Big Man on Campus Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Big Man on Campus" comes with a 1080p transfer encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, maintaining an aspect ratio of 2.35:1. Sourced from a new 2K master struck from an interpositive, the film exhibits outstanding clarity, depth, and picture perfect color balance. Primaries are vibrant, lush, and well-balanced, providing a visually pleasing experience. Although there are minor fluidity issues not as seamless as 4K in some scenes, these are barely noticeable and practically disappear when upscaled to 4K. The image stability is excellent and there are no signs of problematic digital corrections, ensuring a spotless viewing experience.

Shot by Bojan Bazelli using 35mm film with Panavision cameras and lenses, the HD master from a 2K scan captures fine details remarkably. Elements such as Bob’s clothing, hoarded furniture in the clock tower, matted hair, and lush trees are vividly delineated, enhancing the visual immersion. The contrast is exceptional, whether it’s in deep shadows of the clock tower where the creature first appears or in scenes with bright hues. Every frame is sharp and detailed, affirming the high quality of the transfer. For anyone watching within Region-A or with Region-Free players, this presentation delivers a top-tier visual experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Big Man on Campus" features a single audio track: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles that appear within the image frame. This 2.0 track is surprisingly robust and ranks among the best offered by Kino Lorber. The audio presentation delivers excellent dynamic contrasts, especially evident in action sequences featuring Bob's antics, which can easily be considered as 'reference material'. The level of detail and clarity in this 2.0 track sets a high bar even compared to major action film releases.

Dialogue throughout is clear and precise, enhancing the viewer's experience significantly. The film's protagonist, Bob, transitions from guttural sounds to speaking with deliberate emphasis in a deep voice as he learns to talk, and this is captured flawlessly. Ambient noises around the college campus are seamlessly integrated with the dialogue and music, contributing to an engaging auditory environment. Joseph Vitarelli's score is light and upbeat, complementing the film without overwhelming the comedic elements. Overall, the audio presentation of "Big Man on Campus" on Blu-ray is outstandingly effective considering its stereo nature, offering a balanced and immersive listening experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Big Man on Campus" provide a rich reservoir of insights and behind-the-scenes revelations that truly enhance the viewing experience. Notably, Allan Katz, who stars as the protagonist, offers a compelling new perspective on the film’s genesis and themes in "What About Bob?". Director Jeremy Kagan and critic Andrew Bentler's audio commentary delivers an informative journey through the film's production stages, casting choices, and thematic influences, revealing pivotal trivia such as Dustin Hoffman's initial interest in the lead role. An alternative ending, accompanied by optional commentary, adds further depth, alongside a visually compelling stills gallery set to music. The restored original trailer caps off a comprehensive suite of extras that any fan of the film will find indispensable.

Extras included in this disc:

• What About Bob?: Actor and screenwriter Allan Katz discusses the film's genesis and themes.
• Commentary: Director Jeremy Kagan and critic Andrew Bentler delve into production details.
• Alternate Ending: Presented with optional commentary by Jeremy Kagan.
• Stills Gallery: Presented with music.
• Trailer: Restored original trailer for the film.

Jeremy Kagan's "Big Man on Campus" (1989) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber. This quirky comedy-drama, which pays homage to Victor Hugo's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," follows the story of Bob, a mysterious creature living in a UCLA clock tower. Bob, played by Allan Katz, who is also the screenwriter, is a unique character that evolves charmingly as he emerges to protect and win the heart of Kathy (Melora Hardin). The film takes viewers through a whimsical yet heartfelt transformation journey as Bob interacts with Dr. Webster (Tom Skerritt) and reluctantly becomes roommates with Kathy’s boyfriend, Alex (Corey Parker).

Katz’s portrayal of Bob is the film's nucleus, blending oddity and charm through expressive facial movements and body language that imbue the narrative with warmth and positive energy. Despite being initially caricatured as a revamped Hunchback figure, Bob's unique personality and inept reintegration into society evoke humor and genuine affection, making his predictable path nonetheless delightful to watch. However, the film's secondary actors fall short of matching Katz’s dynamism. Their performances are somewhat lackluster, with Cindy Williams’ role notably adding an unfortunate touch of artificiality to significant story developments.

Visually, "Big Man on Campus" benefits from the guidance of director of photography Bojan Bazelli, known for his work on cult classics like Abel Ferrara’s "China Girl" and "King of New York." Interestingly, some scenes in the film elicit nostalgic comparisons to other cultural figures, such as Layne Staley from Alice in Chains. Yet, the film’s most substantial asset remains its heart—despite the simplicity and sometimes silliness of its comedic elements. This new Blu-ray release comes enhanced with features including actor and screenwriter interviews, director’s commentary, a gallery of stills, and optional English SDH subtitles.

"Big Man on Campus" makes a surprising and delightful reentry into the cinematic landscape, particularly caressing those nostalgic yearnings for 1980s quirky comedies. The film stars Allan Katz in a charming and humorous portrayal of Bob Maloogaloogaloogaloogalooga, an uncivilized outcast with a genuine quest for knowledge and acceptance. His character’s innocence and naiveté drive much of the film's comedic elements, providing a smart yet light-hearted series of gags. Co-written by Katz and directed by Jeremy Kagan, "Big Man on Campus" largely succeeds in maintaining a cordial and uplifting ambience, despite occasional instances where the humor feels overly telegraphed. Nevertheless, Katz’s endearing performance enlivens the narrative, ensuring a whimsical journey from start to finish.

From a technical perspective, Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release stands out with an impressive 2K restoration that breathes new life into this often-overlooked gem. The visual clarity and vibrant colors are meticulously preserved, enhancing both ambiance and detail. The audio quality complements the visual experience well, with a clear and balanced soundtrack that underscores the film's playful tone. Additionally, the selection of bonus features further enriches the viewing experience, offering behind-the-scenes insights and interviews that fans and cinephiles alike would find valuable.

In conclusion, "Big Man on Campus" is a commendable return to form for 1980s genre comedies, enriched by Allan Katz's heartfelt performance and its innocent humor. The flaws are rendered insignificant by the film’s genuine warmth and entertainment value. Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray edition is highly recommended for its superb 2K restoration and comprehensive bonus content, ensuring it is a must-have for enthusiasts of nostalgic cinema experiences.