Opportunity Knocks Blu-ray Review

The 1080p video presentation of "Opportunity Knocks" on Blu-ray from Mill Creek offers a generally healthy viewing experience, marred slightly by sporadic spots and speckles. The grain is fairly consistent, occasionally spiking but maintaining a filmic quality that feels natural and well-distributed. The textures exhibit notable complexity and stability, with discernable detail in character skin, clothing, and various environments including the city streets and intricate interiors of offices and homes. Colors remain stable within a neutral spectrum, ensuring accurate representation without stark contrast or overly boosted elements. Black levels and flesh tones are particularly well-handled, contributing to the overall depth and clarity of the image.

However, there are minor compression flaws that subtly affect the presentation, with shadow areas occasionally swelling with noise and a marginal loss of sharpness during motion. Close-up shots do not always yield high fidelity, but they are sufficient to convey necessary details. Scenes of Chicago's skyline, while decent, do not achieve any remarkable level of grandeur. The overall drab color palette introduces an aged feel to the film, accentuated by minor dirt spots and a somewhat flat contrast. While the dimension is not the standout feature for this older print of a '90s comedy, Mill Creek's effort in providing a watchable Blu-ray transfer is adequate for casual viewing.

The DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack for "Opportunity Knocks" presents a competent audio experience, though it largely centers on dialogue rather than high-octane effects. It shines notably in select moments, such as Eddie exploring remote control functions in chapter four and performing "Born to be Wild" at a karaoke bar. These scenes highlight the track's ability to deliver detailed and impactful sound with quality front-side stretch and impressive low-end heft. Dialogue, the primary component, is consistently clear and appropriately prioritized, achieving a natural front-center imaging.

Separation of channels adheres to expected standards, effectively distributing ambient sounds like a TV or stereo throughout the auditory stage. While this provides a satisfactory dimension, don't anticipate any groundbreaking surround effects. The fidelity of the soundtrack stands out, particularly in the smooth and clean bass which aligns well with the music. Although the dialogue can occasionally feel stiffer, it remains distinctly clear and comprehensible.

The Blu-ray release of "Opportunity Knocks" includes a somewhat minimal yet entertaining array of extras that will appeal to fans and collectors alike. The most significant addition is the 27-minute collection of deleted scenes, offering viewers an extended look into numerous aspects of the film's universe with a variety of alternate and deleted content. The inclusion of the original trailer adds a nostalgic touch, allowing audiences to revisit the initial promotional material for this 90s comedy classic. The package boasts Mill Creek's vibrant Retro VHS slipcover, augmenting the physical appeal with a nostalgic, visually striking design.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: A series of previously unseen clips expanding on various plot points and character interactions.
• Opportunity Knocks Trailer: The original trailer, presented in standard definition.

"Opportunity Knocks" is a film that treads the path of mediocrity, presenting itself as a serviceable yet unremarkable comedy. Dana Carvey stars as Eddie Farrell, a small-time con man who, through a series of mishaps involving stolen cars and mistaken identities, finds himself impersonating a Harvard graduate. This role leads him into the inner circles of Chicago's elite, and catching the eye of businessman Milt Malkin (Robert Loggia) and his daughter Annie (Julia Campbell). The film intermixes moments of action, humor, and heart in a balanced manner, creating a simple and predictable narrative that ultimately remains enjoyable despite its lack of innovation.

The film capitalizes on its Chicago setting, showcasing both its beautiful skyline and gritty underside. Carvey delivers a commendable performance, demonstrating the comedic talents that would later be seen in "Wayne’s World." His portrayal of Eddie channels elements of Eddie Murphy’s character from "Beverly Hills Cop," allowing him to navigate various personas skillfully. Although the narrative is riddled with clichés and predictability, Carvey’s charm and director Donald Petrie's unobtrusive direction help maintain the audience's engagement. The script may not present any dramatic challenges or surprises, but Carvey's charisma propels the character forward, making it easier for the audience to root for Eddie even as they anticipate his inevitable downfall.

"Opportunity Knocks" offers some notable comedic moments, particularly when Carvey interacts with affluent characters or breaks the fourth wall in a bathroom scene reminiscent of John Landis’s style. However, despite these high points, the movie relies on well-worn tropes and a dated romantic subplot that feels out of place even for its release period. The film positions itself as a tale of a morally ambiguous yet inherently good-natured con man navigating a world of corporate affluence and corruption, making use of humor to gain viewer empathy. While the storyline might lack originality, Carvey's deft comedic timing ensures a modicum of watchability throughout.

"Opportunity Knocks," directed by Donald Petrie, sits comfortably within the spectrum of formulaic but enjoyable comedies. While it won't leave an indelible mark on Petrie's otherwise notable filmography which includes more memorable works such as "Mystic Pizza" and "Grumpy Old Men," it does offer a pleasant viewing experience. Dana Carvey takes the lead role and infuses the film with a likable goofball charm, anchoring a narrative that otherwise risks falling into forgettable territory.

Mill Creek's Blu-ray rendition of "Opportunity Knocks" maximizes its limited budget to deliver a commendable 1080p video output and a two-channel lossless audio track, both satisfying given the circumstances. The picture quality is clean and crisp, though it doesn't particularly stand out in any significant manner. On a technical level, the audio remains clear throughout, though it lacks the immersive depth that more contemporary releases might offer. The additional features—a collection of nearly 30 minutes of deleted scenes and the film's trailer—provide modest but not particularly engaging extras.

In conclusion, "Opportunity Knocks" on Blu-ray is a decent acquisition for fans of Dana Carvey or those seeking a light-hearted, albeit predictable, comedy. The Mill Creek release mirrors the film itself: competent, pleasant, and ultimately passable but not extraordinary. Those with a penchant for classic 90s comedy will find it appealing, while others may find it worth a single watch but not a repeat viewing. Recommended but with measured enthusiasm.