Nothing But Trouble Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Nothing But Trouble" features an AVC encoded image with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio that brings to life the unique and visually dense world of the film in remarkable clarity. The transfer does an admirable job at presenting a film-like quality, preserving the grain structure which adds to the cinematic authenticity of the experience. Detail is particularly impressive, capturing the intricate decorations, elaborate costuming, and the decaying setting of the story with precision. Whether it's exploring the labyrinthine mess of rusted steel structures and the desolate ambiance of New Jersey or the decay within Judge Alvin's eerie mansion, the image quality ensures viewers won't miss a single grim detail.

Colors in the presentation are equally compelling. They manage to balance the film's darker, more sordid elements with moments that pop with vibrancy. The warmth of the woodsy interiors, paired with the harsh illumination of the yard and the sinister glow of machinery like the Bonestripper, is reproduced with fidelity. The color palette, with deep reds and yellows standing out, complements the film's tone perfectly. Skin tones are rendered naturally across various lighting conditions, maintaining consistency and realism even in scenes heavily relying on grotesque makeup effects.

Moreover, the delineation in shadowy sequences is handled with care, ensuring that darker scenes retain depth and definition without succumbing to muddiness. This is indicative of a high-quality source material that has been preserved in excellent condition. The clarity with which textures, from human skin to the eerie landscapes of rusty metal and decayed architecture, are depicted helps elevate the overall viewing experience. In essence, this Blu-ray presentation of "Nothing But Trouble" is commendable for its faithful preservation and enhancement of the film’s distinct visual style, ensuring fans and newcomers alike can fully immerse themselves in this bizarrely captivating tale.

The audio presentation of "Nothing But Trouble" on Blu Ray featuring a 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix encounters notable inconsistencies that detract from the overall auditory experience. The core issue lies within its uneven audio output, revealing a warbling effect across various levels that disrupts the immersive nature of the film’s audio landscape. Such irregularities not only impair the listener’s engagement but lead to a somewhat dissonant and fragmented auditory journey.

Dialogue, while clear and intelligible, suffers from a lack of consistency, often resulting in a vacuous and hollow sensation that undermines the emotional impact of character exchanges. This fundamental aspect of storytelling is compromised, diminishing the connection between the audience and the narrative unfolding on screen. Moreover, the presentation's failure to robustly project its musical score and accompanying soundtrack selections further exacerbates the issue, leaving much to be desired in terms of dynamic range and sonic depth.

The expectation of a vibrant and enveloping sound field, especially in a production that relies significantly on its auditory elements to enhance the cinematic experience, remains unmet. The auditory shortcomings present a missed opportunity to elevate "Nothing But Trouble" through its audio presentation, highlighting a glaring oversight in mastering that impacts its reception. Despite the clarity of dialogue, the overall execution lacks the polish and fidelity one anticipates from a Blu Ray release, underscoring the necessity for a more meticulous approach to audio restoration and remastering in preserving the integrity of cinematic works for home viewing audiences.

The Blu Ray extras for "Nothing But Trouble" offer a comprehensive and fascinating insight into the making of this cult classic. From detailed audio and video interviews with key figures like Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, and Bertila Damas, to the technical aspects of production design and costume creation, these extras delve deep into the creative process behind the film. Highlights include Aykroyd's recount of his directorial debut and the personal inspiration behind the screenplay, alongside candid memories from the cast. The technical discussions, especially those concerning the complicated set design and the film's unique costume choices, further illuminate the dedication to crafting the film's distinctive look and feel. These bonus materials not only celebrate the film's legacy but also provide an invaluable behind-the-scenes look at its development, ensuring fans and newcomers alike gain a newfound appreciation for the creativity and effort that went into "Nothing But Trouble."

