Death to Smoochy Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image presentation for "Death to Smoochy," showcasing a New 2024 2K restoration of the interpositive, delivers a vivid and visually compelling viewing experience. The film's 1.85:1 aspect ratio is preserved, with striking hues that bring out the primary world of children’s television through vibrant costuming and lighting. The cooler New York City streets are also well-defined, capturing sharp wintertime moments amidst the concrete jungle. Shout Studios and Warner Bros. have ensured that skin tones appear natural, with details meticulously rendering the aging of characters and the fibrous textures of their clothing. Office and stage interiors add depth and richness, preserving the intricacies of set designs while maintaining satisfactory delineation.

Presented through a collaboration between Shout Studios and Warner Bros., this 2K remaster is encoded at a high bitrate averaging 32mbps and retains a thin layer of grain, adding to the authentic filmic experience. The source material is in good condition, holding compression well throughout the feature. While some sections, such as certain greenscreen shots and time-lapse sequences, display minor digital artifacts, these instances are rare and do not detract from the overall quality. Interior scenes, especially in the television studio, are bright and colorful, contrasting effectively with the darker, shadowed segments of the film. Despite some desires for a full 4K remaster from the original camera negative, this release is likely to exceed expectations, presenting "Death to Smoochy" in visually impressive form that could arguably surpass its original screening quality.

The audio presentation of the "Death to Smoochy" Blu-ray, boasting both DTS-HD MA 5.1 and 2.0 surround tracks, effectively preserves the film’s comedic charm through crisp, front-directed dialogue exchanges. The 5.1 DTS-HD MA track, typical for non-action films of its era, concentrates heavily on the center channel for dialogue while utilizing the remaining channels more for musical accompaniment and selective sound effects. This mix ensures that all spoken elements are beautifully clear, helping maintain the film’s engaging atmosphere.

The choice between the 5.1 and 2.0 surround tracks comes down to a matter of personal preference, with some finding the 2.0 mix slightly more balanced in this instance. Despite its era, the film's fidelity and audio quality are impeccable, with no noticeable distortions or degradations. Key moments of scoring leverage fresh instrumentation and strategic positioning to create a subtle but immersive sound environment, though the surrounds play a more subdued role with occasional circular musical effects and dispersed sound effects. The low-end frequencies remain largely unchallenged, providing a stable but non-dominant bass presence.

The Blu-ray edition of "Death to Smoochy" offers a robust selection of extras that will delight fans and cinephiles alike. With contributions from key members of the production team, these features provide a thorough behind-the-scenes look at the film. The commentary by Danny DeVito and cinematographer Anastas Michos provides insightful anecdotes and technical details about the filmmaking process. New interviews with actor Danny Woodburn, costume designer Jane Ruhm, and composer David Newman give intimate reflections on their experiences working on the film, their interactions with co-stars, and their thoughts on the film’s unique reception. Additionally, the disc includes a variety of deleted scenes, bloopers, behind-the-scenes footage, image galleries, and trailers that collectively enhance the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Magic Moments: Interview with actor Danny Woodburn.
• Rainbow Stitch: Interview with costume designer Jane Ruhm.
• Symphony of Chaos: Interview with composer David Newman.
• Audio Commentary: Featuring director and producer Danny DeVito and cinematographer Anastas Michos.
• Behind-the-Scenes Featurette: Assorted filmmaking moments.
• Extended and Deleted Scenes: With contextual explanations.
• Bloopers and Outtakes: Featuring flubbed lines and laughing fits.
• Image Galleries: Various behind-the-scenes and promotional images.
• Theatrical Trailers: Includes both original and remastered versions.

“Death to Smoochy” (2002), directed by Danny DeVito, is a complex black comedy that explores the darker side of children's television. The premise by Adam Resnick promises a satirical take on the ruthless world of kids' entertainment, featuring power struggles and ethical battles. Robin Williams is memorable as Rainbow Randolph, a disgraced children’s show host whose demise leads to the rise of Sheldon Mopes (Edward Norton), an idealistic performer who becomes the new star, Smoochy the Rhino. Yet, despite the potent setup and notable performances, the film’s comedic execution often falls flat. DeVito excels in attention to cinematic details, creating a visually dynamic experience, but the movie's humor struggles to maintain momentum across its overlong runtime.

The narrative tracks Randolph’s descent into madness as he attempts to sabotage Sheldon’s burgeoning career. Norton’s portrayal of Mopes with an unwavering moral compass juxtaposes well against the corrupt industry insiders like Nora (Catherine Keener), Marion (Jon Stewart), and Burke (DeVito). The ensemble cast, including notable character actors such as Harvey Fierstein and Pam Ferris, enriches the unfolding chaos. Moments intended for comedic escalation, however, often feel forced or miss their mark entirely. The film’s insistence on overcrowding its plot with subplots and secondary characters dilutes Randolph's menacing presence and detracts from Sheldon's heroism.

Where “Death to Smoochy” truly shines is in its direction and visual styling. DeVito's use of bright colors in the children's show sequences contrasts sharply with the moody lighting and eccentric angles of other scenes, evoking early Coen Brothers' or Sam Raimi films. This visual flair compensates for the narrative deficiencies, although one could argue that tightening the film’s 109-minute duration might have improved its comedic impact. Despite its flaws, the film’s potential brilliance lies in its sharp commentary and distinctive aesthetic, making it a fascinating, albeit uneven, attempt at dark comedy.

The Blu-ray release of "Death to Smoochy" offers a visually enhanced experience, courtesy of a polished 2K remaster by Shout Studios. This technical upgrade brings improved sharpness and clarity to the film's distinct cinematography, ensuring that each colorful and chaotic frame is rendered with newfound precision. The remastering effort is commendable, breathing new life into Danny DeVito's dark comedy while maintaining the visual integrity of the original presentation.

Performance-wise, the film features a mixed bag. Edward Norton, stepping outside his usual dramatic roles, struggles to hit comedic notes as Sheldon Mopes/Smoochy the Rhino. His performance feels misplaced and slightly forced, contrasting sharply with Catherine Keener's noticeably subdued portrayal of Nora Wells. Robin Williams, portraying the unhinged Randolph Smiley, infuses his character with manic energy. However, even his exceptional talent cannot fully elevate a screenplay that fumbles through its dark and absurd humor.

The movie ambitiously aims for a provocative narrative but often misfires, oscillating between edgy satire and awkward slapstick. Memorable sequences, such as the notorious Nazi rally scene, underline how the film strains to shock rather than organically entertain. Despite its potential, "Death to Smoochy" doesn't entirely succeed in its execution, leaving some viewers bewildered by its tonal inconsistencies and narrative detours.

In conclusion, while "Death to Smoochy" is a flawed piece of cinema, the Blu-ray release might attract a new generation of viewers due to its enhanced visual quality and supplementary interviews. For those willing to overlook its uneven performances and erratic pacing, this dark comedy may still offer unique insights and entertainment value. Shout Studios' home media efforts ensure that fans and curious newcomers alike have the best possible viewing experience.