Top Secret! Blu-ray Review

The "Top Secret!" Blu-ray presents a complex case of inconsistent video quality, leaving much to be desired for an upgraded viewing experience. As it stands, the 1080p transfer is plagued with several technical issues that undermine its potential. Key challenges include evident encode flaws and poor grain management, resulting in chunky, unwieldy grain effects and broken detail. Macro blocking artifacts occasionally surface but are not pervasive enough to severely cripple the presentation. Overall, clarity marginally surpasses standard definition levels, but lacks the crispness expected from a Blu-ray release.

The color palette lacks vibrancy, presenting a flat and washed-out appearance with evident issues such as black crush and overly bright whites. Skin tones appear pale and lack definition. While the source material is free from major spotting or speckling, the image still suffers from over-processing, giving it a meshy overall look. The transfer appears to be derived from an outdated HD master, possibly a relic from the original DVD release, which has undergone excessive fiddling.

Despite a few scenes that show potential and hint at what could have been a fine upgrade, these moments are overshadowed by the overall mishandling of the visual elements. Issues like smoothing, excessive edge enhancement, and compression artifacts severely detract from the cinematic experience. Consequently, for those considering upgrading from an earlier DVD version, this Blu-ray does little to justify discarding the older format, pointing to a missed opportunity for a truly enhanced home viewing option.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless configuration of "Top Secret!" appears inconsistent in its spatial delivery, predominantly favoring a front-heavy sound profile. Despite the potential for immersive audio with a 5.1 configuration, the soundtrack rarely ventures beyond the front and center channels. The opening title song introduces some token surround content, yet it quickly retreats to a mainly front-oriented presentation, limiting the audio depth and texture that many might expect from such a format.

Although dialogue clarity is maintained—clean, clear, and well-positioned at the center—ambient and action audio content seems considerably confined. There is a notable absence of surround vitality, which diminishes the dynamic impact of specific scenes, particularly those involving musical numbers on stage. Despite Val Kilmer’s songs being transmitted without issue, the overall sound environment feels restrained and lacks the engaging richness that exemplary surround soundtracks can provide.

While technical execution ensures acceptable clarity and prioritization without audible distortion, the mix fails to capitalize on the full potential of a 5.1 setup. The sporadic presence of sound effects and music cues in rear channels, which appear without logical placement or purpose, further emphasize this shortcoming. Although the track maintains basic standards of speech intelligibility and audio cleanliness, its lack of immersive dimensions makes it less remarkable for an audio enthusiast seeking a robust cinematic experience.

The Blu-ray edition of "Top Secret!" provides a commendable selection of extras, appealing to enthusiasts of classic comedy. It features an engaging audio commentary offering insights from directors Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, Jerry Zucker, producers Jon Davidson, and Hunt Lowry, along with moderator Fred Rubin. This lively commentary enriches the viewing experience with behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Fans will appreciate the alternate scenes, although presented in 480i resolution, as they offer humorous material in a slightly broader context. Of special note is the "Bookstore Backwards" sequence, uniquely shown in forward motion, which adds a new dimension to this famous scene. The package rounds off with the theatrical trailer, giving viewers a nostalgic glimpse of the film's original promotion. Overall, these extras make for a valued extension of the core feature, despite the lack of a slipcover and DVD copy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Engaging commentary by directors and producers moderated by Fred Rubin.
• Alternate Scenes: Deleted bits offering additional humor.
• Bookstore Backwards: The famous sequence presented in forward motion.
• Theatrical Trailer: Offers a nostalgic glimpse into the film’s promotion.

"Top Secret!"—a comedic tapestry from the creators of "Airplane!"—takes viewers on a wild, genre-defying ride. With a narrative constructed primarily as an excuse for skits and sketches, it precariously balances between absurd hilarity and structured chaos. Set against the backdrop of Cold War tensions, Val Kilmer, in his feature film debut, embodies Nick Rivers, an Elvis-like rock star turned reluctant spy. The plot, such as it is, involves elaborate schemes of espionage and resistance against a menacing East German regime, blending historical pastiche with musical parody. While the storyline holds as much water as a sieve, its true strength lies in isolated comedic sequences that sporadically hit the mark.

The film's charm is in its eccentric presentation and unapologetic randomness. While some sketched vignettes resonate with timeless humor, others fall flat, heavily relying on the audience's tolerance for scattered genre parodies. With nods to Elvis, spy thrillers, and even beach films, cinematographic ingenuity at times outpaces its script's coherence. In contrast to later parodic fails of similar ilk, "Top Secret!" finds sporadic success through its detailed and inventive visual gags. The trio of Abrahams and Zucker demonstrate competent filmmaking, avoiding the clutter of modern parody for a (mostly) cohesive stream of pastiche.

Val Kilmer shines not through character depth but sheer exuberant presence, lifting every scene he occupies. The supporting cast, featuring Peter Cushing and Jeremy Kemp among others, adds flavor to the already eclectic mix with their deadpan delivery amidst chaos. Nostalgia might cloud judgment for some viewers, imbuing the film's laughter with sentiment. Ultimately, this slapstick extravaganza may not clutter its genre's hall of fame but offers an amusing diversion with a surprising number of comedic hits hidden within its haphazard construction.

"Top Secret!" presents an eclectic mix of humor characteristic of Zucker, Abrahams, and Zucker, albeit with a less cohesive narrative. The film revels in a series of gags, prominently featuring Val Kilmer's memorable debut as a comedic lead. It's a film that can consistently provide laughter, regardless of familiarity with its absurdist plot. However, fans should be prepared for some pacing challenges where the humor occasionally wanes.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Top Secret!" leaves much to be desired. The video quality suffers from a substandard transfer, displaying features indicative of neglected catalog releases. Audio fares slightly better but still falls short of expectations, missing the immersive experience expected from such comedic gems. While new supplemental content is minimal, the group commentary track stands out as a highlight, offering enjoyable insights and behind-the-scenes anecdotes for longtime fans.

In conclusion, while "Top Secret!" may not compare to other ZAZ classics like "Airplane!," it maintains its charm through brilliant comedic sequences and Kilmer's engaging performance. Despite its lackluster Blu-ray presentation, it remains an essential watch for comedy aficionados. New viewers might want to temper their expectations regarding A/V quality, whereas longtime fans could consider sticking to existing DVD versions unless an upgrade is imperative for collection purposes.