Every Which Way But Loose Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Every Which Way But Loose" features a 1080p, 16x9 transfer employing a VC-1 encode that showcases the film with commendable fidelity, particularly for an older title. The opening credits might initially worry viewers, presenting a heavy grain layer coupled with some minor print dirt. However, as the film progresses, the grain level significantly decreases, and the overall image cleanliness improves. One can still notice occasional print blemishes and grain spikes, but these are generally minimal and should not detract from the viewing experience.

What truly stands out in this transfer are the vibrant colors and solid black levels. Philo's work truck displays a bright, striking blue at the beginning, and throughout the film, flesh tones remain natural and consistent. Outdoor sequences especially benefit from lush greens, bright skies, and intricate water scenes that offer the best depth and visual quality of the entire movie. While detail levels remain moderate and won’t astonish high-definition purists, the image is free from artefacts such as banding, edge enhancement, DNR, or aliasing.

In summary, though not without its minor flaws, this Blu-ray transfer provides a clear and pleasing visual experience. For fans seeking a solid preservation of a classic film without artificial augmentation, this release should be satisfactory. The natural colors and strong black levels contribute positively, making "Every Which Way But Loose" a respectable addition to any Blu-ray collection.

The Blu-ray of "Every Which Way But Loose" features a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack that, while providing a richer audio experience than its lossy counterparts, does not fully elevate the film's auditory landscape. The central theme song, "Every Which Way But Loose" by Eddie Rabbitt, is primarily delivered through the center channel with acceptable fidelity but lacks dynamic range. While the honky tonk scenes, especially Lynn Halsey-Taylor's act, offer some of the more notable audio moments, the sound effects throughout the film - such as punches, car collisions, and gunshots - offer only moderate impact. Chapter 17, featuring motorcycles and a shotgun-blasting grandma, stands out as relatively impressive.

Regarding speaker use, discrete effects are occasionally found in the front left and right speakers, and there are some directional effects in the rear channels, such as motorcycle engines and an automated car wash in chapter 7. However, these moments are sparse. Ambiance generally emanates from the front speakers, with crowd noise during fight scenes adding a touch of enveloping sound but lacking the activity one might expect. The bass presence is minimal, utilized infrequently during music or specific effects like a certain old woman's shotgun blasts.

Dialogue performance on this track is problematic. Spoken words frequently get lost beneath the soundtrack and ambient effects, which drown out both conversations and more emphatic dialogue. Additionally, there are instances of muffled speech and evident distortion. While the lossless Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix slightly enhances the audio presentation over the lossy Dolby Digital 5.1, it still struggles to provide a completely satisfying auditory experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Every Which Way But Loose" presents a commendable set of extras, though modest in quantity. The included extras cater well to the interest of fans and film historians alike, providing valuable insights and context to the film's creation. These features maintain a high production quality and complement the main content effectively. Despite the lack of extensive behind-the-scenes footage or detailed cast interviews frequently found in contemporary releases, what is available shines with technical precision and engaging presentation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interviews with Cast and Crew: Short conversations with the film's pivotal figures.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: The film’s promotional trailer.
• Photo Gallery: A collection of stills from the production.

"Every Which Way But Loose" sees Clint Eastwood departing from his iconic roles in Spaghetti Westerns and action films, taking on the character of Philo Beddoe—an affable, beer-loving truck driver and bare-knuckle boxer. This comedic road trip movie, released in 1978, became an unexpected box office hit, even surpassing Hollywood heavyweights like "Jaws II" and "Halloween." At its core, the film thrives on a blend of zany humor, memorable characters, and endearing animal antics, particularly with Clyde, Philo’s co-star orangutan.

The story follows Philo’s journey after he falls for Lynn Halsey-Taylor (Sondra Locke), a country singer aspiring to open her club. The tale meanders as Philo, accompanied by Clyde and his buddy Orville (Geoffrey Lewis), sets off to find Lynn and encounters neo-Nazi bikers and law enforcement officers hot on his trail. Despite the film's seemingly purposeless plot and episodic structure, it succeeds in being an entertaining time-waster. The vignettes, from bar brawls over peanuts to comical escapades with the Black Widow biker gang led by John Quade’s Cholla, create a captivating if disjointed narrative of camaraderie and slapstick comedy.

Eastwood's comedic timing and unusual bond with Clyde elevate the film's charm, even if the plot lacks coherence at times. The movie avoids taking itself seriously, allowing audiences to overlook implausible elements and simply enjoy the ride. The chemistry between Philo and Clyde is especially engaging, showcasing a unique dynamic seldom seen in cinema. However, distractions like Orville's mother’s DMV mishaps can detract from the main storyline. Ultimately, "Every Which Way But Loose" is a light-hearted romp with enough laughs and memorable moments to keep viewers entertained.

The Blu-ray release of "Every Which Way But Loose" offers a nostalgic trip back to one of the most unexpected and entertaining hits of 1978. Clint Eastwood stars in this unconventional comedy-drama, masterfully blending action, humor, and a touch of romance, all while accompanied by an unforgettable orangutan co-star. The video quality of this release is satisfactory, preserving the grain and visual integrity of the original film. However, the audio leaves much to be desired, presenting in a lossless format that fails to impress. Unfortunately, there are no bonus materials included, which may disappoint hardcore fans and collectors.

Despite these technical shortcomings, Warner Brothers' decision to release this title on Blu-ray is commendable. The price point is attractive enough to overlook the lack of supplementary content, making this an appealing addition for fans and casual viewers alike. The film’s charm lies in its simplicity and its refusal to take itself too seriously, featuring barroom brawls, a goofy motorcycle gang, and delightful doses of country music. Special mention must be made of Mel Tillis’ cameo and Ruth Gordon’s feisty portrayal of a shotgun-toting grandma – both add layers of eccentricity and enjoyment to the mix.

In conclusion, "Every Which Way But Loose" remains a fun and engaging film that delivers exactly what it promises: lighthearted entertainment perfect for unwinding after a long day. The Blu-ray release, despite its technical flaws and lack of extras, provides sufficient quality at an affordable price. Kick off your boots, grab a cold beverage, and immerse yourself in this delightfully wacky escapade. Recommended for those seeking a dose of nostalgia or simply a good time with Clint Eastwood and Clyde.