crime’ is crafted with a precision that stands in contrast to its visual counterpart. The 2.0 DTS-HD MA soundtrack, while constrained by the limits of its stereo mix, delivers dialogue with a clarity that ensures the comedic timing of its cast isn't lost in translation. The film’s vibrant scoring maneuvers within its audio confines with an energy that elevates the atmosphere, yet challenges with volume levels that occasionally cloud the clarity of on-screen exchanges. This balancing act, where atmospheric sounds vie with dialogue for auditory space, mirrors the film's scramble for a comedic rhythm that sporadically finds its footing. The effort to capture the essence of a '90s comedy through its sound mix is commendable, yet it leaves one wondering about the untapped potential of a more enveloping audio experience.

Supplementary materials accompanying the Blu-ray are a single, lonely trailer. The inclusion feels like an underexploited opportunity to deepen the narrative surrounding ‘Once Upon a Crime.’ Fans and newcomers alike might find themselves yearning for a more expansive exploration of the film’s making and its place within the broader comedic canon. As it stands, the extras, though enriching the package, act more as a placeholder for what could have been a richer archival dive into a comedy that straddles the line between farce and satire, much like its central plot.