Moving Violations Blu-ray Review

"Moving Violations" makes its Blu-ray debut with a solid AVC encoded image presented in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio. While the picture does exhibit some notable grain, it occasionally appears noisy, and there is evident filtering which somewhat dilutes the natural frame detail. The film has a softer visual style, and this affects the texture presence, though some close-up shots manage to maintain clarity well. Primary colors are stable, particularly in signage and urban scenes, while the more vibrant, punk-inspired hues are faithfully rendered. Skintones appear natural throughout.

The overall source material is in excellent condition, with only sporadic instances of speckling and scratches. Delineation remains consistent, especially during night scenes, which enhances visibility in lower light conditions. Although the visual presentation captures the essence of the film's original aesthetic, the occasional presence of grain and filtered detail might be noticeable to discerning viewers.

The audio presentation of "Moving Violations" on Blu-ray features a 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix that, while not particularly dynamic, serves the film's modest auditory needs adequately. The track emphasizes dialogue, ensuring clarity and comedic timing remain intact without being buried or distorted. The score complements the film rather than dominating it, aligning with the movie's less ambitious sonic design. While the film's music tracks offer a more robust auditory experience, the atmospherics are competently handled, maintaining group dynamics and settings from classrooms to outdoor scenes.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray offers just an English mono 2.0 DTS-HD audio option, which, though fairly flat, is clean and satisfactory. It delivers clear dialogue and provides decent support for both the musical score and sound effects, even if devoid of significant dynamic range. Overall, the audio is stable and consistent, aligning with the film’s straightforward needs. The release also includes English subtitles and an insightful audio commentary by writer/director Neal Israel, alongside trailers for similar genre films.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "Moving Violations" offer some engaging insights and nostalgic value, ensuring that fans of the film will find added content worth exploring. The standout feature is an insightful commentary by co-writer/director Neal Israel, providing valuable behind-the-scenes information and anecdotes. The included theatrical trailer, presented in standard definition, serves as a charming retro touch, encapsulating the film's original promotional essence. While not overly extensive, the supplements present a well-curated and enriching experience for viewers interested in learning more about the production and promotion of this classic comedy.

Extras included in this disc:

Commentary: Insightful commentary by co-writer/director Neal Israel.

Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer (SD).

"Moving Violations" (1985), by Neal Israel and Pat Proft, channels the spirit of "Police Academy" with a fresh twist on the screwball comedy genre. This time, the narrative centers around traffic school, where a group of misfits, including characters like Dana (John Murray) and hypochondriac Joan (Wendie Jo Sperber), endures punishment under Deputy Hank (James Keach). The underlying plot involves Hank and his lover Morris (Lisa Hart Carroll) attempting a scam to sell impounded cars, while Judge Henderson (Sally Kellerman) orchestrates a more sinister revenge.

The film excels in quick-paced humor, extensive slapstick, and frequent sight gags. Director Israel injects the 1985 zeitgeist right from the opening scenes, featuring memorable cameos such as Clara Peller. The humor often leans on absurdity, reflected in scenarios like elderly characters mistaking airport runways for freeways or a bowling ball accident that treats bystanders as pins. While John Murray emulates his brother Bill's comedic style, the ensemble cast offers significant comedic highlights, particularly through quirky subplots involving characters like Wink's horror movie obsession and Scott's romantic discoveries.

Although some jokes might feel predictable, and the narrative veers towards conventionality compared to Israel’s previous work in “Bachelor Party,” "Moving Violations" remains energetic in its slapstick execution. The film intertwines classic us vs. them themes with bizarre elements like zero-gravity seductions at NASA, which add a unique flavor. Despite its occasionally bland story progression, the movie delivers enough eccentricity to maintain viewer interest through engaging if not always laugh-out-loud moments.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Moving Violations" offers a commendable restoration of this 1985 comedy, ensuring that the film transcends its previously relegated standard-definition obscurity. The transfer showcases a significant upgrade in video and audio quality, providing a crisp and engaging viewing experience that both casual watchers and dedicated fans of 80s comedies will appreciate. It is worth noting how effectively the new presentation retains the film’s colorful palette, which further enhances its visual charm.

The film itself is a classic example of mid-80s humor, characterized by its relentless pacing and unceasing madcap antics. While Moving Violations thrives on its energetic and rebellious spirit—featuring an amusing mix of parade goings, police conventions, and reverse car chases—it occasionally falters with less inspired comedic sequences and some casting missteps. The movie's comfort food appeal is nonetheless palpable, offering familiar tropes and gags that will likely resonate with aficionados of the decade's genre standards.

In conclusion, Moving Violations succeeds in keeping the circus going until the final reel, maintaining a consistent flow of playful mayhem from start to finish. It may occasionally miss the mark with its humor, but it rarely descends into boredom. Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release does justice to this overlooked gem, making it a worthy addition to any collection that values 80s comedy nostalgia.