That Guy Dick Miller Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image presentation of "That Guy Dick Miller" operates efficiently within its 1.78:1 aspect ratio, capturing a montage of interviews and imagery that span varied locations and technologies. The collection of footage, while diverse in origin, maintains a solid standard, often presenting detail-oriented visuals appropriate for a documentary setting. This amalgam of current and traditional filming methods highlights the narrative effectively, showcasing both recently shot high-definition content and nostalgic home video snapshots. The colors are vibrant, with lively primaries and natural skin tones, aiding in a cohesive visual storytelling experience. Some scenes contain exceptional fine details, contributing to the comprehensive portrayal of Dick Miller's career in film.

"That Guy Dick Miller" achieves contemporary documentary production standards with its video quality, harmoniously complemented by a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix and optional English subtitles. The Blu-ray is Region-Free, enabling a broad audience access. The accompanying feature "Starhops" is presented in 1.85:1 widescreen format and offers a delightful 1080p transfer reflective of its 46-year legacy. While sourced possibly from an archival print, indeed mastering seems likely from the original camera negative given its impressive visual clarity. Despite minor inconsistencies in aged footage, "Starhops" maintains vibrant colors, distinct fine details, and healthy skin tones throughout with an appealing filmic grain. Although audio quality presents noticeable distortion at times, it remains tolerable and minimally distractive.

Overall, the video presentation of "That Guy Dick Miller" and its companion "Starhops" deftly balances an array of source materials to enhance the narrative. Color consistency and satisfactory delineation across varying footage types offer both films a visually engaging experience suitable for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "That Guy Dick Miller" is delivered via a proficient 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix that prioritizes clarity and precision in dialogue, ensuring consistent audio quality throughout the feature. The dialogues are distinct, even as they cover various recording environments, maintaining a clear priority in the soundscape. Although the score does venture into the surrounds for occasional immersive experiences, the audio track predominantly relies on a frontal channel presentation. The soundtrack, although supportive of the documentary’s reflective moods, does not heavily challenge the low-end frequencies.

The film, designed to meet contemporary documentary standards, presents itself with ear-pleasing quality through this audio mix, supported by optional English subtitles. While not always exploiting the full potential of the surround sound environment, it delivers effectively during essential moments. Enhancing viewer engagement, the 5.1 mix accentuates voice-over dominance, ensuring full auditory focus on key narratives, while segments featuring Miller's home tours and film clips offer richer audio depth.

Complementing "That Guy Dick Miller" is the "Starhops" segment, presented on a separate disc in a DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono format. Despite sourcing from a 35mm print, it maintains a clean audio track, with only minimal and infrequent distortion. Dialogue and musical cues exhibit an admirable level of clarity, and its sound effects adopt a slightly cartoonish tone to match the film's playful essence. Overall, both audio presentations offer a reliable sound experience tailored for documentary engagement.

The Blu Ray extras for "That Guy Dick Miller" present a comprehensive and engaging insight into the actor’s life and career, capturing the essence of his contributions to cinema. The inclusion of the bonus movie "Starhops" offers an additional narrative with Dick Miller in a supporting role, while the commentary featuring key figures like director Elijah Drenner and producer Lainie Miller provides valuable context and insights. The collection of 8mm home movies is a nostalgic journey, showcasing both personal and professional moments, while the Los Angeles Premiere footage offers rich anecdotes despite occasional audio inconsistencies. The outtakes and gag reel introduce humor and spontaneity, adding depth to the behind-the-scenes experience. This extensive assortment of extras caters to fans and cinema enthusiasts alike, making it a must-have for those seeking a deeper understanding of Dick Miller's legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Bonus Movie: Starhops: 1978 comedy featuring Dick Miller.
• Commentary: Insights from Elijah Drenner, Lainie Miller, and Elle Schneider.
• Los Angeles Premiere: Post-screening discussions from 2014.
• 8mm Home Movies: Private and professional moments of Dick Miller.
• Outtakes: Lost anecdotes and R-rated jokes.
• Gag Reel: Mistakes from 1989's The 'Burbs.
• Theatrical Trailer: Preview of the documentary.

"That Guy Dick Miller" is a 2014 documentary directed by Elijah Drenner, celebrating the illustrious career of Dick Miller, the quintessential character actor renowned for his ubiquitous presence in film and television. The documentary captures Miller's journey in Hollywood, showcasing his resilience and passion across over six decades. Interviews with Miller, his wife Lainie, and industry peers like Roger Corman and Joe Dante highlight Miller's impact on the industry. The film smartly presents his career highs without delving deeply into personal struggles or darker aspects, focusing on his professional achievements and his enduring charm onscreen. Although the biographical details are sparse, the documentary admirably conveys the breadth of Miller's work and his status as a beloved figure in Hollywood.

A standout feature of "That Guy Dick Miller" is its exploration of Miller's collaboration with Roger Corman, which began with 1955's "Apache Woman" and continued through key roles in cult classics like "A Bucket of Blood" and "Little Shop of Horrors." These projects underscore Miller's ability to enliven even the most minor roles, a talent that becomes the documentary's central theme. The film also touches upon his transformations through various eras, working with directors who grew up respecting his craft, such as Kaplan and Dante. Viewers gain insight into his career dynamics as a reliable actor who perpetually managed to steal scenes despite limited screen time.

Included with the Blu-ray is a second film, "Starhops" (1978), underscoring Miller's knack for memorable performances. While the movie itself might not be groundbreaking, it serves as testament to Miller's distinctive ability to leave a lasting impression. The package, well-crafted by Dekanalog, combines these films with essays and photos celebrating Miller's life and legacy, making it a fitting tribute to the actor's phenomenal career.

"That Guy Dick Miller" offers an engrossing examination of the actor's remarkable career, showcasing an impressive array of industry insights and personal stories. The documentary features rich interviews with notable figures such as Joe Dante, Roger Corman, and Robert Forster, painting a vivid picture of Miller's influential presence in Hollywood. The film delves into Miller's quirks and creative ventures, like his distinctive erotic art, adding depth to the narrative. Drenner skillfully maintains a light-hearted tone throughout, emphasizing the rarity of Miller's enduring career amidst the fickleness of show business—a testament to his relentless work ethic and adaptability.

The Blu-ray release is commendable, enhancing the documentary with additional content that enriches the viewing experience. Included is an engaging audio commentary by director Elijah Drenner, cinematographer Elle Schneider, and producer Lainie Miller, recorded poignantly on the day of Roger Corman's passing. Further extras offer a treasure trove of footage: captivating home movies, premiere highlights, and insightful outtakes that provide deeper context to Miller's story. Moreover, a meticulously designed booklet featuring reflections by Drenner and Lainie Miller, alongside an essay by Caelum Vatnsdal, expands on the film’s themes and Miller’s legacy.

Ultimately, "That Guy Dick Miller" stands as a heartfelt homage to an often overlooked yet significant figure in cinema. This Blu-ray package not only highlights Miller's understated brilliance but also provides a well-crafted audiovisual experience for enthusiasts. With its engaging narrative and thoughtful supplements, it invites both longtime fans and newcomers to appreciate the breadth of Miller's contributions. After watching, the urge to explore his filmography is irresistible—making this release a must-own for aficionados of classic character actors. Highly recommended.