The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!" presents a generally solid and satisfactory 1080p, 1.78:1 transfer, although it is not without its flaws. Paramount’s transfer retains a natural grain structure that imbues the image with a classic, albeit slightly dated, film-like texture. This grain structure effectively enhances natural detailing throughout the film, except in some sequences where the detail levels seem inconsistent. Whether it’s facial textures or environmental detailing in locations like the hospital or ballpark, the film maintains a sufficient level of detail. Colors are generally well-balanced and vibrant, with the ballgame sequence standing out due to the clear and accurate representation of team uniforms.

However, black levels present some minor issues; although adequate, they are occasionally sprinkled with a bit of noise and can sometimes appear a touch washed out. Luckily, black crush is not a significant concern. While banding and blockiness are rarely problematic, and dirt and scratches are minimal, an unusual and faint checkerboard pattern appears in an early scene with Frank on a plane, which slightly detracts from the otherwise clean image. Despite these concerns, the transfer is relatively clean compared to other catalog titles, though it does suffer from inconsistent depth and sometimes fluctuating sharpness.

The overall video presentation demonstrates that while "The Naked Gun" on Blu-ray doesn't quite achieve high-definition eye candy status, it fares well for an aging film. The random haziness and occasional lack of depth in some shots aren’t uncommon for films of its era. Though there are moments of sharp clarity—such as the car chase interior shots—the transfer's inconsistency can be frustrating. Despite these drawbacks, the transfer avoids major pitfalls like extensive DNR or digital tampering, making it a reasonable upgrade for fans, but not one that will wow HD purists.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless audio track for "The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!" delivers a commendable performance, particularly given the film's age. The opening title music is notably rich, with excellent clarity and precise spacing across the front channels. Music throughout the film, including iconic tunes like "Something Good" during the love montage, benefits from this clarity. While heavier effects, such as the plane landing near the beginning, might lack some definition, general sound elements like gunshots and ballgame ambience are well-presented. The rear channels manage to provide some support, but there's no significant sense of immersion.

Dialogue is consistently crisp and center-based, with occasional movements around the soundstage like the echoing when characters speak through a microphone or over the ballpark's public address system. Despite these strengths, some lines do experience minor volume fluctuations around the midpoint of the film. The track is not a powerhouse, with minimal impact from low-frequency effects and rear-channel activity limited largely to musical elements. Fans of the film will appreciate the boost in clarity and spaciousness offered by the lossless track, though it’s important to temper expectations due to the film's vintage.

The extras on the Blu-Ray release of "The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!" are minimal but highly entertaining, providing both genuine behind-the-scenes insights and a comedic lens. The audio commentary by Director David Zucker, Producer Robert Weiss, and Peter Tilden stands out for its humorous approach, filled with witticisms, non sequiturs, and jokes at the expense of both the film and O.J. Simpson. Despite much of the commentary's comical tone, it offers substantial behind-the-scenes anecdotes worth hearing. Complementing this is a theatrical trailer in high definition, although it inadvertently spoils key plot points and some of the movie’s best jokes, reducing its effectiveness.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: An entertaining track with David Zucker, Robert Weiss, and Peter Tilden full of humor and behind-the-scenes insights.

Trailer: A high-definition trailer that unfortunately reveals major plot points.

David Zucker's "The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!" stands out as a quintessential example of screwball comedy, brilliantly melding humor with a cleverly devised plot. The film's centerpiece is the ever-bumbling cop Frank Drebin, masterfully portrayed by Leslie Nielsen, whose impeccable deadpan delivery anchors the movie's comedic rhythm. Alongside him are strong performances by Ricardo Montalban as the sinister Vincent Ludwig, Priscilla Presley as the secretary Jane Spencer, and O.J. Simpson, whose character Nordberg suffers hilariously through endless physical mishaps. The seamless integration of Drebin’s absurd antics within the more serious crime narrative presents a rare synchronization of humor and story that adds depth to the comedy genre.

The film’s structure hinges on Drebin's investigation into a perilous conspiracy intertwined with a high-profile drug case and an assassination attempt on the Queen of England during her visit to Los Angeles. This blend of narrative complexity and comedic timing creates a film that not only entertains but also engages on multiple levels. Unlike other comedies where humor takes precedence over plot, "The Naked Gun" builds its laughs within a coherent and compelling storyline, making it infinitely rewatchable. Every character interaction and scene transitions fluidly in delivering a relentless barrage of jokes, puns, and sight gags without sacrificing narrative momentum.

"The Naked Gun" also showcases Nielsen's adeptness in leveraging both overt physical comedy and subtle jokes, often stretching moments for maximum comedic impact. The deadpan style, combined with politically incorrect humor, defies modern constraints, keeping the film refreshing even decades post-release. Its willingness to maintain a consistent tone and stay true to its ridiculous yet coherent premise marks it as an enduring classic. The finesse in balancing crude humor with intelligent gags ensures that "The Naked Gun" remains a high point in the legacy of comedic cinema and screwball humor.

"The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!" shines as a brilliant comedy classic that brought a unique blend of deadpan humor and over-the-top physical gags. The film showcases Leslie Nielsen in what is arguably the finest comedic role of his career. His impeccable timing and delivery elevate the material, resulting in an unforgettable viewing experience. O.J. Simpson’s comic misadventures and the delightfully absurd montage sequences add layers of hilarious moments, creating a consistently engaging narrative. This film remains a cherished relic of an era when smart parody was at its zenith.

Paramount’s Blu-ray release capitalizes on the film’s timeless appeal with a commendable audio-visual presentation. While the A/V quality has received praise for its fidelity, it is worth noting that the Blu-ray lacks substantial extras, offering DVD-era features that may leave enthusiasts wanting more. The visual transfer maintains clarity and vibrant colors, while the audio mix, although faithful to its period, could benefit from modern enhancements. Despite these minor shortcomings, the disc's overall presentation successfully retains the charm and impact of the original film.

In conclusion, "The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!" continues to deliver endless laughter through its clever writing and exceptional performances, particularly by Leslie Nielsen. Paramount’s Blu-ray iteration, despite its minimal extras, provides a robust platform to enjoy this comedic gem in high-definition. For fans of the genre and classic comedy aficionados, this release is recommended, both for its entertainment value and its contribution to preserving a notable period in cinematic history.