Oh, God! You Devil Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Oh, God! You Devil" features an AVC encoded image with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, stemming from an older scan of the original film. While it maintains an acceptable level of detail, the textures on features such as the aged faces of God and the Devil are merely moderate, leading to a somewhat soft portrayal of production achievements and limiting the depth of decorative elements and exterior scenes. The palette is notably fatigued with a reliance on primary colors to distinguish characters, particularly in the vivid red depiction of the Devil's attire and eyewear, and God's preference for tan and white. The rock scene lighting adds some vibrancy through band costumes, though overall delineation remains satisfactory and the source material is in a decent condition.

However, the imagery leans towards dullness, lacking any substantial pop or vibrancy in contrast, with a dim and faded appearance reminiscent of the original "Oh, God!" film's aging visuals. Black levels remain decent, but the contrast falls short, impacting the overall look. The colors are drab compared to "Oh, God! Book II," lacking the latter's unexpected brightness for a catalog release of its kind. Earth tones prevail over primaries, resulting in pasty and frail skin tones. Besides George Burns' distinctive red devil suit and some concert lighting moments, visual interest is limited. Despite some stray dirt and minor scratches on the print, the mastering enhances enough resolution to deliver HD-appropriate textures. However, compression issues arise occasionally, particularly against light backgrounds, such as the walls in Bobby's apartment, which display an off-white hue that seems to challenge the compression algorithm.

The audio presentation for "Oh, God! You Devil" on Blu-ray is encapsulated in a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix, maintaining a minimalist yet effective approach to sound clarity. While the audio captures the fundamental elements of the film well, with clear musical scoring and resonant concert instrumentation driven by the inclusion of rock music, it occasionally falters in dialogue clarity. Certain exchanges are marked by variable levels and persistent hiss that may distract attentive listeners.

Despite these limitations, the DTS-HD mono track serves the film adequately, delivering dialogue with significant crispness and maintaining a balanced audio range. The soundtrack, integral due to protagonist Bobby's musician background, benefits from a well-captured low end that emphasizes the musical elements effectively. The track achieves a delicate stability in treble, ensuring the subtle nuances of the audio spectrum are neither lost nor overwhelming.

Overall, while the mix is simple by today's standards, it provides a faithful auditory experience that aligns with the era of the film's original release, resonating especially well with scenes where music is prominent. It should satisfy viewers seeking an authentic sound reminiscent of its time, albeit with a few modern technical shortcomings.

The Blu-Ray extras for "Oh, God! You Devil" provide a comprehensive exploration of the film's themes and production, proving to be a valuable addition for fans and film enthusiasts. The commentary by Dr. Donna Bowman offers deep insight into both the film's production and its theological dimensions. Ted Wass shares his experiences in the entertainment industry with reflective anecdotes about playing a pop star, offering a captivating peek into his journey and relationship with director Paul Bogart and co-star George Burns. Additionally, inclusion of a classic Jack Benny Show episode provides a charming historical snapshot of Burns' versatility in portraying the Devil. The selection is rounded out with vintage audio adverts and a theatrical trailer, serving as delightful nostalgic pieces.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Provided by film critic and theologian Dr. Donna Bowman.
• The Gospel According to Ted: Interview with actor Ted Wass.
• The Jack Benny Show: Segment featuring George Burns as the Devil.
• Radio Spots: Four commercials for the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer.

"Oh, God! You Devil" delivers a unique narrative twist within the trilogy, featuring George Burns in a captivating dual role as both God and Satan. Unlike its predecessors, the film boldly deviates from theological discourse, opting instead for a Faustian exploration of human ambition. Ted Wass portrays a disheartened songwriter whose pact with the Devil, played by Burns, ignites a journey through fame and existential reflection. This shift towards a "careful what you wish for" theme allows the film to blend comedy with a subtle, somber undertone. Burns’ portrayal, particularly in his role as the devilish antagonist, adds an engaging layer of complexity to the narrative, showcasing his ability to balance humor with nuanced malevolence.

The movie stands out for its decision to focus on character study rather than existential debates, making it the most straightforward and comedic entry in the series. While the progression of Bobby's storyline may lack the vibrancy of discovering divine communication, it instead emphasizes human introspection. The screenplay effectively uses Burns' talents to elevate the humor while grounding the story in relatable character struggles. The finale ingeniously culminates in a metaphorical card game between God and Satan—a symbolic yet subdued depiction of moral duality.

Technically, "Oh, God! You Devil" offers a refreshing departure from its predecessors' theological roots. It revitalizes its premise through comedic simplicity and an engaging narrative centered on human desires and their repercussions. This installment embraces its comedic roots while exploring the ethical and emotional ramifications of ambition and temptation. Despite its lighthearted nature, the film carries an underlying message about the perils of unchecked desire—presenting Burns as both an empathetic deity and a casually cruel devil makes this movie an enjoyable conclusion to an iconic trilogy.

"Oh, God! You Devil" on Blu-ray presents a mix of intriguing narrative choices while maintaining its comedic roots. Despite the movie's attempt to elevate its cinematic experience compared to earlier installments, it struggles with overly desperate humor, often resorting to slapstick and cartoonish sound effects. The deviation from the structure of previous films brings fresh dynamics, offering something new for returning viewers, yet falls short of recapturing the original's charm. George Burns continues to be a driving force in the film, delivering a performance that is notably more enthusiastic, though the script does little to bolster his contribution.

Visually, the Blu-ray transfer is commendable, providing clean and vibrant imagery that respects the source material. The audio presentation, while competent, aligns with the film's comedic intent but lacks depth in both impact and range. Fans of the film will appreciate the crispness of the print, though it does little to enhance the sometimes lackluster humor inherent in the script. Special features remain sparse, which may disappoint those seeking a deeper dive into the making or development of this sequel.

In conclusion, "Oh, God! You Devil" on Blu-ray caters to fans of light-hearted comedy and admirers of George Burns. While it won't satisfy those looking for the wit and magic of the original film, it serves as a pleasant and undemanding viewing experience. The technical aspects hold up adequately but similarly do not elevate the overall content. Ideal for a casual watch, it remains an installment that will likely appeal mainly to collectors and fans of the series.