Up in Smoke Blu-ray Review

The first Blu-ray release of "Up in Smoke" is impressive, offering a strong 2.35:1 1080p presentation. Textural elements are delightful, from the complex detailing of fabrics to the rich environment of rundown houses. Facial lines and other intricate details are sharply defined. While some edges appear soft, these issues seem to stem from the original film source rather than the Blu-ray transfer. Film grain is generally stable, although there are occasional fluctuations, particularly early on. Colors are bright and bold, showcasing a varied palette that highlights everything from natural greens to vibrant reds. The Blu-ray experience is further enhanced by its ability to capture dark tones accurately, preserving detail in shadowed areas.

The Blu-ray's technical encoding using MPEG-4 AVC on a BD-50 disc ensures a clear and crisp image with significant depth and texture throughout. This is a fresh transfer that genuinely benefits from the high-definition treatment. There is good separation between foreground and background elements, providing a cinematic viewing experience with no notable distortion. The encoding maintains deep black levels, complementing the original presentation and retaining detail in dark scenes.

Color reproduction is notable, with the film's 1970s aesthetic shining through. Reds stand out prominently, while browns and yellows maintain a natural appearance. Skin tones are consistent and natural, enhancing facial features in medium and close-up shots without any smoothness. Noise and artifacts are minimal, resulting in a clean and pleasing visual experience. This Blu-ray release is a commendable effort from Paramount, ensuring that fans of this comedy classic will be pleased with the video quality offered.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Up in Smoke" features a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. This track, upmixed from the original 2.0 format, ensures that the vocals, music, and effects are delivered with impressive clarity. Dialogue remains well-prioritized and centralized, devoid of any notable distortions or background interferences, providing a consistently clear listening experience. While the mix is front- and center-heavy, the directional effects and surround elements, such as those during the border crossing scene and the rock concert finale, effectively enhance the sense of space and atmosphere.

The musical elements in "Up in Smoke" are standout components of this DTS-HD MA 5.1 track. Classic tunes, including War's "Low Rider," exhibit substantial intensity, volume, and clarity with a pronounced low-end accompaniment that adds significant weight to the audio experience. The soundtrack adeptly employs dynamic range, ensuring that musical numbers have a robust presence without suffering from analog artifacts like hiss or pops. Surround speakers showcase minimal but critical elements like ambient noises and certain effects that enrich the cinematic ambiance.

Overall, this audio mix handles the separation of vocals, music, and effects with precision. The low-frequency extension highlights musical sequences while ensuring that the accompanying score's booms and bangs are comfortably supported by the LFE channel. Although primarily focused on the front channels, the few instances of surround activity are well-executed, lending authenticity to the film's more animated scenes. This DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix adeptly revives "Up in Smoke," bringing its auditory elements to life with modern clarity and dynamic range.

The 40th Anniversary Edition of "Up in Smoke" delivers a robust selection of bonus features that will delight fans and provide insightful retrospectives. The audio commentary by Cheech Marin and director Lou Adler is particularly engaging, blending technical insights with humorous anecdotes and reactions to various scenes. In "How Pedro Met the Man: Up in Smoke at 40," Marin, Chong, and Adler nostalgically recall their early experiences with marijuana and explore the film's evolution, characters, and memorable moments. The Roach Clips, with optional commentary, are intriguing outtakes that shed light on creative decisions. Additional features include a vintage look back at the making of the movie, animated music videos, and entertaining radio spots, all encapsulating the film’s cultural impact.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Discussion by Cheech Marin and Lou Adler.
• How Pedro Met the Man: Up In Smoke at 40: Interviews and nostalgic recollections.
• Roach Clips with Optional Commentary: Deleted scenes.
• Lighting It Up: A Look Back at Up In Smoke: Historical retrospective.
• Earache My Eye Featuring Alice Bowie: Animated music video.
• Cheech & Chong's The Man Song: Clips compilation.
• Vintage Radio Spots: Promotional audio segments.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original movie trailer.

"Up in Smoke," Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong’s cinematic debut, is widely regarded as a seminal film in the stoner comedy genre. Released in 1978 under the direction of Lou Adler, this cult classic follows protagonists Pedro de Pacas (Marin) and Anthony Stoner (Chong) on a series of wild, marijuana-fueled misadventures. The story begins with their serendipitous meeting, eventually leading to the duo's unwitting transport of a van constructed entirely out of weed across the U.S.-Mexico border. Despite its sometimes uneven pacing and improvisational comedic style, "Up in Smoke" is a landmark movie that paved the way for many subsequent stoner comedies.

The narrative structure leans heavily on sketch-like scenarios rather than a tightly woven plot. This approach produces a raw and unpolished feel that is both a strength and a shortcoming. While some scenes, such as Tom Skerritt’s portrayal of a Vietnam vet experiencing flashbacks, hit their comedic mark effectively, others involving Sgt. Stedenko's (Stacy Keach) narcotics team tend to fall flat. Nevertheless, Marin and Chong’s chemistry and grasp of the stoner lifestyle are undeniable, with their antics serving as the cornerstone of the film's humor. Their interactions with a variety of secondary characters add layers to their escapades, culminating in a rock band contest which showcases their song “Earache My Eye.”

Technically, "Up in Smoke" remains significant due to its cultural relevance and successful box office run, grossing $44 million on a $2 million budget. This commercial success validated stoner comedies as a viable subgenre. Four decades on, its humor endures, capturing the essence of a carefree, irreverent era while subtly commenting on ineffective drug enforcement illustrated through Keach’s performance. Although not perfect, "Up in Smoke" is cherished for its pioneering spirit and lasting impact on comedy cinema. Critics may have been wary initially, but its ability to make audiences laugh continues to stand the test of time.

"Up in Smoke," the quintessential Cheech and Chong film, remains a cornerstone of high comedy, even four decades after its release. Paramount has delivered a commendable Blu-ray release with impressive technical specifications. Featuring a 2.39:1 AVC transfer, the visual quality is remarkable, likely sourced from a recent scan. The audio is just as solid, with options including DTS-HD MA 5.1 for English, and DD Mono for French, Portuguese, and Spanish. Subtitles are available in multiple languages, making this release accessible to a broader audience. The runtime is an efficient 86 minutes, ensuring a fast-paced and entertaining watch.

The Blu-ray edition of "Up in Smoke" doesn't skimp on additional content. Alongside the standard Blu-ray and DVD, a special edition includes the soundtrack in both CD and vinyl LP formats, coupled with artwork, a film poster, and a booklet full of images and behind-the-scenes interviews. The bonus features are substantial and include new interviews that complement the previously released material. Even for those who opt for the more basic version, "Up in Smoke" has never looked or sounded better, making it a worthy addition to any Cheech and Chong collection.

In conclusion, "Up in Smoke" is a lot of fun, and Paramount has done a great job with the technical aspects of the film. Whether you opt for the basic Blu-ray version or splurge on the limited collector's edition of 5,000 copies, this classic film has been meticulously restored and offers a valuable glimpse into the origins of high comedy. Fans and new viewers alike will find this Blu-ray release well worth their time. Recommended for anyone looking to enjoy a piece of comedic history.