Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Blu-ray Review

The Shout Factory re-release of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" features a meticulously crafted 2K scan that stands as a significant upgrade from its MGM Blu-ray predecessor. Presented in a 1080p AVC encoded transfer with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, this new master retains flawless film grain, eliminating any previously noticeable print damages or artifacts. Color rendition is notably enhanced, offering robust and warm hues that amplify the film’s picturesque landscapes and opulent interiors. The greenery and sunlit vistas pop with vibrancy, while interior scenes like casino floors and hotel rooms exhibit detailed primaries, especially evident in the lush greens of gambling tables and the rich reds of chips.

Fine detail is impressively preserved, delivering sheer clarity in textures, from Michael Caine’s sophisticated suits to the fibrous and silky clothing. Although some minor instances of soft focus and judder are present, they scarcely detract from the overall viewing experience. Skin tones exhibit a slightly heavier redness, though it adds a certain vitality to close-ups, capturing the characters’ nuances beautifully. The beach scenes are particularly striking, with every pore and texture in the beachscape revealing an unprecedented level of detail. Actors' aging and makeup transformations are immaculate, offering a dimensional clarity that adds depth to each scene without overwhelming the film's vintage charm.

Overall, this 2K scan provides an enriched HD viewing experience that showcases "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" in its finest visual form yet. The rich color palette and robust detailing revive this classic comedy, making it feel both timeless and freshly revitalized. Whether it's the luxurious settings or finely aged costumes, every visual element is rendered with precision, underscoring the meticulous efforts behind this release.

The audio presentation of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" on Blu-ray, delivered through a DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix, offers a faithful and engaging listening experience, consistent with its previous releases. This track is appropriately dialog-centric for this type of comedic feature, ensuring the crisp and clear delivery of dialogue, which remains focal throughout the film. Surround sound utilization is subtle but effective, enhancing scenes with environmental noises like horn honks in casinos and bustle at the French Riviera. The front soundstage carries most of the load, while the surrounds contribute minimally with some delightful, understated details.

Low-frequency extension remains balanced, primarily emphasizing the jazzy Miles Goodman score, which resonates fully and complements the film's tone. The audio's dynamics are well-managed, providing a smooth and consistent volume throughout, essential for a comedy that relies heavily on verbal exchanges. Beachside atmospherics and background noises enhance scenes with an agreeable sense of space, adding to the viewing’s overall immersion without overwhelming the primary audio components.

Scoring and music represent a significant element of the mix, particularly during more potent moments such as club scenes with deep dance beats. These instances display a satisfying low-end response, breaking away from the mainly frontal audio presence and offering a more enveloping sonic experience. Despite the mix's front-heavy nature, the audio track maintains a pleasant balance that aligns harmoniously with the film’s comedic and light-hearted essence. Overall, while not groundbreaking, this DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix provides a solid, natural-sounding experience suited to the easygoing nature of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels."

The Blu-ray release of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" offers a comprehensive suite of extras that provide a rich, multifaceted understanding of the film’s production and legacy. Particularly noteworthy is the newly produced interview with writer Dale Launer, which offers an in-depth narrative on the film's complex development journey, including numerous casting changes and script refinements, culminating in the final pairing of Steve Martin and Michael Caine. The vintage featurette gives a succinct yet informative glimpse into the on-set experiences and production nuances. Additionally, Frank Oz’s audio commentary remains a delightful, engaging exploration of the filmmaking process, filled with technical insights and memorable anecdotes. This release also thoughtfully includes original marketing materials such as trailers, some with optional commentary from Oz, offering a peek into the promotional strategies of the time.

Extras included on this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Features director Frank Oz.
• Interview with Writer Dale Launer: An in-depth look at the film's origins and production challenges.
• Vintage Featurette: On-set interviews and production insights.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Teaser Trailer: Promotional teaser.
• Teaser Trailer with Commentary: Insights from Frank Oz on trailer creation.

"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" encapsulates the perfect blend of sly humor, physical comedy, and charm, making it a standout in the careers of both Steve Martin and Michael Caine. The film, set against the picturesque backdrop of Beaumont-sur-Mer in the French Riviera, follows the sophisticated conman Lawrence Jamieson (Caine) as he mentors the crude, small-time hustler Freddy Benson (Martin). Martin and Caine’s dynamic performances drive the film, with Martin channeling his slapstick antics and Caine delivering droll quips, both actors feeding off each other’s energies to create an unmatchable comedic duo. Frank Oz’s direction allows this interplay to flourish while screenwriter Dale Launer’s script balances potentially distasteful jokes with an undercurrent of clever humor.

The plot, involving a bet to swindle $50,000 from the unsuspecting soap heiress Janet Colgate (Glenne Headly), sets up a series of escalating cons and deceptions. The film's structure enables Martin and Caine to showcase their versatility as they portray various caricatures to deceive Janet and each other. This leads to standout scenes like Martin’s portrayal of the mentally deficient “brother” Ruprecht and his antics with a Mad Magazine. Though some viewers might predict the twist long before the reveal, the journey—embellished by sophisticated cons and humorous escapades—is what keeps the audience engaged.

Technically, Shout Factory's Blu-ray release does the film justice with a new 2K scan that offers a crisp, filmic picture quality. The 1080p resolution with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 offers rich colors and deep blacks without significant artifacts or motion distortions. This Collector’s Edition provides a visually satisfying experience that complements the film’s timeless humor and impeccable performances, reinforcing "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" as a beloved classic that has aged incredibly well over the decades.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: A Technical Review

"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" remains a pinnacle of comedic cinema, thanks in large part to the dynamic performances of Steve Martin and Michael Caine. Directed by Frank Oz, the film masterfully navigates the delicate balance between subtle humor and broad comedy. Martin and Caine, with their impeccable timing and nuanced reactions, bring a seemingly effortless chemistry that elevates the narrative. Their portrayals turn what could have been a mere run-of-the-mill comedy into a memorable cinematic experience. The super glue solvent scene exemplifies this, showcasing both their individual talents and their combined comedic prowess.

Shout Factory’s Blu-ray release stands out primarily for its improved video quality, which features a pristine 2K scan that revitalizes the film’s color palette and addresses previous image damage. The audio options include English DTS-HD MA 5.1 and English DTS-HD MA 2.0, ensuring a robust auditory experience to match the visual enhancements. However, while the overall A/V presentation is commendable, the supplementary material falls short of expectations for a collector's edition. The inclusion of only one new extra might disappoint avid fans accustomed to Shout Factory’s usual abundance of fresh content.

Despite the minor shortcomings in special features, this Blu-ray edition of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" is highly recommended for both long-time fans and first-time viewers. The combination of outstanding performances and improved technical specifications make this release a worthy addition to any collection.

Conclusion

"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" is still my favorite Steve Martin movie of all time, and whenever I introduce a friend to the film they end up loving it nearly as much as I do. It’s witty, charming, stupid, and utterly hilarious from beginning to end, with Steve Martin and Michael Caine playing off of each other beautifully. The Shout Factory collector’s edition sports great video, excellent audio, and a rather decent array of extras. Must watch in my humble opinion.