Oh, God! Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Oh, God!" showcases a captivating AVC encoded, 1.85:1 aspect ratio image that beautifully captures the film's authentic late '70s aesthetic. The video transfer provides a film-like experience, with fine grain expertly resolved throughout, maintaining a pristine texture that is visually engaging. Detail representation is impressive, offering clear delineations and highlighting the differences in actor ages and period costumes. The interiors and exteriors, such as grocery stores and outdoor scenes, exhibit well-defined structures, allowing viewers to dive into nostalgic explorations of past brands.

Color reproduction on this Blu-ray is commendable; vivid hues are tastefully presented in car paint jobs and store signage, complemented by natural skin tones. Notably, fashion choices emphasize a spectrum of light blues and deep reds. While the color palette does lean toward an overall subdued tone, the reds do pop effectively in specific scenes, most notably Jerry's striking red car amidst the otherwise muted cityscape. The balance between contrast and black levels is well-executed, creating an attractive depth that enhances the viewing experience.

The preservation of the source material is noteworthy, with Shout’s master ensuring a light grain structure that remains intact, sidestepping compression issues and capturing the film stock's unadulterated softness. Despite minor specks of dirt, the video quality is generally impeccable, offering a natural presentation that appeals to fans of vintage catalog titles. This release achieves a harmonious blend of clarity and authenticity, inviting audiences to appreciate every visual nuance and fostering a rich sense of nostalgia consistent with the era it represents.

The audio presentation of the "Oh, God!" Blu-ray features a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio mix that delivers a straightforward and effective sound design. Dialogue exchanges are handled with precision, maintaining clarity throughout the film. The balance between quieter conversations and mild argumentative scenes is well-managed, ensuring an immersive auditory experience. The musical score comfortably complements the dialogue, featuring decent instrumentation that supports the narrative without overpowering it.

Additionally, the DTS-HD mono track presents a clean and unadulterated audio experience. Utilizing its solitary center channel, the mix processes unobstructed dialogue with impressive clarity, occasionally giving the impression of newly recorded audio. The soundtrack, bearing hallmarks characteristic of its originating decade, integrates a smooth bass line that enhances the lower frequencies. This particular attribute adds depth and warmth to the audio presentation, contributing to an overall engaging listening experience.

In summary, the Blu-ray's audio features a harmonious blend of technical proficiency and nostalgic charm, skillfully showcasing the essence of the original film's sound design while providing clear and well-balanced audio delivery throughout.

The Blu-ray extras for "Oh, God!" are a commendable collection offering both historical and entertainment value, appealing to fans of the film. The disc features two insightful commentaries; one with director Carl Reiner alongside key production members, and a second providing a unique perspective from theologian and critic Dr. Donna Bowman. Complementing these are two vintage 1977 appearances of John Denver on "The Tonight Show," serving as host in place of Johnny Carson. These segments provide charming interactions with guests such as Carl Reiner, Valerie Harper, George Burns, and Teri Garr. Additional promotional materials include a series of radio spots and the original theatrical trailer. Overall, the extras deliver a nostalgic and informative dive into the film's legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary #1: Features Carl Reiner, Larry Gelbart, Teri Garr, and Jerry Weintraub.
• Commentary #2: Features Dr. Donna Bowman.
• The Tonight Show with John Denver: Clip with director Carl Reiner.
• Another Tonight Show with John Denver: Clip with George Burns and Teri Garr.
• Radio Spots: Seven commercials for the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original preview of the movie.

Carl Reiner's "Oh, God!" from 1977 weaves an approachable narrative that combines humor and belief against a backdrop of existential themes. Adapted from Avery Corman's book, the film explores the daunting task given to Jerry, a grocery store assistant manager played by John Denver, who must convey God's message during tumultuous times. With George Burns as a relatable, chatty deity rather than the typical omnipotent figure, the film navigates potential pitfalls in crafting comedy from serious subject matter. This is achieved through an amiable atmosphere as jokes are tightly interwoven with introspective reflections on faith, responsibility, and sanity. The exchanges between Burns and Denver create a unique chemistry that balances the film's comedic and contemplative tones.

"Oh, God!" thoughtfully delves into deeper societal issues with a subdued approach, capturing the essence of 1970s America. Burns' God candidly critiques environmental degradation, declines in food quality, and societal disunity while subtly deconstructing televangelism. The strength of the film lies in its ability to handle grand themes without resorting to melodrama or spectacle. By having God operate modestly through an atheist spokesman in Jerry, Reiner underscores the universal theme that belief doesn’t necessarily reside in grand gestures or religious zeal but in simple reassurance and communal understanding. The low-key narrative is both calming and quietly revolutionary, presenting religion as a unifying force irrespective of one's personal creed.

Although the humor in “Oh, God!” resonates more like a sitcom with quaint and gentle comedic beats, it serves as a mechanism to quell societal anxieties amidst uncertain times. Rather than inciting debates over theological correctness, the movie posits an inclusive message: everyone is right in their way. Through its dated yet timeless narrative approach, "Oh, God!" communicates a subtle yet profound perspective on the potential for unity and understanding among disparate beliefs – a message ever relevant in navigating the complexities of faith and existence.

"Oh, God!" on Blu-ray presents itself as a timeless comedy that melds humor and philosophical inquiry. The film, directed by Carl Reiner, offers a refreshing narrative centered around faith rather than dogmatic practice. John Denver delivers a personable performance as Jerry Landers, a relatable everyman chosen for a divine mission, supported by George Burns' charismatic depiction of God. Their dynamic adds a soft comedic edge while exploring deeper themes with a light touch. The first two acts captivate audiences with their breezy and amusing tone, setting the stage for Jerry's unconventional journey.

Technically, the Blu-ray transfer provides a commendable improvement in both picture quality and sound, enhancing the vividness of Reiner’s direction. Colors are more robust, and clarity in image depth brings out the nuances of expressions and settings, enriching the viewing experience. While the visuals have been well-preserved, the audio retains clarity, with dialogue crisp and well-balanced against the score. However, viewers should temper expectations regarding additional features, as supplementary content is somewhat limited.

The final act introduces a more dramatic tone as it scrutinizes religious exploitation, encapsulated in Paul Sorvino's performance as Reverend Willie. This tonal shift slightly undercuts the film's initial levity but adds depth to its narrative exploration. Although the conclusion feels somewhat open-ended, "Oh, God!" successfully encourages introspection while delivering entertainment. Ultimately, Reiner and Gelbart focus on the journey, leaving audiences to relish its unique charm and spirited wit without needing a neatly wrapped resolution.