Taking Care of Business Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation of "Taking Care of Business" on Blu-ray is a modest upgrade from its DVD precursor, courtesy of an older scan from the Disney vaults disseminated by Kino Lorber. Detail levels exhibit a functional quality but often succumb to softness, asserting themselves mainly in locked-down close-ups. Locations appear hazy, lacking the desired sharpness to vividly depict decorative elements. Colors are generally muted, occasionally enlivened by aggressive period hues predominantly visible through costuming and signage during street scenes. Skintones remain reasonably natural yet lack vibrancy and delineation.

Open daylight scenes, particularly those in the prison yard or on L.A. streets, offer some of the best visual moments with healthy colors, decent black levels, and adequate image depth. Indoor studio sequences tend to fare better in middle shots and close-ups, though a pervasive haziness often diminishes detail and color vibrancy. Some primary color saturation is present but not as lively as one might hope. Black levels vary; some scenes showcase excellent depth and others present a slightly hazy appearance. The source material is in good condition, devoid of severe scratches or speckling, but the absence of a new scan limits the overall presentation's potential. This transfer is acceptable but lacks the refinement it could have achieved with a more contemporary scanning process.

The Blu-ray of "Taking Care of Business" features an English DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix that provides a competent listening experience, predominantly driven by its dialogue exchanges. Balancing conversational tones with louder, argumentative moments is achieved with satisfactory emphasis. The prison scene, in particular, showcases the soundscape's ability to become more layered and active, while general atmospherics such as a baseball park's activity and community bustle are adequately captured. The scoring, however, remains supportive but unremarkable, primarily limited to simple instrumentation, with the soundtrack selections standing out more with their rock and roll beats.

While "Taking Care of Business" leverages its sound mix for basic scene-setting, it does not reach beyond functional execution; the sound effects and atmospheric elements merely provide just enough to delineate the environment. Despite this simplicity, the mix remains effective, with no noticeable aging issues and consistently appropriate levels. Though not an audibly remarkable presentation, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix serves the film's comedic narrative well by prioritizing clear dialogue and offering a serviceable backing for key plot moments.

The Blu Ray release of "Taking Care of Business" offers a concise yet valuable selection of bonus features for film aficionados and collectors. The standout addition is the audio commentary featuring screenwriter Jill Mazursky, moderated by Douglas Hosdale. This track provides insightful discussions on the film's production, including successes and challenges, with Hosdale adeptly facilitating a lively and engaging conversation. The inclusion of theatrical trailers offers a nostalgic glimpse into the marketing of the era but does not heavily expand on the film's backstory or production.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary featuring Jill Mazursky: Co-writer Jill Mazursky discusses the writing process and film insights, moderated by Douglas Hosdale.
• Theatrical Trailer: A look back at how "Taking Care of Business" was originally marketed.
• Mr. Destiny Trailer: Promotional preview for "Mr. Destiny."
• The Couch Trip Trailer: Promotional preview for "The Couch Trip."

Taking Care of Business is a 1990 screwball comedy that captures James Belushi’s turn toward leading-man territory within familiar confines. Directed by Arthur Hiller, renowned for hits like The Out-of-Towners and Silver Streak, this film marks the screenwriting debut of J.J. Abrams (credited then as Jeffery Abrams) alongside co-writer Jill Mazursky. The plot juxtaposes the lives of two polar opposite characters—Jimmy Dworski (Belushi), a baseball-obsessed convict escaping for the World Series, and Spencer Barnes (Charles Grodin), an uptight advertising executive who misplaces his crucial Filofax.

Belushi embodies the carefree, party-loving Jimmy with infectious gusto, providing a vehicle for humor despite an overly formulaic plot. The screenplay leans heavily on conventional sitcom elements and low-stakes misunderstandings, which often fail to capture genuine comedic spark. Grodin’s portrayal of Spencer’s descent into chaos following the loss of his Filofax offers moments of physical comedy but is undermined by predictable gags that feel like rehashed bits from better films.

Taking Care of Business flirts with risqué content but generally sticks to safe, pedestrian humor. Coarse language and brief titillations, such as a bikini-clad romantic lead, feel tacked on rather than integral to the comedy. A significant flaw is how little screen time Belushi and Grodin share. Their comedic chemistry shines in the few scenes they appear together, suggesting that more interaction between the leads could have invoked a successful dynamic similar to classic comedic duos. Ultimately, while it delivers occasional laughs, the film feels more like a collection of missed opportunities than the rollicking comedy Hiller might have intended. Despite creative pedigree, it struggles to rise above middling entertainment—a sporadically amusing but ultimately forgettable endeavor.

"Taking Care of Business," a 1990 comedy directed by Arthur Hiller, features the comedic talents of Jim Belushi and Charles Grodin in a story that blends mistaken identity with situational humor. Belushi embodies the role of Jimmy, a lovable ex-con, with his trademark affable lug persona, while Grodin plays Spencer, an uptight executive thrust into a series of misadventures. The film's highlights come from the dynamic between these two leads, whose commitment to the roles injects charm and energy into otherwise uneven gags. The narrative thrives when Belushi’s big-hearted goofiness and Grodin’s physical comedy share the screen, providing genuinely entertaining moments.

However, the film struggles when it veers away from its central duo. The screenplay, managed by Jill Mazursky and J.J. Abrams, shows potential but often misses opportunities for crafting a coherent farce. Arthur Hiller’s direction feels safe and formulaic, with scenes strung together competently but lacking innovative spark. The supporting elements do little to enhance the humor or elevate the stakes, resulting in a flatness that becomes more apparent upon revisiting.

Kino Lorber Studio Classics' Blu-ray release offers a serviceable audiovisual presentation. While the film would have benefitted significantly from a new scan to sharpen its visual quality, the included audio commentary provides valuable context and enriches the viewing experience. Despite its flaws and uneven pace, "Taking Care of Business" remains a notable watch due to the spirited performances of its leads.

Belushi's infectious energy and Grodin's seasoned comedic timing manage to breathe life into an otherwise mediocre script, making it worthwhile for those interested in a lighthearted ’90s comedy. While it may not fully deliver on its potential, the film has its moments and offers enough nostalgia for a pleasant viewing experience.