Airplane! Blu-ray Review

The classic comedy "Airplane!" celebrates forty years of laugh-inducing air travel with a brand-new, state-of-the-art 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode. This upgrade from the previous 2012 Blu-ray iteration, benefiting from a recent 4K remaster of the original elements, doesn't provide a dramatic difference but unquestionably offers an enhanced viewing experience. The HD presentation significantly improves contrast and brightness balance, boasting crisper whites and better detail visibility in high-luminance spots. Black levels are richer and maintain finer details in shadowy sections, giving the 1.85:1 image a cinematic depth and engaging appeal. The earth-tone palette is slightly more vibrant, with browns and yellows appearing more lively, while primary colors, especially reds, are rendered more vividly.

The prime critique of this otherwise excellent transfer is that the overall definition does not dramatically surpass its predecessor. This limitation can be attributed to the original elements' condition and the cinematography's quality. Despite this, the picture quality is exceptional for a forty-year-old film, displaying neat and detailed lines on clothing and the airplane's retro interior. Facial complexions are healthfully vivid, revealing fine wrinkles and minor blemishes on the actors. Instances of blurriness and softness are predominantly linked to scene transitions and old stock footage within the film. Despite these minor issues, "Airplane!" has never looked better, offering fans a visually refreshed and more immersive experience.

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The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "Airplane!" on Blu-ray delivers a strong, though not groundbreaking, auditory experience. The film’s audio is presented in a clear and balanced manner, making dialogue easily discernible even during the more chaotic scenes. The soundscape is aptly spacious, immersing viewers in the comedic catastrophe with well-placed effects and a nuanced score. However, while the remastering succeeds in maintaining a clean and relatively dynamic range, it falls just short of achieving the immersive depth found in more modern mixes.

The low-end frequencies are handled competently, providing a solid foundation without overwhelming the comedic elements that drive the narrative. Surround channels are employed effectively to create a lively environment, notably in crowd sequences and during scenes with heightened activity, adding dimensionality without detracting from the clarity of the main auditory elements. Despite its adequate sound field expansion, the audio track sometimes lacks the punch and detail that would elevate it to a reference-quality experience.

Overall, the soundtrack preserves the film’s original charm while benefiting from contemporary audio technologies inherent to the DTS-HD MA 5.1 format. Yet, it falls short of offering an exceptional auditory transformation that would justify higher praise. The experience remains enjoyable and sufficiently robust for a film of its era, albeit with room for more impactful enhancements in sound design and fidelity.

The Blu-ray extras for "Airplane!" are comprehensive and professionally curated, perfect for both fans and film historians. The content includes engaging discussions from the film's original creators, offering a deep dive into the making of this iconic comedy. The visual and audio quality are top-notch, ensuring an enhanced experience as you relive hilarious and memorable moments. The physical presentation of the SteelBook case is outstanding, featuring the twisted airplane hull in a bright blue sky, with attention to detail on both front and back covers. This collection is an invaluable addition for any film enthusiast.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful commentary from the original filmmakers.
• Q&A with the Directors: Filmmakers share anecdotes and answer audience questions.
• Filmmaker Focus: Interview piece discussing production highlights.
• Isolated Score: Experience the film’s score in high definition.

Paramount's widely released 40th Anniversary Limited SteelBook Edition of "Airplane!" is notable for maintaining the same disc and digital content as the concurrently issued wide release. The film, directed by Jerry Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and David Zucker, exemplifies the trio's expert blend of slapstick, parody, and clever deconstruction of genre conventions. Initially springing onto the scene after the success of "Kentucky Fried Movie," "Airplane!" became a cult comedy classic. Despite some jokes feeling dated, its endless absurdity and swift transitions between gags remain effective, showcasing the filmmakers' knack for satirical commentary on disaster movies.

The brilliance of "Airplane!" lies not only in its non-stop comedic tempo but also its clever disassembly of genre tropes, particularly those borrowed from the 1957 action-drama "Zero Hour!". The Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker team efficiently exposes the repetitive and often preposterous nature of action-adventure film structures, making these tropes appear brainless and half-baked. Through discerning humor and sharp jabs at audience expectations, the film’s juvenile sense of humor is sophisticatedly interwoven with smart genre critiques. The ensemble cast of respected actors further strengthens the humor and creativity, ensuring "Airplane!" remains one of the finest comedy spoofs.

On the technical front, the Blu-ray disc is housed in a Region Free, BD50 disc within a SteelBook casing, alongside a digital copy flyer. Users can redeem the digital version via paramountmovies.com in HD with Dolby Digital audio or opt for VUDU to access the 4K Dolby Vision HDR version with Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 audio. The disc starts directly on a static menu screen featuring background music and usual navigation options, providing a seamless user experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Airplane!" in its SteelBook edition offers an engaging package for both long-time fans and new viewers, maintaining its status as a cultural touchstone in the comedy genre. A hallmark of satire, the film continues to deliver a mix of gut-busting laughs and hearty chuckles, despite some jokes aging over time. With the Blu-ray's updated presentation, viewers can experience the 1980 classic with an improved and slightly better video quality that enhances the visual comedy. The DTS-HD MA soundtrack remains the same as the previous HD release, ensuring that the auditory elements match the high standards set by prior editions.

This 40th Anniversary Limited Edition includes a pair of new supplements that add value beyond mere nostalgia. Although not groundbreaking, they provide additional insights and enrich the viewing experience for both new audiences and seasoned fans. The SteelBook itself, though fairly unimaginative in its design by repurposing the movie's main artwork, is still a step above a generic Photoshop cover, making it a collectible item that will be appreciated by aficionados of the format.

In conclusion, while the SteelBook may not break new creative ground in packaging, the enhanced video quality and the inclusion of new supplemental materials make this 40th Anniversary Limited Edition Blu-ray of "Airplane!" highly recommended. Both fans of the film and collectors of SteelBook editions will likely find this release to be a worthwhile addition to their collection.