Canadian Bacon

The MVD Marquee Collection brings us "Canadian Bacon" on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer, aspect ratio of 1.85:1. This release, stemming from the MGM catalog, presents what appears to be an older master or minimally restored version. Observers will note a faded palette, especially evident in how reds occasionally weaken into more of an orange hue. Despite this initial drawback, the visual experience enhances notably deeper into the film. By the time we encounter Steven Wright's portrayal of a Mountie, there's a marked improvement in vibrancy, particularly with reds returning to a more authentic tone. The variability in video quality is a running theme, with detail sharpness peaking during scenes under optimal lighting and closer camera work. Yet, this fluctuation extends into broader scenes and darker sequences, which tend to display a rougher texture.

Grain presence is robust, at times leaning towards a coarse aspect against lighter scenes, contributing to a less polished appearance. Moreover, viewers might spot minor damage across the film, including nicks and blemishes that, while not overwhelming, are noticeable. The inconsistency in quality does detract slightly from the overall viewing experience, with some scenes nearing higher definition clarity, thus suggesting potential underutilized in the transfer process.

Evaluating this Blu-ray release from a technical standpoint reveals a mixed bag. There's a visible struggle in balancing out the inconsistencies in color fidelity and detail preservation. Although the film achieves moments where the video quality ascends to impressive heights—best observed in well-lit close-ups and corrected color grading—the overall presentation struggles with maintaining a steady standard. The heavy grain and minor artifacts serve as reminders of the transfer's limitations. Factoring in these elements, the final assessment settles at a cautious optimism rating of 3.25 out of 5, advising potential viewers to temper their expectations for a flawless restoration.

The audio presentation of "Canadian Bacon" on Blu-ray is graced by a dynamic LPCM 2.0 audio track that delivers a solid and engaging listening experience. The selection of music, including the stirring "God Bless America Again" by Tex Ritter, sets an energetic tone from the very beginning. Additionally, the score, a shared effort between Elmer and Peter Bernstein, enriches the film's sound landscape with its depth and vibrancy. The integration of music and sound effects, such as the constant presence of Niagara Falls in the background, contributes to an immersive audio experience. These elements are presented with a richness and clarity that are commendable, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the film.

Dialogue in the film benefits from the high-quality audio track, with every word being articulated crisply and effortlessly, ensuring that none of the film's witty exchanges and humorous lines are lost. This clear dialogue complements the robust sound effects and music, creating a well-balanced audio presentation. The availability of subtitles in English, French, and Spanish also accommodates a broader audience, making the film accessible to non-English speakers or those who prefer subtitles for a better viewing experience.

Overall, this LPCM 2.0 audio presentation of "Canadian Bacon" succeeds in providing an energetic and full-bodied sound that significantly enriches the viewing experience. The attention to detail in the selection and rendering of both music and sound effects, along with the crisp delivery of dialogue, showcases a well-executed audio production. This carefully crafted audio track ensures that viewers are engaged and immersed in the comedic yet poignant narrative from start to finish.

The extra features of the "Canadian Bacon" Blu-ray presentation provide a modest but appreciated assortment of content that complements the main feature. While the inclusion of trailers, featuring not only "Canadian Bacon" itself but also other MVD releases, serves as a nostalgic nod and provides a glimpse into the era's cinematic landscape, it's the packaging that stands out. With a reversible sleeve and a slipcover, the physical presentation adds a tangible value that collectors and fans will certainly appreciate. The effort to enhance the overall package through these physical extras demonstrates a commitment to delivering a product that respects the film's legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

Trailers: Includes "Canadian Bacon" and trailers for other MVD releases.

Packaging Extras: Features a reversible sleeve and a slipcover.

"Canadian Bacon" stands as an intriguing outlier in Michael Moore's repertoire, being his sole foray into narrative cinema. Released to a tepid box office and critical reception in 1995, this film has since garnered a cult following, appreciated by those aligned with Moore's left-leaning political sensibilities. The movie's humor, while hit-or-miss, resonates with audiences familiar with Moore's documentary work, offering a satirical look at U.S.-Canada relations amidst a backdrop of American socio-political commentary. The convergence of Moore's documentary themes, such as the economic fallout from industry closure and American militarism, into this fictional construct underscores the director’s knack for weaving societal critiques into engaging narratives.

The plot weaves together a series of seemingly disparate threads, centered around Sheriff Bud Boomer and his misadventures in Niagara County—a locale grappling with the economic impacts of a munitions plant shutdown. The narrative cleverly intersects with broader themes of political maneuvering and national identity crises, encapsulated by a desperate president seeking a new enemy to bolster his approval ratings. The choice of Canada as a foe, stemming from an incident over Canadian beer at a hockey match, gives rise to a series of increasingly absurd situations that, while entertaining, occasionally border on the overly indulgent.

The film's ensemble cast, including John Candy and Rhea Perlman, deliver performances that blend well with the satirical tone, despite some jokes not fully landing. The presence of notable Canadian cameos and references to wider geopolitical satires, like "Wag the Dog," enhances the film's thematic depth. However, Moore's explicit political intrusions may alienate some viewers despite the film’s strengths in casting and concept. "Canadian Bacon" ultimately functions as both a critique and homage to American socio-political obsessions, making it a unique—if polarizing—entry in Moore’s body of work.

"Canadian Bacon," directed by Michael Moore, brings its distinctive blend of humor and political commentary to Blu-ray with a presentation that reflects Moore's characteristic style. As anticipated from a Michael Moore endeavor, the film delivers a consistent outlook, engaging audiences with its sharp wit and political satire. Initially, the film's humor resonates loudly, eliciting genuine laughter with its clever observations and comedic timing. However, as the narrative progresses, the humor begins to give way to more pronounced political commentary, a shift that may align more closely with viewers possessing a left-leaning perspective. This transition from humor to a more serious tone might not appeal to all, yet it arguably adds depth, making "Canadian Bacon" more relevant today than at its initial release in 1995.

On the technical front, the Blu-ray release of "Canadian Bacon" offers a satisfactory visual experience, which, while not groundbreaking, provides a decent showcase for the film. The audio quality is where this release truly shines, with an excellent auditory presentation that enhances both the comedic and dramatic elements of the film. This disparity in technical performance is worth noting for potential purchasers who value comprehensive high-quality in their Blu-ray collections.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray presentation of "Canadian Bacon" serves as an effective platform for Michael Moore's unique blend of humor and political discourse. While the film's shift from comedy to a more screed-like approach may divide audiences, its enhanced relevance in today's political climate cannot be denied. The technical merits of the release, with strong audio but only adequate video quality, make it a worthwhile addition for fans of political satire and those who appreciate Moore’s distinct storytelling style.