Mr. Saturday Night Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Mr. Saturday Night" on Blu-ray, provided by Olive Films, features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. This transfer appears to be derived from an older master, which becomes apparent through its somewhat dated visual quality. Notably, there is a presence of clumpy, yellowish grain that can prove distracting. Despite these shortcomings, the color palette frequently displays strong saturation, particularly during the vibrant 1950s segments where Buddy's vivid blue jacket stands out impressively. Although the overall image remains relatively soft, detail is sufficiently rendered to reveal some of Billy Crystal's makeup imperfections, with elements generally in good condition exhibiting minor age-related wear and tear.

Black levels are principally deep and inky, but occasionally suffer from bleeding. Skin tones appear natural across the board, enhancing the overall visual appeal. However, the transfer does struggle with maintaining sharpness and depth, even in closeup shots, limiting the definition of finer details. The grain structure fluctuates somewhat and introduces a yellow tint at times, yet the primary issue lies with its inconsistency. Additionally, minor banding and video noise are present, though these issues are not overly pronounced.

In summary, the 1080p HD transfer of "Mr. Saturday Night" provides a competent but unremarkable visual experience. While it offers moments of vibrant color and satisfactory black levels, the persistent softness and occasional grain issues detract from the overall quality. These aspects suggest that this Blu-ray release would have benefitted from a more recent remaster to achieve modern standards of sharpness and clarity.

The Blu-ray release of "Mr. Saturday Night" features a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track that delivers a commendable audio experience, particularly in sequences depicting the lively production of Young's 1950s variety show. These segments dynamically utilize the audio channels to create a balanced and layered soundscape, exhibiting some decent directionality and maintaining a good balance of sound effects and ambient noises. However, it is important to note that this mix does not provide an immersive experience, as the rear speakers remain inactive throughout.

Dialogue clarity and prioritization are exemplary, with conversations remaining crisp and unobstructed by competing sound elements. The overall sound design, while relatively unambitious, is effective for the film's nature, focusing predominantly on exchanges between characters. There were no notable instances of audio issues such as pops, cracks, hiss, or shrills, and the mix handles both high and low frequencies effectively. Although it lacks the immersive depth of more modern multichannel formats like Dolby Atmos, this DTS-HD 2.0 mix provides a solid and reliable auditory experience fitting for the film’s context.

The Blu-ray extras for "Mr. Saturday Night" provide an insightful and entertaining look into the film through a series of well-crafted features. The feature commentary by Billy Crystal and David Paymer stands out for its engaging and comprehensive coverage, including discussions on the script, casting, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Billy Crystal's improvisations and cameos add a unique, enjoyable touch for fans. The original theatrical trailer, presented in high definition, is a welcome addition that provides a nostalgic glimpse into the film's initial promotion. These extras combine to enhance the viewing experience by offering both informative content and a bit of the film's magic brought to life.

Extras included in this disc:

• Feature Commentary with Director/Writer/Actor Billy Crystal and Actor David Paymer: In-depth discussion on the making of the movie.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: High-definition glimpse (1080p) into the film’s initial promotion.

"Mr. Saturday Night," a 1992 film starring Billy Crystal, who also co-wrote and directed it, presents a semi-autobiographical tale. The movie charts the rise and fall of Buddy Young Jr., a once-celebrated comedian whose career is marred by his abrasive personality and erratic behavior. The performance earned Crystal a Golden Globe nomination, and his co-star David Paymer received an Oscar nod for Best Supporting Actor. The narrative oscillates between Buddy's tumultuous present and flashbacks to his peak years, offering a poignant, melancholy reflection on a fading era of comedy.

Crystal's portrayal of the prickly Young is both detailed and complex, reflecting Buddy's self-destructive tendencies but rarely delving into their psychological origins. This lack of depth may be why the character struggles to garner audience sympathy, as his redeeming qualities are few and far between. Paymer's Stan, Buddy's ever-supportive brother/manager, acts as the emotional fulcrum, evoking more audience empathy. This dynamic makes Stan a de facto protagonist in a story that ostensibly centers on Buddy's decline.

The film’s structure is nonlinear, zipping through various stages of Buddy's life with flashbacks ranging from his early family performances to his stint on "The Ed Sullivan Show." Some flashbacks appear abrupt, serving more to highlight Buddy’s missteps rather than offering insight into his character. Despite the occasionally disjointed narrative, the performances by Crystal and Paymer, along with cameos from numerous comedic legends, bring authenticity and vigor to the film. While "Mr. Saturday Night" leans more towards melodrama than comedy, its heartfelt tribute to an era of showbiz offers a compelling watch, even if it ultimately underscores the melancholic reality of a talented but flawed performer.

"Mr. Saturday Night," directed, written, and starred in by Billy Crystal, paints a bittersweet, and at times harsh, picture of the life of comedian Buddy Young Jr. The film delves into showbiz nostalgia but is built around a character that is notably abrasive and difficult to warm up to, which may alienate some viewers looking for a more affectionate portrayal of this bygone era. However, the film benefits from compelling performances, particularly from Crystal and David Paymer, who convincingly portray the complex bond between siblings.

The technical merits of the Blu-ray release are competent with the video quality being just passable and the audio faring somewhat better, often creating an immersive experience. The high-definition transfer doesn't stand out, with occasional inconsistencies in the visual presentation. The audio track, though not exceptional, is clear and enhances the viewing experience. Supplementing these are limited extras, the most notable being a commentary track that provides insights into Crystal's creative process and the film's semi-autobiographical elements.

In conclusion, "Mr. Saturday Night" may challenge viewers with its less-than-likable protagonist and somber tones interspersed with moments of humor. It remains recommended particularly for fans of Billy Crystal or those with an interest in introspective show business narratives. Despite some flaws in technical aspects, the strong performances and heartfelt storytelling make it a worthwhile addition to one's Blu-ray collection.