Airplane! Blu-ray Review

The recent Blu-ray release of "Airplane!" presents a generally impressive 1080p transfer based on a newly supervised 4K remaster by Directors Jim Abrahams, Jerry Zucker, and David Zucker. The video boasts a refined grain structure, providing a more natural appearance compared to the previous 2011 release's grain management. The enhanced clarity and crispness are notable, with intricate details like skin definition, cockpit instrument clusters, and various textures throughout the airplane looking particularly sharp. Colors are well-rendered, displaying deep blacks and vibrant primaries, which lend greater depth and cinematic appeal to the image. Skin tones remain consistent and natural, and the overall color palette is well-balanced, contributing to an engaging visual experience.

However, the remaster is not without its flaws. There are instances of mild digital noise reduction (DNR) and artificial sharpening that detract slightly from the natural filmic look. Faces appear softer in certain scenes, particularly during flashbacks involving Ted and Elaine. Minor issues such as macroblocking in darker scenes occasionally appear but do not significantly impact the viewing experience. The improvements in contrast and brightness balance are evident, with crisper whites and deeper blacks enhancing visual depth. The handling of night sequences and darker fabrics further emphasizes the high-quality detail retention without crushing.

Encoding via MPEG-4 AVC on a BD-50 disc ensures a clean presentation with consistently smooth motion and no visible artifacts. While it may not represent a vast leap from its predecessor, the new transfer does offer appreciably better detailing and color handling, which should please fans of the film. The video update is a commendable upgrade despite its minor shortcomings, making it a worthwhile addition for enthusiasts—though the absence of a 4K Ultra-HD option is disappointing for avid collectors.

Audio Review of 'Airplane!' Blu-ray Presentation:

The Blu-ray release of "Airplane!" maintains the same 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track that has been present since the 2011 disc, providing a solid, albeit not groundbreaking, audio experience. The track is vibrant, with good vocal clarity and satisfying surround activity. Noteworthy scenes such as the "Staying Alive" musical number and the cockpit sequences benefit from the detailed surround activity, though some harshness is detectable in intense moments, particularly during loud yelling.

Dynamic balance is a strong suit, with most sounds anchored at the front and only select contributions from the rear speakers during key moments, ensuring a seamless transition from the film’s original mono/stereo format. Low-frequency extension provides a sufficiently deepened experience; however, impacts differ in volume and punchiness. The score, notably restored, feels fresh and enhances the overall mix. Overall, while not an extraordinary audio track, the 5.1 DTS-HD MA does justice to this classic comedy, enhancing its comedic tone and vibrancy.

Subtitles support for multiple languages, including English, German, and French, adds accessibility. The presentation does an honorable job maintaining audio clarity and dynamic range, proving more than adequate for home viewing of this beloved film.

The Blu-ray release of "Airplane!" under the Paramount Presents line features an impressive collection of extras that enhances understanding and appreciation of the film’s production. The disc includes a new Filmmaker Focus where the directors, Jim Abrahms, Jerry Zucker, and David Zucker, discuss the humor, cast, and legacy of "Airplane!". Another new addition is a Q&A session recorded at the Egyptian Theater, offering fascinating insights four decades post-release. A unique isolated score track allows viewers to experience the film solely through its music, showcasing the soundscape separate from dialogue and effects. Furthermore, this edition retains the vintage audio commentary from the same trio and producer Jon Davison, providing a detailed, historical perspective. Absent from this release are the Long Haul Version and Trivia Track.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: With Producer Jon Davison and Writers/Directors Jim Abrahams, Jerry Zucker, and David Zucker.
• Isolated Score: Watch the film with score only; no dialogue or sound effects.
• Filmmaker Focus: Jim Abrahams, Jerry Zucker, and David Zucker discuss Airplane!
• Q&A With the Directors of Airplane!: Session at the Egyptian Theater, Hollywood – January 10, 2020.

"Airplane!" remains a landmark spoof comedy that dismantles the disaster movie genre prevalent in the 1970s. Directed by the Zucker brothers and Jim Abrahams, this 1980 classic leverages a paper-thin plot as a vehicle for relentless satire, visually arresting sight gags, and linguistic puns. The narrative follows Ted Striker (Robert Hays), a PTSD-stricken ex-fighter pilot who boards a flight to salvage his relationship with stewardess Elaine (Julie Hagerty). When food poisoning incapacitates the cockpit crew, Ted confronts his fears to land the plane safely.

Key to its success is the film's masterful alignment of deadpan delivery with absurd humor, transforming a typical disaster setup into a non-stop barrage of comedy. Robert Hays shines in his role, while Leslie Nielsen and Lloyd Bridges contribute immensely with their impeccable comedic timing. Nielsen, in particular, stands out with his understated performance that turned him into an icon of the genre. Equally impressive are supporting actors like Julie Hagerty, whose nuanced comedic sensibility elevates the film further.

One of the film's triumphs is its visual fidelity; the Paramount Presents Blu-ray release includes a commendable 1080p transfer from a newly remastered 4K source. This technical upgrade ensures that the visual and auditory experience meets contemporary standards while preserving the era's nostalgic charm. The sheer volume of gags ensures most jokes land effectively, making "Airplane!" an evergreen favorite that balances humor with an acute sense of timing, serving as both an homage and critique of its targets.

Review:

"Airplane!" is a comedic masterpiece that stands the test of time, remaining as hilarious today as it was upon its original release in the 1980s. Directed by Jim Abrahams and brothers Jerry and David Zucker, this film features a star-studded ensemble cast including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Lloyd Bridges, Julie Hagerty, Robert Hays, and Leslie Nielsen. The Blu-ray offers an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 AVC and presents the audio in English DTS-HD MA 5.1, with additional language options available. This latest release under the Paramount Presents line arrives with high expectations given its iconic status.

Visually, the new Blu-ray edition improves upon the original transfer, but it falls short of being groundbreaking. Paramount’s decision to exclude a 4K Ultra-HD release seems like a missed opportunity for fans seeking the utmost in visual clarity. The audio presentation largely mirrors the previous HD release, delivering a robust and clear soundscape that remains impactful. While the new features are engaging, the exclusion of some legacy materials may disappoint ardent collectors. However, both new and longtime fans will find much to appreciate in this edition.

In conclusion, "Airplane!" still ranks among the defining comedies of its era, its humor enduring across generations. Though the latest Blu-ray release shows improvements over earlier versions, it does not significantly elevate the experience. The decision between purchasing this edition or opting for the SteelBook version comes down to packaging preferences and whether a digital copy is a desirable addition. Despite these minor criticisms, this disc is still highly recommended for its timeless, side-splitting humor and overall entertainment value.