Take This Job and Shove It Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray presentation of "Take This Job and Shove It" features an impressively clear 1080p transfer, presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio using MPEG-4 AVC encoding. The source material originates from a robust but aged organic master provided by StudioCanal. While the delineation, clarity, and depth range fluctuate from good to excellent, daytime close-ups particularly stand out with exceptional visual quality. Wider shots also showcase strong visuals. Although indoor scenes can sometimes display clipped highlights, the overall balance is commendable. Crucially, there's an absence of problematic degraining work, though an improved grain exposure and density could enhance the visual texture.

Image stability is noteworthy with minimal blemishes, stains, or noticeable defects. The color palette remains stable and well-balanced, though there is potential for even fresher tones and nuanced gradations. Minor imperfections, such as occasional tiny flecks, do appear but are not substantially distracting. While there is room for minor improvements in grain consistency and color freshness, the existing presentation remains a standout technical performance. For reference, this release is Region-A locked, necessitating a compatible player for access. Overall, despite minor shortcomings, this Blu-ray offers a very fine viewing experience of the film.

The audio presentation of "Take This Job and Shove It" on Blu-ray features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, complemented by optional English SDH subtitles. The overall sound quality is notably clear, sharp, and well-rounded, maintaining fidelity to the original production without encountering any anomalies such as dropouts, pops, or distortions. The dynamic range is also robust, particularly evident during more exuberant scenes like bar brawls and mud fights, which showcase the original sound design's intent. The dialogue consistently stands out, clear and distinct, even in scenes with complex audio landscapes.

In terms of sound effects, the 2.0 Mono DTS-HD Master Audio track excels in maintaining a balanced mix. The sound effects during the truck race and barroom football game are diverse and well-integrated into the soundstage. Echoes in barroom discussions add to the authenticity of the setting without detracting from the clarity of dialogue. Performances by Eddie Albert, David Keith, and Tim Thomerson are distinctly audible, delivering their lines with clarity that ranges from over-the-top to naturally subdued based on character. Additionally, the soundtrack features music from artists such as Bobby Bare, David Allan Coe, and Johnny Paycheck, effectively enhancing scenes such as the truck race and delivering an overarching sense of time and place throughout the film.

The extras provided on the Blu-ray release of "Take This Job and Shove It" offer a well-rounded perspective on the film’s production and promotional efforts, though they are somewhat minimalistic in scope. The inclusion of a vintage trailer and an image gallery provides nostalgic value, capturing the essence of the era in which the film was made. Notably, the trailer is presented in English without subtitles, which might be limiting for non-English speakers. Meanwhile, the image gallery, accompanied by music, serves as a concise yet effective visual representation of production and promotional materials. As a classic film enthusiast, you will appreciate the authentic touches these extras bring, even if they are brief and somewhat lacking in extensive behind-the-scenes content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Vintage trailer for "Take This Job and Shove It." In English, not subtitled.
• Image Gallery: A collection of production and promotional materials for the film with music.

Gus Trikonis’ 1981 film “Take This Job and Shove It” offers an engaging and multifaceted narrative expertly brought to Blu-ray by Kino Lorber. The plot revolves around junior executive Frank Macklin, portrayed by Robert Hays, who returns to his small-town roots in Dubuque, Iowa, to oversee the corporate takeover of a local brewery. This return sets him on a collision course with his past, forcing him to confront old friendships and a former flame, J.M. Halstead, played by Barbara Hershey. Trikonis' keen eye for character development ensures each individual is imbued with unique traits and philosophies, solidifying his reputation for creating films with a distinct, unconventional flair.

“Take This Job and Shove It” juxtaposes comedy and drama, effectively portraying the precarious balance between small-town life and corporate ambitions. Although marketed as a light-hearted comedy, the film delves deeper into the sentimental and often harsh realities of American Heartland life, creating a narrative rich with unpredictable emotional shifts. Despite Frank's hilarious efforts to readjust to Dubuque’s rural life and reconnect with its inhabitants, Trikonis subtly presents a broader commentary on broken dreams and barely managed existence masked by laughter and hijinks. The film's 'kitchen sink' drama approach, reminiscent of “Hard Country,” underscores the perpetual struggles of those caught in the relentless gears of economic transformation.

The film’s conclusion serves as a double-edged sword. While the optimistic ending grants the characters temporary victory and smiles, Trikonis’ direction hints at an impending economic upheaval that resonates with the Rust Belt's real-life experiences by the late 1990s. Featuring a mix of comedy, drama, country music, and satirical observations of corporate culture's impact on small-town America, “Take This Job and Shove It” provides an authentic, if sometimes deceivingly cheerful, introspection into the lives it portrays.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Take This Job and Shove It" effectively revives Gus Trikonis' distinctive portrayal of American Heartland life during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Though the movie wasn't a commercial hit upon its 1981 cinema release, it found a captive audience through cable TV reruns. Trikonis, known for carving out films with unique personalities, delivers a 'kitchen sink' drama disguised as comedy that resonates with everyday realism. Robert Hays’ performance as the central character is commendable, and the diversity of supporting characters skillfully augments the straightforward plot.

The technical presentation on this Blu-ray is noteworthy. Sourced from an older yet solid organic master provided by StudioCanal, the visual quality is robust, capturing the period aesthetics genuinely. The film’s easygoing pace interspersed with a balanced amount of conflict makes for engaging viewing. The supporting cast adds depth, allowing the narrative to move smoothly without leaning too heavily on any singular element.

This release is highly recommended for those interested in Trikonis’ directorial nuances and representations of Americana. "Take This Job and Shove It" may not appeal to everyone but stands out as a fascinating time capsule filled with charm and authenticity. Kino Lorber’s careful preservation and delivery of this title make it a worthy addition to any collection, deeply rooted in depicting the socio-cultural landscape of its era.