Caddyshack Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Caddyshack, while not achieving reference quality status for videophiles, meets a satisfactory level for fans of the film. Presented in 1080p with a VC-1 encoded transfer and a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, the image quality reflects the original aesthetic choices of its 1980 theatrical release. The color palette is conspicuously garish, boasting robust saturation that intensifies the greens of the golf course and the vibrant hues of characters' clothing. Yet, this results in an almost unnatural, comic-book-like appearance. Despite occasional cleanliness issues, particularly noticeable during the title sequence, the source is generally clean.

The video transfer provides a mixture of sharp and soft moments. Foreground details and close-ups are clear, capturing intricate textures such as the gopher’s hair and facial features of the characters without heavy use of digital noise reduction (DNR). However, medium and far shots show inconsistencies, often resulting in softer images. Backgrounds and longer shots tend to lose sharpness, and shadow delineation is variable, occasionally resulting in poor visibility during daytime scenes on the course. Although blacks are decent, they are not always consistent, affecting overall image depth which remains adequate but not impressive by today's standards. Additionally, the Blu-ray transfer appears free from digital artifacts, enhancing the viewing experience modestly.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix of "Caddyshack" presents mixed results that will mildly impress but not overly excite audiophiles. The audio presentation is largely anchored to the front three channels, one might argue fitting given the film's era and production values. Kenny Loggins' "I'm Alright" stands out dynamically during the opening credits, with a robust low end that captures attention. Occasionally, discrete channel usage adds dimension during crowded dialogue moments, while rear surrounds are seldom employed, sparking up during key scenes such as the climactic explosion. Johnny Mandel's score, albeit a weaker composition compared to his other works, is integrated seamlessly and does not distract from the film. Most importantly, dialogue clarity is maintained throughout, except for the notably thick accent of O'Hooligan which may challenge some listeners.

While significant immersive moments remain sparse, the audio track demonstrates an effective dynamic range. Notable efforts to move sound through channels are evident; for instance, Smails' car can audibly traverse the soundfield parallel to the gopher's course antics. Despite limited usage of surrounds, details like ambiance at the harbor and during the drizzle prelude some intense weather effects are present. Bass response via the subwoofer is efficiently utilized during moments demanding intensity, such as thunderstorms and key musical pieces. Overall, the audio experience offers a serviceable balance without necessitating volume adjustments but fails to deliver a truly enveloping soundscape expected by high-end enthusiasts.

The extras on the "Caddyshack" Blu-ray disc offer an above-average insight into the making of this classic film. "Caddyshack: The Inside Story," originally aired on The Biography Channel, provides an in-depth look at the development and filming of the movie, addressing questions about original storylines and character accents. This 80-minute featurette includes interviews with almost all of the cast and crew. In addition, "Caddyshack: The 19th Hole" from the 1999 DVD release includes discussions led by Ramis about the making of the film, featuring outtakes and deleted scenes. However, O'Keefe and Doyle-Murray's absence from this feature is notable. Completing the extras is the original theatrical trailer.

Extras included in this disc:

• Caddyshack: The Inside Story: In-depth featurette on the film's development and production.
• Caddyshack: The 19th Hole: Discussion of the film's making, including outtakes.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: The movie's original trailer.

Caddyshack' arrives on Blu-ray in an above-par presentation, celebrating its 30th anniversary as a classic film comedy filled with memorable scenes and iconic one-liners. This film, directed by Harold Ramis in his first time at the helm, is well-known for its chaotic production and the comedic anarchy that ensued. Initially written as a coming-of-age story about young caddies by Ramis and co-writers Brian Doyle-Murray and Douglas Kenney, the film's plot took a backseat once comedic titans Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight, and Bill Murray began dominating the scenes with their improvisational skills. The result is a loosely structured narrative peppered with hilarious vignettes, quintessentially vaudevillian in nature, that managed to strike a chord with audiences of its time.

Michael O'Keefe plays Danny Noonan, a caddy in need of a college scholarship who navigates the eccentric world of Bushwood Country Club. Danny's interactions with Ty Webb (Chevy Chase), Judge Smails (Ted Knight), and Al Czervik (Rodney Dangerfield) are central to the thin storyline. However, it is the subplots like Carl Spackler's (Bill Murray) obsessive attempts to catch a wily gopher that inject unpredictable hilarity into the mix. Murray, drawing from his 'Saturday Night Live' roots, delivers some of the film’s most memorable monologues and physical comedy, while Ted Knight's rigidity perfectly counterbalances Dangerfield's machine-gun delivery of one-liners. The juxtaposition of differing comedic styles yields a mishmash of comedy gold that still earns belly laughs despite its haphazard structure.

Though much of 'Caddyshack' may now feel disjointed or outdated, certain segments—such as the uproarious Dalai Lama monologue—have stood the test of time and remain brilliantly funny. The cast’s versatile performances manage to fuse seemingly disconnected elements into an endearing pastiche that has solidified the film’s status as a cult classic. Ramis’ somewhat amateurish directorial efforts are mitigated by his sharp writing and the freewheeling atmosphere he fostered on set. The result is a comedic extravaganza where even the gags that fall flat contribute to its ragtag charm, making 'Caddyshack' an enduring favorite among comedy aficionados.

The Blu-ray release of "Caddyshack" presents a considerable improvement over its SD-DVD predecessor, providing an enhanced viewing experience for avid fans of this comedy classic. While certain aspects of Harold Ramis' direction exhibit a lack of refinement, the film is buoyed by highly entertaining performances from a diverse and talented cast. The high-definition transfer, though not groundbreaking, does offer a significant upgrade in visual quality, making it more appealing for those familiar with the DVD version.

Despite a few dated elements and some uneven moments in the direction, "Caddyshack" maintains its humorous appeal through a series of memorable and wacky scenes. The Blu-ray includes the engaging featurette "The 19th Hole," which delivers valuable insights and makes a strong case for the upgrade. Although the supplemental documentary might not be entirely unique for fans with access to similar content on the Biography Channel, it still adds value to the overall package.

In conclusion, "Caddyshack" may not achieve the status of an eternal classic, but it remains a highly entertaining and funny film. The Blu-ray release, with its notable improvements in both video and special features, is a worthwhile purchase for fans. The standout comic performances and memorable scenes are more than enough to ensure satisfying repeated viewings. Ultimately, this release offers enough enhancements to justify upgrading from DVD, ensuring that longtime fans will appreciate the improved presentation.