Car Wash Blu-ray Review

Shout! Factory’s Blu-ray presentation of "Car Wash" offers a commendable transfer that showcases the movie's vibrant 1970s aesthetic with flair. The 1.85:1 aspect ratio fills 16:9 screens perfectly, delivering 1080p resolution. The transfer, encoded in MPEG-4 AVC on a BD-50 disc, boasts a substantial average bitrate of 36,000 kbps, ensuring a robust and clean image. While the opening credits exhibit a noticeable amount of dirt and smudges, these imperfections clear up substantially thereafter. Occasional specks and print flaws do appear but are minimal and infrequent. The exterior scenes shine with bright and vivid colors, particularly capturing the saturated yellows, oranges, and blues, while interior shots reveal more prevalent grain.

The level of detail throughout the film is impressive, particularly close-ups where one can discern facial lines, freckles, and even make-up applications. Black levels are deep and generally well-maintained with only minor instances where black crush affects shadow detail. The colors are strong and true to the film’s era, with especially vibrant oranges, reds, and blues that capture the sunny Los Angeles backdrop effectively. Skin tones are natural and consistent, providing an authentic appearance throughout the film. Despite some minor print damage and grain that can be seen during evening scenes or in dimly lit areas, the overall clarity and sharpness ensure a pleasant viewing experience.

In terms of dimensionality, static shots are modest with average depth, while camera pans manage to maintain focus without blurring or jittering. This first Blu-ray release of "Car Wash" adheres to its 35mm Technicolor roots, preserving the warm, nostalgic feel of this cult classic while offering a clean and colorful visual presentation that stands up well to critical viewing.

Shout's presentation of "Car Wash" on Blu-ray encodes the film's original mono track as DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 at 1568 kbps and 24-bit resolution. The soundtrack is oriented heavily toward the center channel, delivering clear dialogue and dynamic music. Despite some preference for broader soundtracks, the mono track effectively balances voices, music, and effects. The dialogue remains consistently understandable without the necessity for optional English SDH subtitles, although they are provided. The audio track could have gained from a DTS-HD MA 4.0 Stereo or a lossless 5.1 remix, enhancing the disco tunes, but it still offers good amplitude settings in sound fields like Pro Logic II or Theater Dimensional.

The soundtrack, primarily monophonic, captures the film’s dynamic score and musical selections, which are integral to its appeal. Although limited to a two-channel presentation, the soundtrack has a noticeable mid-range dynamic, with bass activity being sparse but adequate for the genre. The Director's commentary is also preserved in this format. Dialogues are clean and intelligible amidst the busy soundscape of effects and vibrant music. Despite not reaching the expansive audio experience of Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, this mono lossless track delivers a balanced and well-integrated audio experience, allowing each song to come alive and providing an immersive groove tailored for "Car Wash."

While the audio presentation may not fully exploit modern surround sound capabilities like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, it maintains excellent clarity and balance throughout. The lively pop songs are crisp though they suffer from the absence of a stereo setup. Each element—vocals, effects, score—is woven seamlessly, ensuring a stable listening experience with minimal analog hiss and effective integration across the soundtrack. This Blu-ray’s audio serves its purpose well, preserving the film's retro charm while keeping audio quality within professional and discernible standards.

The Blu-ray release of "Car Wash" by Shout! Factory includes an impressive assortment of extras that thoroughly enhance the film experience, ensuring that this cult classic is celebrated in detail. The audio commentary by Director Michael Schultz shines with insightful anecdotes, although is occasionally marred by gaps of silence. A significant highlight is the engaging featurette "Car Wash From Start To Finish" with Producer Gary Stromberg, who offers an in-depth look into the film’s production history. Additionally, the interview "Workin' at the Car Wash" with Otis Day provides heartfelt reflections from the actor, adding personal charm to the collection. Supplementary materials like the vintage radio spots and the original trailer round out the extras, making this release a comprehensive package for fans and collectors alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Michael Schultz: Insightful and reflective track about the film’s production.
• Car Wash From Start To Finish With Producer Gary Stromberg: An in-depth production history featurette.
• Workin' at the Car Wash with Otis Day: An interview with actor Otis Day offering personal insights.
• Radio Spots: Collection of promotional audio clips from the film’s theatrical release.
• Original Trailer: The original film trailer, preserved in standard definition.

"Car Wash" (1976) is an ensemble comedy directed by Michael Schultz, known for capturing the essence of the mid-70s cultural zeitgeist. Set over one day at the Dee-Luxe Car Wash in Los Angeles, the film presents a vignette-style narrative inspired by Altman's "Nashville," featuring a colorful cast of characters played by a predominantly African-American ensemble. While Richard Pryor and George Carlin, prominently advertised on home video covers, only make brief appearances, the film thrives on its portrayal of the everyday lives of its eclectic characters—ranging from a flamboyant cross-dresser to a reactionary Muslim. Their interactions evoke a mix of humor and subtle commentary on social and racial issues of the era.

The movie's structure is loose, allowing for a series of interlocking stories that provide insight into the characters' lives without a central plot. The humor ranges from quick one-liners to recurring gags, aided significantly by a soundtrack featuring Rose Royce's iconic "Car Wash," which underscores the film’s energetic pace. Despite its blaxploitation influences, "Car Wash" distinguishes itself with relatively mild politics and humor. Producer Gary Stromberg's innovative marketing strategy, including releasing the soundtrack ahead of the film, contributed to its commercial success despite its modest budget.

Although some aspects of the humor and cultural references may feel dated to modern viewers, the film remains a nostalgic snapshot of the 70s. From vibrant costumes to disco tunes, it manages to encapsulate an era defined by change and upheaval. While not everyone may connect with its specific comedic style, "Car Wash" offers a unique charm through its lively characters and memorable music, reflecting a day in the life with both comedy and a hint of poignancy.

Review of "Car Wash" Blu-ray Release

"Car Wash," a comedic gem from the 70s, remains a nostalgic thrill for fans of the era's unique humor and ensemble-driven narratives. Directed by Michael Schultz and penned by Joel Schumacher, the film’s charm is anchored by its diverse cast, including Richard Pryor, Franklyn Ajaye, and Darrow Igus. Shout Factory's Blu-ray release does justice to the film by presenting it in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio with a pristine DTS-HD MA Mono audio track. Although the film wears its age, the high-quality technical specs breathe new life into this classic, making it a treat for both longtime enthusiasts and new viewers.

Shout Factory's handling of "Car Wash" Blu-ray is commendable. The video transfer is notably solid, offering clear and vibrant visuals that elevate the viewing experience. The Blu-ray release also scores well on the audio front, providing a clean and engaging sound that complements the film’s lively soundtrack. Additionally, Shout Factory includes attractive reversible covers—a nod to the original artwork that will delight collectors. The extras further enrich the package, featuring informative content that deepens appreciation for the film.

In conclusion, "Car Wash" is a delightful mixture of comedy and nostalgia with moments of political poignancy that resonate even today. While it may feel dated, it maintains an enduring appeal through its spirited characters and catchy music. This Blu-ray release is a superior package for this classic, packed with valuable extras and delivered with high technical standards. It's definitely worth adding to any classic comedy collection, though newcomers might want to rent it before committing to a purchase. Highly recommended for fans of 70s cinema and collectors alike.