Delirious Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Delirious" in its AVC encoded image with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio display brings to the forefront the age and intrinsic challenges of rejuvenating a film of its era. The visuals, while not achieving a complete revitalization, provide a viewing experience where colors, although somewhat muted, are complemented by the vibrant costuming and set designs that strive to maintain the film's original vibrancy. The attempt to keep primaries aggressive is evident, though sometimes resulting in reds skewing towards orange and an overly pink hue in flesh tones. While the overall palette isn't as crisp or dynamic as contemporary viewers might hope, the dedication to preserving film grain and certain textures must be acknowledged.

Detail across the board struggles against the film's original gauzy cinematography and an apparent reliance on an older master, with this lack of sharpness pervading much of the viewing experience. However, it's not without its merits; close-up shots manage to capture some definition, offering glimpses of texture in the film's more flamboyant fabrics. This selective clarity is a modest consolation in what is generally a softly-presented picture. Night scenes and those requiring deeper blacks suffer from inadequate delineation, contributing to the overall feel of an aged film not fully reborn in high definition.

The film grain's preservation—integral for maintaining 'Delirious's' cinematic texture—is double-edged, allowing for some appreciable details, particularly in faces, yet concurrently underlining the softness plaguing many scenes. Despite these visual limitations, the source material's condition is commendably stable, marked by only minor speckling. While this Blu-ray release doesn't dramatically elevate the film's visual fidelity to modern standards, it offers a serviceable, if unremarkable, HD presentation for a back catalogue title with evidenced minimal restoration effort.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Delirious" is a testament to the careful handling of its 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix, offering an audio experience that enriches the film without overwhelming it. The scoring is particularly notable, injecting the film with a lively energy that complements its anarchic mood perfectly, thanks to clear and vibrant instrumentation. Dialogue is rendered with exceptional clarity, ensuring that every word and nuance of performance is appreciated without any loss to distortion or background noise. This clarity extends to the atmospheric sounds and background effects, which are crafted to enhance the sense of place, from the hustle and bustle of a TV studio to the quaint ambience of Ashford Falls, adding a layer of depth and immersion.

However, it's not without a minor quibble; the overall audio level is somewhat subdued, necessitating a slight volume increase for optimal listening. Yet, this does little to detract from the overall quality, as there is no detectable hiss even at higher volumes. The soundtrack selections, though few, add a pop vibrancy that aligns well with the film's tone, ensuring a cohesive auditory experience. The track manages high-pitched gags and dynamic fluctuations with adeptness, showcasing a well-balanced mix that negates the need for constant volume adjustment.

This Blu-ray's 2.0 DTS-HD audio presentation excels in delivering crisp, clear dialogue, crucial for a dialogue-driven narrative like "Delirious." The sound effects and Cliff Eidelman’s score never interfere but instead enhance the verbal exchanges, lending an atmospheric depth that propels the movie's comedic elements without overshadowing them. Movement sounds are well-executed, offering a sense of imaging that further immerses the viewer. Overall, the audio track serves the nature of "Delirious" exceptionally well, making it an integral part of the viewing experience.

The Blu Ray edition of "Delirious" comes packed with a modest but nostalgic collection of extras, predominantly consisting of high-definition trailers for both itself and other contemporary movies. These additions serve not just as a reminder of the era's cinematic landscape but also as an enjoyable glance back for those interested in the marketing tactics and promotional styles of the late 20th century. The presentation of these trailers is crisp, with improved image quality that respects the original material while offering a visually enhanced viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer for "Delirious" presented in high definition.

• The Couch Trip Trailer: A high-definition trailer showcasing this comedy classic.

• I'm Gonna Git You Sucka Trailer: An HD trailer offering a glimpse into this celebrated parody film.

• Up The Creek Trailer: Presented in HD, this trailer provides a look back at the rowdy, raucous comedy.

In the realm of cinematic endeavors, "Delirious" captivates with its unique premise, leveraging John Candy's undeniable charm and comedic prowess to navigate through a storyline replete with soap opera extravagance. Candy's portrayal of Jack Gable presents an intriguing blend of a creative force caught in the whirlwind of his own making. The narrative unfolds as Jack, a dedicated soap opera writer and producer, finds himself entangled in an alternate reality of his creation, navigating the treacherous waters of love, ambition, and narrative control with a magical typewriter at his disposal. The film embarks on a whimsical journey filled with potential, although it somewhat staggers under the weight of its ambitious plot and occasionally lackluster execution.

Director Tom Mankiewicz, alongside writers Lawrence J. Cohen and Fred Freeman, crafts a world teetering on the edge of satire and the absurd, attempting to strike a balance between humor and commentary on the soap opera genre. While "Delirious" boasts moments of genuine entertainment and insight into the creative process of television production, it somewhat falters in fully realizing its comedic aspirations. The critique often points towards a direction that revels too much in the cleverness of its concept without delving deeper into character development or the exploitation of its rich comedic playground. The performances, particularly from Candy, are commendable, with moments of brilliance shining through an otherwise inconsistent narrative flow.

Despite its shortcomings, "Delirious" remains an engaging film that highlights John Candy's versatility as an actor capable of carrying a film through its highs and lows. The ensemble cast, including notable performances by Emma Samms and Mariel Hemingway, adds flavor to the mix, though at times, it feels as though their talents are not fully utilized within the script's confines. Ultimately, "Delirious" stands as a testament to its time - an ambitious concoction of fantasy, comedy, and drama that, while not hitting every mark, offers a diverting experience aided by its spirited cast and inventive premise.

"Delirious" attempts to charm its way into the hearts of its audience, embarking on a journey filled with assorted gags, ranging from slapstick humor to elaborate car chases, all underscored by Cliff Eidelman's animated soundtrack that often overshadows the visual comedy on display. The film, while not quite hitting the comedic heights aimed for by director Tom Mankiewicz, offers a variegated palette of humor and romance, teetering on the edge of control as it struggles to maintain a coherent narrative thrust amidst its broader attempts at humor. Notably, the inclusion of Prince's iconic track for the opening credits injects a dose of pop culture relevance, setting an upbeat tone for the movie. However, despite these efforts and a commendable turn by John Candy, the film cannot fully escape its intrinsic shortcomings, wavering in its endeavor to enact Mankiewicz's vision of a slapstick symphony.

On the technical front, Kino Lorber's release of "Delirious" on Blu-ray provides a satisfactory audiovisual (A/V) experience, though it's clear that the physical presentation takes a backseat to the film itself. The absence of significant special features, save for some trailers, may leave enthusiasts desiring more from this home cinema experience. Nonetheless, for those with an affection for 90s comedies or John Candy’s distinctive charm, this Blu-ray edition offers a passable window into the era and Candy's cinematic contributions.

In conclusion, while "Delirious" stumbles in its ambitious blend of humor and heartfelt moments, derailing from the slapstick symphony it aspires to be, it still captures the essence of what made early 90s comedies endearing to many. This Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber, despite its limited extras, serves as a nostalgic look back at a film that manages to entertain and engage, chiefly through John Candy's performance. For collectors and fans, it remains a worthwhile but flawed addition to their comedy archives, emblematic of a bygone era of filmmaking and humor.