Kazaam Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation of "Kazaam" displays noticeable signs of aging, as it comes to Blu-ray without undergoing a new scan. The transfer reveals a significant amount of grain and noise, particularly in nightclub and warehouse interiors, which can be somewhat distracting. Skintones fluctuate, sometimes slipping into ruddiness, while the overall color palette remains serviceable, save for vivid golds, blues, and the heavier reds in club settings. Detail tends to waver between softness and adequacy, capturing Shaquille O'Neal's presence and the finer points of the costuming effectively.

In terms of image sharpness, several scenes exhibit a softness that borders on out-of-focus issues, particularly evident in shots featuring Shaq. This could be attributed to his physical stature affecting the critical focus areas during filming. Although CGI effects from the 90s are typically scrutinized, they adapt surprisingly well to this goofy film's context—scenes involving whimsical elements such as wringing washcloths and toast airplanes remain visually amusing. The source material is in reasonable condition without notable damage, although some minor banding is observed. Overall, while the Blu-ray release preserves some of the film’s original visual charm, the lack of a modern scan limits its potential quality.

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix of "Kazaam" delivers a lively audio experience, driven by an engaging blend of scoring cues and hip-hop soundtrack cuts, with several musical performances along the way. Instrumentation is encouraging, delivering sharp beats and tonal shifts, providing a solid backing to the on-screen action. Dialogue clarity is preserved exceptionally well, with diverse performances emerging distinctly, even when characters speak in mumbles or heavy accents. Surround channels are effectively utilized, capturing furious genie-related effects, atmospheric nightclub scenes, and high-energy NYC street chases with immersive precision.

The sound design excels particularly in action sequences and CGI genie effects, with impressive swirling surround effects that elevate the viewing experience. The low-end response is robust, bringing more explosive content when required. Despite the technical prowess in sound mixing, the musical elements leave something to be desired. The hip-hop tracks and rap lyrics come across as goofy and unrefined, detracting from the overall audio quality. Specifically, Shaquille O'Neal's duet with Max stands out for its poor execution, disrupting an otherwise technically proficient soundscape.

The Blu-ray release of "Kazaam" underwhelms in its offering of extras, displaying a lack of effort in terms of content and presentation. The limited selection contained within is not sufficient to enhance the viewing experience or provide in-depth insight into the film's production. Potential buyers should be aware that the inclusion of only basic theatrical trailers serves as a stark reminder of missed opportunities to delve deeper into its behind-the-scenes creation or offer substantive interviews with cast and crew. The overall quality and variety of supplemental content remain minimal, leaving much to be desired.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: Basic promotional clip for "Kazaam".
• Additional Trailers: Includes trailers for "Kazaam" and "I’m Gonna Git You Sucka".

"Kazaam" stars Shaquille O'Neal as a rapping genie who emerges from a boombox to assist a troubled teenager, Max (Francis Capra). Directed by Paul Michael Glaser, "Kazaam" attempts to leverage O'Neal’s NBA fame and charismatic presence to create a family-friendly, slapstick-filled adventure. However, despite Shaq’s unique screen presence and spirited performance, the film struggles under the weight of formulaic storytelling and uniformly poor acting. O'Neal’s lack of acting experience is especially evident, resulting in a film that feels more like an arduous task than an enjoyable experience. The intent to appeal to young audiences is clear but fails to deliver a compelling narrative or engaging character development.

The storyline centers around Max, who is grappling with the imminent remarriage of his mother and a difficult relationship with his absentee father. The plot takes a whimsical turn when Max accidentally unleashes Kazaam, who offers to grant him three wishes. The screenplay by Christian Ford and Roger Soffer opts for easily digestible themes typical of domestic issues and parent-children dynamics but falls short in delivering depth or freshness. The initial fantasy sequences, such as a storm of junk food, display a burst of creativity yet quickly lose their charm as the plot pivots to focus on Max's quest to find his father, Nick, who is entangled in a crime syndicate involving bootleg music.

Technically, the film includes CGI elements that, while novel at the time, do little to enhance its overall appeal. The criminal subplot concerning Malik’s pursuit of Kazaam’s boombox feels undercooked and confusing, detracting from the potential light-heartedness the film could have achieved. Furthermore, Shaq’s rapping and the musical elements in general are widely criticized for being unlistenable and add little value to the story. While "Kazaam" holds nostalgic value for some 90s kids, its muddled execution and lackluster plot make it hard to recommend as an objectively good film.

The Blu-Ray release of "Kazaam" presents a mixed bag of elements that may appeal to nostalgia-seekers but fails to impress in key cinematic areas. Shaquille O'Neal's portrayal as the genie offers a spark of youthful energy, accompanied by his enjoyable rhyming dialogue and playful demeanor. However, his performance is not sufficiently counterbalanced by the supporting cast, notably lacking in emotional depth and engagement. Francis Capra's turn as the film's young protagonist falls flat, and the adult actors do little to elevate the simplistic writing. Director Paul Michael Glaser's effort to inject charm into the narrative misses the mark, leading the story to meander away from the lighthearted fun it initially promises.

From a technical standpoint, the CGI effects, while primitive by today's standards, inject a bit of arresting entertainment and may trigger a rush of mid-90s nostalgia for some viewers. The film's audio track stands out as a notable highlight, delivering one of the most impressive surround sound experiences from its era. This aspect may intrigue audiophiles looking to relive or discover the acoustic potential of 90s family films. However, the Blu-ray release itself is disappointingly sparse in supplemental features, which might dissuade collectors who seek deeper engagement beyond the movie.

In conclusion, "Kazaam" on Blu-Ray straddles a fine line between nostalgic fun and cinematic disappointment. O'Neal’s vibrant performance can't completely mask the film’s flaws, including lackluster supporting roles and direction. Yet, with fun CGI moments and an excellent surround sound track, it captivates in brief spurts. The release’s minimalistic nature, coupled with an approachable price point, ensures it remains a modest experience worth considering for fans of 90s cinema willing to overlook its shortcomings.