The Toy Blu-ray Review

"The Toy" on Blu-ray delivers an impressive 1080p, AVC-encoded video presentation that revitalizes this classic Sony catalog title. The vibrant cinematography by the late László Kovács is masterfully reproduced, especially highlighted in the vivid opening sequence where credits are displayed on oversized children's blocks amidst an array of toys. The film maintains a consistently detailed image quality across both soundstages and outdoor shots. Natural grain is present but never obtrusive, except in a few source-based scenes, such as Jack and Eric’s hiking sequence. While some may find the image soft by modern digital standards, this softness aligns with the photographic techniques of the period and does not detract from the fine detail visible in faces, costumes, and set pieces.

Color reproduction is notably distinct, with brighter and more varied colors showcased in the Bates mansion and contrasted with more subdued hues in Jack’s neighborhood. Richard Pryor’s wardrobe similarly stands out, enhancing his character’s lively presence without appearing overly saturated. Deep black levels are largely well-executed, with only minor instances of shadow crushing that appear source-related. There is no evidence of artificial sharpening, high frequency filtering, or compression artifacts, ensuring a clean and natural viewing experience. This Blu-ray release markedly improves upon its predecessors, offering both bright contrast levels and remarkable fine detail that enhance the film's visual appeal even decades later.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray edition of "The Toy" delivers a commendable upgrade from its original format. Presented in uncompressed PCM mono, the soundtrack maintains excellent clarity and detail, ensuring both dialogue and background atmospherics are reproduced vividly. When played through stereo speakers in direct mode, the track offers a wide soundstage reminiscent of a theatrical array. Utilization of a matrix decoder results in the channels focusing on the center speaker, further enhancing dialogue precision. The score by Patrick Williams is delivered with pleasant musicality and sufficient dynamic range.

Adding to the audio experience, the soundtrack provides an appreciable sense of space and presence. Many scenes that feature ambient noise benefit from a decently wide soundstage image while preserving a clean and sharp mid-range. This ensures that the few action sequences remain intelligible and impactful. Particularly noteworthy is the robust low-end, which enriches the music and various discrete effects throughout the film. The Blu-ray edition thus offers an enjoyable high-rez audio track that lives up to the expectations of fans of this Richard Donner-directed Richard Pryor classic.

The Blu-ray release of "The Toy" unfortunately falls short in the extras department, offering a bare-bones package that leaves much to be desired for enthusiasts seeking additional content. Unlike previous editions which included minimal bonuses, this release omits even basic features like the film’s trailer. This is a missed opportunity to enrich the viewing experience with behind-the-scenes insights, interviews, or commentary.

Extras included in this disc:

None

Richard Donner's "The Toy," although it aspires to tackle socially relevant themes such as racism, class struggle, and the impersonal nature of wealth, ultimately falls short due to its inconsistent narrative and poorly executed humor. Featuring the unusual pairing of Richard Pryor and Jackie Gleason, the film suffers from an unfocused plot that meanders between family drama, capitalist critique, and political satire. Despite Donner’s typically reliable direction, continuity issues and a screenplay by Carol Sobieski that fails to coherently blend its many themes result in a disjointed viewing experience. The film's attempt at comedy, including scenes where Pryor dons a maid’s uniform and a ludicrous pie fight, lacks logical cohesiveness and comedic impact.

Richard Pryor's character, Jack Brown, an unemployed journalist forced to take humiliating jobs to save his home, is never given the opportunity to settle into a workable comic rhythm. Similarly, Gleason's portrayal of the domineering tycoon U.S. Bates comes off as one-dimensional and stereotypical. The storyline involving Bates' spoiled son Eric, who whimsically demands Jack as his human toy, touches on sensitive racial and social issues but quickly sidesteps these complexities with surface-level jokes. This lack of depth undermines any potential for genuine social commentary or moral resolution. Moreover, the film’s abrupt tonal shifts—from slapstick humor to earnest moralizing—further contribute to its lack of cohesion.

Despite a few bright spots, such as Teresa Ganzel's flighty performance as Bates’ trophy wife and the occasional effective comedic setup, the overall execution leaves much to be desired. The characters, including the dotty English butler and German nanny, seem as lost as the film itself in their clichéd roles. In the end, "The Toy" presents more as a scattershot collection of scenes rather than a thoughtfully constructed narrative. While it may offer momentary amusement, it remains one of Richard Pryor’s more forgettable cinematic endeavors.

"The Toy" is a 1982 comedy directed by Richard Donner and stars Richard Pryor and Jackie Gleason. The storyline revolves around the uncomfortable and controversial dynamic where Pryor's character is essentially purchased as a plaything for Gleason’s young son. The film aims to be a social commentary on contemporary economic struggles and class issues but falls short due to its heavy-handed and often insulting approach. Despite its problematic premise, the movie possesses moments of humor, although these instances do not overshadow its overall lackluster delivery.

The Blu-ray presentation from Image/Sony offers significant technical improvements over previous home video releases. The video transfer is commendable, with a clean and vibrant image quality that enhances the film's visual appeal. Additionally, the audio quality is robust, providing a clear and dynamic listening experience. However, it is worth noting that the Blu-ray release is devoid of any bonus features, which might dissuade potential buyers who seek additional content.

If you're already a fan of "The Toy" or a Richard Pryor or Jackie Gleason completist, then you won't be disappointed by Image/Sony's presentation of the film on Blu-ray. If you want to see either of these great talents doing the kind of comic work that made them icons, look elsewhere. This is a film that is most definitely not recommended.