Brewster's Millions Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Brewster's Millions" from Shout Factory, utilizing an AVC encoded image in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, offers a visually satisfying experience that maintains the quality of the original 2017 Universal release. The transfer showcases warm, vibrant colors and exceptional detail levels. The deep blues of the baseball uniforms and the lush greenery stand out, while golds and neons are elegant and vivid. The master’s preservation of natural skintones and fibrous costuming details is commendable, highlighting facial features and the differences between Brewster’s modest attire and the more polished looks of wealthier characters.

While the overall picture quality remains stable and pleasing, there are a few minor imperfections. Some scenes, especially dimmer shots, exhibit slight black crush, and there's occasional evidence of grain smoothing. However, these issues don't detract significantly from the overall viewing experience. The source material appears to be in good condition, devoid of significant wear and tear. Viewers can appreciate the pockmarks on Richard Pryor's face and the stitching on his uniform, emphasizing Shout Factory's successful replication of Universal's master.

This Blu-ray release encapsulates a delightful visual upgrade that ensures the film's mild visual highlights are preserved. The colors are vibrant, delineation consistent, and details robust, adding a layer of immersion to this catalog title.

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix of the "Brewster's Millions" Blu-ray presentation by Shout Factory inherits similar characteristics to the earlier 2017 Universal release. Despite the effort, the audio remains notably flat and lacks vibrancy. Dialogues are clean and understandable, but their clarity is undermined by a slightly muddled and muted quality that falls short of being truly lifelike or rich. The mix executes well enough without major hisses or crackles but fails to elevate beyond a "decent" benchmark.

Supporting the film's limited sound design, the mix achieves acceptable dialogue exchanges while maintaining emotional underpinnings such as Montgomery's panic attacks and argumentative tendencies. Although the score occasionally overshadows modest performances with its loudness, the instrumentation delivers satisfactorily. Atmospherics, like ballpark commotion and street activity, are present but lack distinctiveness. Overall, it’s a sufficient audio track yet doesn’t offer a substantial enhancement over previous releases.

The Blu-ray edition of "Brewster's Millions" is complemented by a series of well-curated extras, providing in-depth insights into the film's creation and its historical context. The audio commentary, hosted by film critics William Bibbiani and Witney Seibold, offers nuanced perspectives on the film's themes and production. An engaging interview with screenwriter Herschel Weingrod delves into the adaptation process, including key decisions like casting Richard Pryor and eliminating race issues from the screenplay. The inclusion of the 1945 adaptation, starring Dennis O'Keefe and Helen Walker, provides a valuable comparison to the modern take, showcasing the evolution of the story over time. Additional features like the still gallery and theatrical trailer round out a robust package that enriches the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio commentary with William Bibbiani and Witney Seibold: Insightful discussion on film themes and production.
• Interview with screenwriter Herschel Weingrod: Explores adaptation process, casting choices, and screenplay adjustments.
• Brewster's Millions – 1945 adaptation: Classic take on the original novel with DTS-HD MA sound.
• Theatrical trailer: Provides a nostalgic promotional perspective.
• Still gallery: Compilation of publicity shots and film stills.

Director Walter Hill, predominantly recognized for his work on action films, ventures into comedy with "Brewster’s Millions," a 1985 remake adaptation of George Barr McCutcheon’s 1903 novel. This film continues the enduring tale of Monty Brewster, played by Richard Pryor, an aging minor league baseball player tasked with spending $30 million in 30 days to inherit a more substantial fortune of $300 million, under strict conditions that preclude telling anyone about the challenge and retaining any assets. Supported by John Candy's character Spike and Lonette McKee’s Angela Drake, Pryor’s portrayal successfully conveys the manic panic and charm required to navigate the taxing spending spree while dealing with sabotage from his great-uncle’s conniving lawyers.

Pryor delivers an engaging performance as Montgomery Brewster, blending moments of natural comedic flair with everyday earnestness. His journey starts from financial instability to the high-pressure task of frivolously spending an unimaginable amount of money without raising too many eyebrows. The supporting cast, including John Candy’s energetic and anxious best friend Spike, and Lonette McKee’s practical but critical Angela, enrich the narrative. As Brewster attempts various extravagant yet amusing schemes, from investing in a motorized glacier company to staging an exhibition game with the New York Yankees, the film balances lighthearted comedy with palpable tension.

The narrative excitement remains unwavering as Brewster’s relentless and secretive attempts to squander his fortune play out against the backdrop of 1980s opulence. While some subplots, such as Brewster's brief political campaign, may not sustain the same level of interest, the overall fluidity is maintained through energetic performances and inventive scenarios. Hill’s directorial approach eschews broad comedic strokes for a nuanced depiction of desperation and fortitude, ensuring "Brewster’s Millions" resonates as a charming and entertaining piece within our culturally iconic 80s cinema landscape.

Walter Hill crafts an engaging and pleasantly paced rendition of "Brewster's Millions," with Richard Pryor delivering a charismatic performance complemented by the affable presence of John Candy. The film dives into the roller coaster of emotions experienced by Pryor's character, Montgomery Brewster, as he embarks on a month-long mission of extravagant spending. Hill's approach prioritizes a laid-back ambiance and paints an amusingly chaotic portrait of media frenzy, ensuring a consistent stream of engagement but stopping short of delivering robust belly laughs. Still, this particular adaptation stands among the more successful efforts to bring the 1902 novel to life on screen.

Shout Factory's Blu-ray release does justice to the 1985 film with commendable audio and video quality. The visual presentation is delivered in a 1.85:1 AVC aspect ratio, capturing the essence of the original cinematography, while the English DTS-HD MA 2.0 soundtrack offers clear and well-balanced audio. Although no additional restoration was conducted on this release from Universal's masters, the result still showcases respectable technical specifications given the source material's age. The inclusion of new commentary features enriches the viewing experience, making it a valuable addition, especially for those who do not already own previous editions.

In conclusion, while this release may not be a must-have upgrade for those who possess the prior 2017 edition due to the similar audio and video quality, it does stand as an ideal purchase for newcomers to the film. The Shout Factory Blu-ray emerges as the most feature-rich and technically sound option available, ensuring that "Brewster's Millions" remains an enjoyable watch whether revisited for nostalgia or discovered anew. Highly recommended for both quality content and its inclusion of engaging bonus materials.