The Couch Trip Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Couch Trip" delivers a respectable AVC encoded presentation in 1080p high definition with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. For a mid-budget comedy that's nearing thirty years old, the visual quality is impressive but not without its minor limitations. Colors are rendered accurately, holding up well, especially in outdoor scenes that showcase lively L.A. settings and era-specific fashion. Skintones appear natural, and textures on faces, costuming, and set decorations are adequate. Grain structure is present and generally well-managed, preserving the filmic quality without overwhelming the viewer.

Image quality varies: while some scenes exhibit commendable detail and depth, others present issues such as soft focus on female characters and crushed blacks during night scenes. While some artifacts and mild print damage are evident at the start, they do not significantly detract from the overall viewing experience. Evening scenes can struggle with delineation, particularly in terms of hair density and shadow details, which sometimes results in a loss of depth. Despite no significant restoration efforts apparent, the source material is in decent condition, with only occasional debris and speckling.

In summary, the Blu-ray mastering of "The Couch Trip" is well-executed for its age and budgetary constraints, offering acceptable detail and color fidelity for a dialogue-driven film. Although the presentation has inconsistencies, particularly in low-light conditions, the natural grain and lively hues contribute positively to the viewing experience. This release meets expectations for fans seeking a nostalgic revisit without demanding pristine modern-day standards.

The audio presentation of "The Couch Trip" on Blu-ray features a 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix that presents a mixed auditory experience. Dialogue is clear and intelligible, capturing the comedic timing and verbal play effectively, though it lacks significant dynamic range. The sound mix is functional, with acceptable dramatics and defined interactions during group scenes. However, there is an occasional hiss that winds through the listening experience, which can be quite pronounced at times and slightly detracts from the overall clarity.

In terms of ambient effects, the mix provides decent directionality but falls short in delivering impactful low-end elements. Scenes involving gunshots, police cars, and helicopters miss the depth and bass that would typically elevate such sequences. The film's score, performed by The Canadian Brass, remains distinctive and adds a unique heavier feel due to its instrumentation, particularly the accentuated use of the tuba. Background atmospherics, including hospital commotion and street life, are rendered compellingly, adding a layer of realism to the setting. A decent soundbar setup should suffice to take advantage of the soundtrack's modest offerings. Additionally, English closed-captions are available, although they are heavily paraphrased with erratic omissions of certain profanities.

The Blu-ray of "The Couch Trip" delivers an intriguing range of supplemental features that enhance the overall viewing experience. These extras provide valuable behind-the-scenes insights and highlight the cast's dynamic, although they occasionally feel disjointed and superficial. Presented in 720p high definition with two-channel audio, the materials manage to maintain viewer interest despite their brevity. The Making Of offers a straightforward promotional overview of the film, while the Dan Aykroyd Profile gives a spotlight to the leading man without much depth. Team Comedy explores the playful relationship between Aykroyd and Dixon, adding a personal touch. Selected B-rolls and Selected Sound Bites offer candid moments and interviews, providing a glimpse into the production process and the actors' perspectives.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making Of: Standard EPK creation blends film clips with interviews.
• Dan Aykroyd Profile: Highlights Aykroyd's humor and professionalism.
• Team Comedy: Details the dynamic between Aykroyd and Dixon.
• Selected B-rolls: Behind-the-scenes production footage.
• Selected Sound Bites: Interviews with the cast and crew.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer.

"The Couch Trip," directed by Michael Ritchie, attempts a screwball comedy amidst 1980s cynicism but ultimately falls short due to a lack of cohesion. Despite a promising cast led by Dan Aykroyd, the film feels rushed and unfinished. Aykroyd plays John Burns, a convict posing as a mental health professional after escaping an Illinois psychiatric hospital. The narrative juggles multiple subplots and characters, including Charles Grodin as Dr. Maitlin, a depressed radio therapist on sabbatical, and Walter Matthau as Donald, a homeless man who sees through John's ruse. While select moments showcase classic madcap antics and sharp humor, they are overshadowed by a fragmented story that fails to fully capitalize on its comedic potential.

The film is based on Ken Kolb's novel, which likely contributes to its literary structure feeling crammed into a 97-minute feature. Early interactions between John and Dr. Baird, portrayed by David Clennon, offer an amusing dynamic with potential for more depth. Aykroyd's energetic performance initially drives the plot forward with rapid-fire dialogue and deception. However, as the narrative shifts to Los Angeles, it loses momentum, bogged down by an uninspired score and diluted character arcs. Grodin and Mary Gross, playing Dr. Maitlin's wife Vera, fail to elevate stale dialogue, resulting in scenes devoid of wit or emotional resonance.

Supporting characters like Victoria Jackson’s secretary and Donna Dixon’s Dr. Rollins are underutilized, serving primarily as eye-candy or plot devices rather than fully developed entities. Walter Matthau’s character, integral to the climax, is inconsistently portrayed and ultimately relegated to the background without satisfactory resolution. The slapstick humor and overt profanities do little to add sophistication or edge, rendering the film's R-rating almost redundant. Overall, "The Couch Trip" struggles with superficial characters and a disjointed storyline that squanders its potential, making it a forgettable entry in the screwball comedy genre.

"The Couch Trip" presents a curious blend of comedy and chaos, driven predominantly by Dan Aykroyd's captivating performance as a mental patient who masquerades as a celebrated therapist. Director Michael Ritchie's past successes in the comedy genre, such as "The Bad News Bears," "Fletch," and "The Golden Child," imbue the film with bursts of humor that shine brightest during John’s outlandish therapy escapades. Aykroyd’s portrayal is one of high-energy and commitment, particularly in scenes where John dispenses harsh, no-nonsense advice and embarks on whimsical outings like an impromptu baseball game. These moments are packed with vivacity, showcasing Ritchie's adeptness at utilizing his star's comedic strengths.

Technically, the Blu-ray transfer offers a fair preservation of this late 80s comedic venture. The visual quality is relatively well-maintained, presenting clear delineations and sufficient depth, albeit with some shortcomings in finer details and shadow definition. The audio track, while serviceable, does not elevate the experience significantly; dialogues are crisp but the overall soundtrack lacks a dynamic punch. Given the film's original source material—a 1972 novel—the translation to screen feels somewhat lackluster, failing to capture any presumed narrative depth from its literary roots.

In conclusion, "The Couch Trip" attempts to juggle farcical plot elements and slapstick twists but falters with an overextended and convoluted climax that strains plausibility. While the initial zaniness and snappy humor manage to entertain, the story's eventual descent into unconvincing scenarios detracts from its overall appeal. The Blu-ray edition is competent enough for watching but may not add substantial value beyond its basic preservation. Ultimately, despite some moments of comedic sparkle, "The Couch Trip" doesn't sustain enough charm or coherence to merit repeated viewings.