Dragnet Blu-ray Review

The Shout Factory Blu-ray release of "Dragnet" offers a visually impressive presentation thanks to a meticulous 4K remaster. The film's original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 is preserved, and the MPEG-4 AVC encoding on a BD-50 disc ensures a robust transfer. Sharpness and detail are commendable, with well-rendered textures such as Tom Hanks' wavy hair and the tailored suits of Dan Aykroyd's character. Colors are generally neutral but exhibit occasional vibrant pops, particularly evident in elements like Aykroyd’s costume and the varied hues during the cult rally scene. Blacks are deep and inky, though minor grain spikes in darker scenes serve as a negligible distraction.

The video quality benefits from Shout Factory's proficient encoding practices, maintaining a solid and consistent grain structure throughout. Day scenes are bright and detailed, while low-key lighting retains a nice smattering of grain. The application of DNR tools is noticeable but minimal, with occasional shiny faces in brightly lit scenes and a couple of instances of flickering flesh tones. Depth of field is effectively managed, providing smooth movements and clear spacing in the background scenes without distortion. Moreover, the encode successfully balances the digital inconsistencies typical of 1980s film stocks, ensuring that general brightness lends the film additional visual lift and depth.

Overall, while some minor technical issues exist, Shout Factory’s treatment of "Dragnet" on Blu-ray stands as the film’s best visual presentation to date. The careful remastering work has delivered a clean, sharp image with vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it a solid addition to any Blu-ray collection.

The audio presentation for the Blu-ray release of "Dragnet" is anchored by its original DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo track. This mix, registering at 1579 kbps with a 24-bit depth, distinctly focuses on delivering clear dialogues through the front channels. Despite being limited to a stereo format and not offering a surround sound experience, the track manages to create a mild sense of spaciousness, particularly during action-packed sequences like car chases and the noted snake fight scene. However, there are moments when it feels thin and constrained, without fully engaging the listening environment. The spoken words are consistently audible and clean, bolstered by discernible ambient effects achieving satisfactory separation.

The film’s music and score, prominently featuring Walter Schumann's iconic Dragnet theme and Ira Newborn's compositions, benefit from robust bass and decent range within the audio mix. These scoring cues often stretch the soundstage effectively, bouncing between speakers to provide an enjoyable auditory dimension that aligns well with the film’s comedic tone. While on-location dialogue and overdubs occasionally stand out as more prominent – a characteristic trait in many 80s films – there is no distortion present. Despite its era-specific analog feel, the audio component of this Blu-ray stands up well, presenting a competent mix that pairs appropriately with the film’s vintage appeal.

Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo track demonstrates adequate dynamics without overshadowing any elements of the score, vocals, or sound effects. While it may not deliver an exceedingly powerful or revolutionary auditory experience, it is well-suited for the film’s genre and time period. The provision of optional English SDH subtitles is a valuable addition, ensuring accessibility for a wider audience.

The Blu-ray release of "Dragnet – Collector’s Edition" features a solid assortment of extras that delve into the making and historical context of the film. The new audio commentary with pop culture historian Russell Dyball offers in-depth insights on the connections between the original series and the 1987 film, peppered with engaging trivia and anecdotes. Alexandra Paul's interview provides a personal and informative reflection on her role as Connie Swail, her interactions with the main cast, and her experiences during production. The "Just the Facts!" promotional special, hosted by Dan Aykroyd and Tom Hanks, is a comprehensive look at the evolution of "Dragnet" from its radio beginnings to the 1987 movie, rendered in reasonable quality despite its original VHS source. This collection of extras enhances the value of this Blu-ray edition for both fans and new viewers alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Pop culture historian Russell Dyball’s detailed analysis.
• A Quiet Evening in the Company of Connie Swail: Interview with Alexandra Paul.
• Just the Facts!: Promotional special hosted by Dan Aykroyd and Tom Hanks.
• Original Theatrical Trailers & Promos: Includes one trailer and five TV spots.

Dragnet's 1987 film adaptation presents an interesting juxtaposition between homage and parody. Directed by Tom Mankiewicz, this buddy cop comedy stars Dan Aykroyd as the straight-laced Sgt. Joe Friday and Tom Hanks as his free-spirited partner, Pep Streebeck. Despite the strong comedic potential and star-studded casting, the film struggles with inconsistent humor and a meandering script. The storyline involves the mismatched police duo investigating a series of ritualistic murders linked to a cult called P.A.G.A.N., creating a setup ripe for comedy but hampered by uneven execution. While Aykroyd channels the mannerisms of Jack Webb's original Joe Friday with precision, the writing often falls flat, seldom delivering the sharp wit essential for a successful parody.

The film's comedic potency is diluted by its attempt to blend action and humor in a manner that fails to hit the mark consistently. Moments of brilliance surface sporadically, such as the opening line mimicking the tone of 'The Naked Gun,' but these are few and far between. Subplots involving characters like Rev. Whirley (Christopher Plummer) and Jerry Caesar (Dabney Coleman) become convoluted, detracting from the main narrative thrust. The chemistry between Aykroyd and Hanks is undeniable, offering occasional sparks of genuine humor, yet the screenplay underutilizes their talent, leaving much potential untapped. As a tribute to the original series, the film captures some nostalgic elements but dilutes their impact with awkwardly shoehorned 80s slapstick.

Ultimately, Dragnet (1987) operates more effectively as a time capsule than as a cohesive comedy. Its reflection on the culture wars of its era—pitting conservatism against burgeoning liberal values—is perceptive but often overshadowed by unnecessary action sequences and formulaic tropes. The film’s charm lies in its historical context and occasional moments of sharp dialogue, with performances from Aykroyd and Hanks making it a curiosity rather than a lost classic. While the film entertains sporadically, it sadly falls short of becoming a memorable addition to either the buddy cop genre or as a satire of its storied predecessor.

The 1987 film "Dragnet," starring Tom Hanks and Dan Aykroyd, attempts to update the classic TV show for a new generation. Despite the star power of Hanks and Aykroyd, the film underperforms largely due to its lackluster script that fails to provide sufficient support for its major comedic moments. While it offers occasional laughs and taps into nostalgia, it lacks the cohesive structure needed to truly resonate with audiences. Shout Factory’s Blu-ray release seeks to revive interest in this film with a combination of solid audiovisual quality and a respectable assortment of extra features.

Technically, this Blu-ray edition presents the film in a 1.85:1 AVC aspect ratio with English DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio. The video transfer is somewhat uneven, but generally offers warmer and more vibrant color than previous DVD editions. The release includes an audio commentary by pop culture historian Russell Dyball, a new interview with Alexandra Paul, and a vintage TV special hosted by Hanks and Aykroyd, among other bonuses. These extras deliver significant nostalgic value and enhance this collector’s edition, making it the most comprehensive package available for fans.

Despite the film’s shortcomings, this Blu-ray edition is a worthwhile purchase for Aykroyd and Hanks enthusiasts, as well as those with a nostalgic affinity for '80s buddy comedies. Its additional content provides enriching insights into the production, thus offering more value beyond the film itself. This edition stands as a testament to Shout Factory’s commitment to delivering quality collector’s releases, ensuring "Dragnet" is as appealing as it can be for devotees of the genre.