Bugsy Malone Blu-ray Review

Paramount's Blu-ray release of "Bugsy Malone" presents an impressive video transfer, albeit with minor imperfections in its 1080p presentation. Derived from a new 4K transfer of the original film elements, the video showcases a filmic quality with robust and consistent grain texture throughout, offering an authentic cinematic experience. Despite some visible splotches and speckles—most notably around the 24-minute mark—the overall image remains strong, demonstrating an exceptional retention of film-like charm. Textures are meticulously rendered, with impressive sharpness and clarity across skin details, attire, and a variety of set elements, providing viewers with a richly detailed visual canvas.

Color reproduction in this Blu-ray edition is noteworthy, maintaining a balance between a dreamy, airy quality that complements the film's stylized tone and a vibrant color palette marked by intense contrast. While colors display ample depth, the contrast enhances the visual narrative with deep reds and vivid greens. Black levels maintain consistency, while flesh tones appear natural. The occasional occurrence of white blooming effects—such as at 25:55—does not detract from the visual experience but instead seems congruent with the movie's aesthetic design. This Blu-ray release, maintaining the original 1:85:1 aspect ratio, exemplifies how "Bugsy Malone" can look its best on home video, far exceeding the quality of previous VHS editions.

The Blu-ray release of "Bugsy Malone" provides several audio options, including a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track, a 2.0 Dolby Digital mono track, and a 2.0 Dolby Digital French track. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack predominantly focuses on the front channels, delivering a solid listening experience with an emphasis on dialogue and music clarity. While the surround channels are not heavily utilized, the front side staging is effectively broad, offering detailed instrumental and vocal presentations with impressive fidelity. The signature sound effects, such as the splurge guns, feature a crisp and engaging pop, although they lack the depth typical of a traditional gangster film's more intense soundscape.

The 2.0 Dolby Digital mono and French tracks also maintain a high standard, faithfully capturing dialogue and Paul Williams' acclaimed song score with minimal distortion. These tracks avoid common audio pitfalls like crackling or hissing, ensuring a clean auditory experience. This Blu-ray release represents a significant audio upgrade from prior home video versions, likely being the best this movie will sound in-home viewing environments, making it suitable for audiences who value audio integrity in classic films.

The Blu-ray release of "Bugsy Malone" in the Paramount Presents line offers insightful retrospectives that elevate the viewing experience for enthusiasts. The extras provide a detailed exploration of the film’s creative origins and legacy. Composer Paul Williams shares his compelling journey of conceptualizing music that resonates with the film’s unique tone, while Executive Producer David Puttnam offers a captivating behind-the-scenes perspective on the movie's production and success. The inclusion of classic theatrical trailers delivers a delightful nod to cinema history. These well-crafted segments underscore the enduring charm and influence of "Bugsy Malone," making these extras both informative and engaging for fans and newcomers alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Give a Little Love: Paul Williams on Bugsy Malone: Insight into the film's music composition.
• Filmmaker Focus: Executive Producer David Puttnam on Bugsy Malone: Production insights and project retrospection.
• Theatrical Trailers: Includes trailers for Bugsy Malone, Paper Moon, Grease, and Black Beauty (1971).

Paramount's Blu-ray release of "Bugsy Malone" highlights a film that is often credited with redefining the movie musical. Directed by Alan Parker, this 1929 Prohibition-era tale set in New York City features an entirely young cast including Scott Baio and Jodie Foster, marking an innovative blend of gangster film and musical parody. Portraying the gritty yet playful underworld battle between characters like Fat Sam and Dandy Dan, the storyline uniquely utilizes "splurge guns"—whipped cream-firing weapons—to creatively resolve conflicts. This debut work by Parker is notable for both its lively narrative and the enthusiastic performances of child actors.

One of the film's standout aspects is the music and lyrics by Paul Williams, whose score vibrantly captures the jazz era's essence, earning the film an Oscar nomination. Despite their youthful exuberance, the performances are distinctly marked by adult dubbing, a feature that continues to polarize audiences but adds an otherworldly layer to the production. Williams himself voices appreciation for this unique approach, as expressed in interviews included in this release.

With a cast filled with what have become both familiar and rare faces, "Bugsy Malone" presents a curious mix of promise and unfulfilled dreams. Jodie Foster stands out, notably making waves the same year as her role in "Taxi Driver," while others like Florence Garland and John Cassisi found different paths post-filming. Although some aspects of the film may date it to its era, the Blu-ray release offers a visually polished and sonically enhanced viewing experience that reinforces the film’s status as a cult classic.

"Bugsy Malone" receives a well-deserved spotlight in its Blu-ray release under the 'Paramount Presents' line, showcasing both daring creativity and technical brilliance. Alan Parker's debut feature, a uniquely audacious blend of gangster film and musical with an all-child cast, set a high standard for originality and ingenuity in Hollywood. Despite the inherent risks for a new filmmaker, Parker's gamble paid off, marking a significant milestone in the musical genre and establishing his career. Paramount has honored this cult favorite with a stellar HD transfer, ensuring the visuals retain their whimsical charm and period detail while the audio presentation immerses the viewer in Paul Williams' catchy score.

Though the film did not achieve immediate box-office success in America, it found its audience and gained cult status through home video formats. The Blu-ray edition not only revives "Bugsy Malone" with pristine video and audio quality but also enriches the experience with two insightful featurettes. These extras, although brief, provide valuable context and enhance appreciation for Parker's bold cinematic vision. This release is a comprehensive package that stands out from previous editions, making it a must-have for fans and collectors.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Bugsy Malone" is a triumph that celebrates cinematic audacity and technical excellence. By delivering high-quality video and audio along with thoughtful extras, Paramount has transformed this beloved cult classic into an essential addition to any collection. Alan Parker's innovative approach resonates through decades, proving that risk-taking can indeed yield timeless rewards. Highly recommended for anyone looking to explore or relive this gem of a film.