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Features pop culture historian Russell Dyball.
• That's Valkenvania: An audio interview with Dan Aykroyd.
• Chasing Chevy: An audio interview with Chevy Chase.
• The Queen of Mardi Gras: A video conference interview with Bertila Damas.
• Hoarder in the Court: A video conference interview with William Sandell.
• A Perfect Fit: A video conference interview with Deborah Nadoolman Landis.
• Road to Ruin: An audio interview with Christopher Brooks.
• Still Gallery #1: Collects various visual materials related to the film.
• Still Gallery #2: Focuses on set and costume design visuals.
• T.V. Spots: Offers a glimpse into the film's promotional campaign.
• Theatrical Trailer: Provides a classic preview of the movie.

Warner Brothers' 1991 cinematic experiment, Nothing But Trouble, embarked on an ambitious journey to melt horror-esque comedy into nightmarish visuals led by Dan Aykroyd’s eccentric directorial and narrative vision. Aykroyd, a household name from Ghostbusters, was given carte blanche to populate his movie with a medley of bizarre scenes and characters, aiming to captivate the audience with a concept that oscillated between being innovatively funny and unsettlingly strange. The result was an indescribable mishmash that divided audiences and critics, featuring Chevy Chase and Demi Moore entangled in a survivalist plot against a maniacal judge in a surreal world, managing to be visually interesting but falling short in the comedic department.

The narrative threads Chevy Chase and Demi Moore together in an attempt to navigate through the macabre and labyrinthine estate ruled over by Judge Alvin, portrayed by Aykroyd himself. This setting becomes a playground for the film's dark humor and visual oddities, interweaving slapstick with an unorthodox horror flair. Despite Aykroyd's relentless creativity, the film struggles to find its comedic footing, often relying on Chase's impromptu charm and the elaborate set designs, costumes, and makeup. These elements, while visually arresting, could not entirely salvage the film from its tonal inconsistencies.

Nothing But Trouble stands as a testament to Aykroyd’s unfiltered imagination, showcasing an array of peculiar characters including overly grotesque villains and cameo appearances that add layers of absurdity rather than humor. The film meticulously crafts its nightmarish domain with commendable attention to detail in its production design, presenting a spectacle that's fascinatingly odd yet underachieved in its quest for laughs. Despite its box office downfall, it remains an intriguing study of how far Hollywood was willing to go in the early '90s to explore the limits of comedy horror, creating a niche of its own that’s celebrated for its audacity if not its success.

"Nothing But Trouble" presents a unique cinematic experience that undeniably stands out, albeit with its fair share of inconsistencies. The film delves deep into a realm of eccentricity and oddities, much of which appears to stem directly from Dan Aykroyd's distinctive vision. It's an endeavor that veers towards the excessive, with a penchant for the bizarre that sometimes overshoots its mark, leading to a viewing experience that can feel disjointed. Particularly, its attempt to culminate in a Looney Tunes-inspired ending seems misplaced, detracting from the overall cohesiveness of the story. Nonetheless, the film manages to maintain a certain level of engagement, primarily due to its relentless pursuit of originality and an unyielding commitment to showcasing a series of unsettling yet fascinating visuals.

The movie's appeal lies in its ability to continuously pique the viewer's curiosity, powered by Aykroyd's boundless energy, which permeates throughout the film. This energy ensures that "Nothing But Trouble" never finds itself trapped in monotony, always pushing the boundaries of conventional storytelling with its parade of peculiarities. Despite its shortcomings in delivering consistent humor and sometimes feeling like an amalgamation of unfocused ideas, the film undeniably possesses a charm in its willingness to immerse itself fully into whatever it deems interesting or outlandish at any given moment.

In conclusion, "Nothing But Trouble" is perhaps best appreciated as a bold experiment in filmmaking, marked by Aykroyd's unapologetic embrace of the bizarre. While it may not hit all its intended comedic notes, nor satisfy those seeking traditional narrative structures, it remains an intriguing artifact within the comedy genre. Its undiluted uniqueness and commitment to presenting a distinctly odd panorama make it a noteworthy, if not entirely harmonious, viewing experience.