Million Dollar Mystery Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and presented in 1080p, Million Dollar Mystery arrives on Blu-ray under the auspices of Kino Lorber. The video transfer is sourced from an older master provided by StudioCanal, leading to an array of visual inconsistencies. Sharpness and contrast fluctuate significantly, rendering some scenes—particularly desert daylight shots—harsh and unstable. Indoor footage also suffers from periodic shakiness. Moreover, delineation and depth range from underwhelming to decent, and bigger screens highlight these flaws markedly. Colors are serviceable but could benefit from improved balance and vibrancy. Image stability remains commendable without large debris or frame damage, although minor white flecks and blemishes persist. (Note: This Blu-ray is Region-A locked, necessitating a Region-A or Region-Free player).

Million Dollar Mystery, distributed by the De Laurentiis Entertainment Group, evokes memories of It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World through its madcap comedy laden with slapstick antics. Despite a robust visual legacy captured by Jack Cardiff in Arizona's landscapes, this film endured a tepid reception upon its 1987 release and fell short commercially, even with a million-dollar prize giveaway co-sponsored by the Glad Company. The gimmick couldn't offset the narrative's lackluster execution or invigorate De Laurentiis' waning fortunes. Thus, while Million Dollar Mystery holds visual historical value as Cardiff's and director Richard Fleischer's final film, it remains largely remembered for its impractical contest and fallback reception.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Million Dollar Mystery" is offered exclusively in English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles within the image frame. This choice of audio format delivers a commendably clear and dynamic soundscape, particularly notable for its precise handling of music and sound effects. Specific scenes, such as car crashes, are well accentuated, ensuring both channels are utilized effectively. The dialogue is consistently clear and easily discernible, maintaining a professional standard without any discernable instances of damage.

However, some minor technical imperfections are evident, likely due to the age of the master source utilized for this release. These issues manifest as slight unevenness in certain sections but remain sufficiently subtle to not detract significantly from the overall listening experience. Despite these minor drawbacks, the audio remains pleasantly engaging, ensuring that both channels are robustly employed to enhance the film's auditory appeal.

The extras on the "Million Dollar Mystery" Blu-ray offer an engaging and informative dive into the film's unique production elements and historical context. The commentary by Bryan Reesman is particularly enlightening, providing meticulous insights into various aspects such as the Glad Company’s promotional tie-in, background on the cast and crew, and the film’s distinctive 1980s cultural context. He delves into notable comparisons to "It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World," Tom Bosley's presence, obscure comedians involved, shooting locations, and the challenges faced with stunts due to an uncertain cast. Additionally, Reesman highlights the contributions of cinematographer Jack Cardiff, story elements like corporate environmental irresponsibility, and the cultural portrayal of nerds in the 1980s. Anecdotes from behind the scenes, including the tragic death of stuntman Dar Robinson and the fate of De Laurentiis Entertainment Group, offer a comprehensive look at the film’s legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Vintage U.S. trailer for "Million Dollar Mystery".
• Commentary: Entertainment journalist Bryan Reesman provides an informative analysis of the film.

Richard Fleischer's "Million Dollar Mystery" (1987) is a madcap adventure that exudes a vintage charm, making it an ideal watch for those seeking an energetic and vibrant cinematic experience. Set against the backdrop of the Arizona desert, the film boasts lush, sun-drenched visuals captured by legendary cinematographer Jack Cardiff. The story kicks off in a rundown diner where a dying man divulges the location of hidden riches, propelling a motley assortment of characters into a frantic treasure hunt. The narrative borrows heavily from genre classics like "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" and "The Cannonball Run," yet retains its unique appeal through spirited performances and comedic flair.

The film's ensemble cast brings a delightful mix of characters to life. From nerdy newlyweds Rollie and Lollie (Eddie Deezen and Wendy Sherman) to the clueless Briggs family (Rick Overton, Mona Lyden, Douglas Emerson), each group adds its own humorous spin to the treasure hunt. The inclusion of a talentless rock singer (Daniel McDonald) and his energetic backup singers, clueless wrestlers, and law enforcement officers turned treasure hunters further enriches the comedic mayhem. The script revels in slapstick set pieces and generic gags, but it's the film's atmosphere—captured through Cardiff's beautiful cinematography—that truly elevates the viewing experience.

While "Million Dollar Mystery" did not achieve commercial success upon its release and contributed to the downfall of De Laurentiis Entertainment Group, it remains an entertaining piece of cinema notable for its visual mastery and nostalgic charm. The Blu-ray edition by Kino Lorber supplements the film with new audio commentary by journalist Bryan Reesman and a vintage trailer, enhancing its value for film aficionados. Despite its predictable plot and broad comedy, Fleischer's direction ensures that the film offers silly fun that harks back to a seemingly lost art of light-hearted entertainment.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Million Dollar Mystery" presents a nostalgic and entertaining dive into vintage comedy films, reminiscent of classics like "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World." As a testament to the 1980s, the film's hallmark absurdity and extended car chases against desert backdrops are masterfully captured. While the visual quality of this release remains adequate, it is evident that the source material—a rather rough master supplied by StudioCanal—could have been better.

The Blu-ray package does offer notable audio commentary, providing insightful context and enriching the viewing experience for comedy aficionados. Comparing favorably with the 2001 comedy "Rat Race" and even the Dhumaal series in India, "Million Dollar Mystery" shines as a distinctive entry in the slapstick treasure hunt genre. Though modern audiences might find the craft somewhat lackluster by today’s high-definition standards, the inclusion of supplemental features delivers added value.

If you appreciate outlandish plots and a throwback cinematic experience, "Million Dollar Mystery" is likely to entertain. The Kino Lorber release is suitable for fans seeking to revisit or discover this comedic gem from a bygone era. For those looking to add it to their collection, waiting for a discount could be a wise choice given the existing condition of the transfer. Despite this, the film manages to hold charm, particularly for those with a penchant for vintage comedies set against expansive, dusty landscapes.

In conclusion, I had a great time with "Million Dollar Mystery." Admittedly, I am almost never disappointed by these types of outrageous vintage comedies—featuring prolonged car chases and desert visuals. This film has some genuinely hilarious moments which made it perfect to see during the Memorial Day holiday weekend. If you want to have "Million Dollar Mystery" in your library, I suggest picking your copy when you can find it heavily discounted.