Brewster's Millions Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Brewster's Millions" showcases an unquestionably commendable transfer, blending the film's naturally appealing texture with the strengths of 1080p resolution. The intentional grain preserves the film's original cinematic charm, ensuring that textures remain intact and contributing to a presentation that, while not achieving the peak of sharpness, commendably brings out the natural clarity and intricate details of the setting and characters. From the specifics in Monty's rugged Cubs jersey to the complex facial features and the decorousness of posh environments like law offices and the protagonist's penthouse, the video finesse is palpable. The color reproduction is notably vibrant, breathing life into the various costumes and settings with appropriate punch, especially noticeable in sports uniforms and standout scenes.

Despite its virtues, the video presentation indicates a conceivable balance struck between preserving film authenticity and adapting to modern expectations. There's a noted softness and a slight lack of sharpness that suggest the transfer wasn't derived from a brand-new mastering process. However, this does not detract significantly from the overall visual experience, as closer inspection reveals adequate texture in select close-ups and a commendable cleanup effort leaving the print free of dirt or damage. The color performance brings vivacity to the visual palette, with reds and blues popping effectively, while contrast levels remain lively, enhancing nighttime scenes with deep blacks and shadow details that maintain clarity without losing definition.

In essence, the Blu-ray video rendition of "Brewster's Millions" does more than a passable job at bridging the gap between retaining a filmic aesthetic and meeting contemporary expectations for home media presentation. While sharpness and detail may not rival recent releases or restorations, the natural grain structure, effective color saturation, and dynamic contrast contribute to an enjoyable viewing experience that pays homage to the original theatrical experience. The occasional visibility of print wear and a mild softness are minor qualms in what is otherwise a satisfying transfer that will undoubtedly please fans and newcomers alike, rendering vibrant visuals that celebrate both the subtleties and broad strokes of its visual narrative.

The audio presentation of the Blu Ray for "Brewster’s Millions" leaves much to be desired, primarily suffering from a lack of spatial dynamism and clarity. The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track does not facilitate an immersive auditory experience, as sounds tend to blend together in a constrained center-focused mix. Music, in particular, fails to deliver any significant depth or separation from the dialogue and effects, hovering around a narrowly centered image without ever achieving a notable expanse or engaging auditory detail. Similarly, background elements like crowd noise and ambient effects are thinly rendered, offering little in the way of spatial differentiation or textual richness.

The film’s score and general sound effects lack the necessary clarity and punch one would expect from a high-definition release. Musical sequences, even during pivotal moments like the opening credits, are underwhelming, deprived of both vitality and discernible detail. Sound effects, such as those during a bar fight scene, are devoid of impact, missing an opportunity to enhance the on-screen action with a robust sound field. The dialog, although marginally more consistent, is not spared from the overall aural mediocrity, coming across as worn and insufficiently pronounced. This results in a rather flat and lifeless auditory experience that does not do justice to the film's vibrant characters and story.

The most notable exception to this trend is a helicopter landing scene, which surprisingly demonstrates a better use of sonic spacing and depth. This isolated moment where the audio briefly rises to the occasion underscores the missed opportunities throughout the rest of the presentation. It is evident that both the mix and delivery have not been optimized for modern home theater systems, sticking predominantly to a centered and uninspired audio execution. Such shortcomings leave "Brewster’s Millions'' feeling sonically dated and underwhelming, in stark contrast to the potential offered by contemporary audio restoration technologies.

The Blu-ray edition of "Brewster's Millions" offers a modest collection of extras that mainly cater to fans seeking deeper insights and nostalgic elements. Notably, the disc provides a unique mix of content headlined by an engaging commentary from critics William Bibbiani and Witney Seibold. Adding substantial value, an exclusive interview with writer Herschel Weingrad spans 11 minutes, offering intriguing behind-the-scenes details. The standout bonus, however, is the inclusion of the 1945 version of "Brewster's Millions," presented in a remarkably crisp scan that arguably surpasses the main feature in terms of resolution. This addition not only enriches the Blu-ray but also serves as a bridge connecting different generations of fans. Despite the lack of supplemental content pointed out by some, the carefully curated extras present do enhance the overall experience, especially for aficionados of the franchise seeking to delve deeper into its legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insights and discussions by critics William Bibbiani and Witney Seibold.
• Interview with Herschel Weingrad: An 11-minute behind-the-scenes look with the film's writer.
• 1945 Version of Brewster’s Millions: A full inclusion of the classic film, impressively scanned for better resolution.

In the cinematic landscape of the 1980s, "Brewster's Millions" distinguishes itself as a comedic gem that ingeniously blends the fantastical allure of squandering an outrageous fortune with the nuanced performances of its leading duo, Richard Pryor and John Candy. Set against the backdrop of a seemingly insurmountable challenge, the narrative unfurls the plight of Montgomery Brewster (played by Pryor), a minor league baseball player who inherits $30 million with a caveat: spend it all within 30 days without retaining any assets to inherit $300 million. The film, under Walter Hill's direction, strays from his known grittier works to deliver a light-hearted yet thought-provoking dive into the absurdities of wealth and the societal structures surrounding it.

The storyline, adapted from George Barr McCutcheon's 1902 novel, resonates well with the 1980s ethos by critiquing the era's conspicuous consumption and the irrationalities of affluence. Despite being rated PG, limiting Pryor's raw comedic genius, the film manages to conjure laughter and reflection through the ludicrous endeavors Brewster undertakes to deplete his fortune. Alongside Pryor, John Candy's portrayal as Brewster's loyal friend excels in balancing sincerity with humor, further enriching the film's character dynamics. Notwithstanding its fantastical premise, the movie injects moments of relatability through its exploration of friendship, integrity, and the inherent value of money.

"Brewster's Millions" thrives not just on its comedic elements but also on its capacity to provoke discourse on wealth's influence on human behavior and relationships. While it brushes against its own plot implausibilities with a touch of satire, the film provides an engaging spectacle of how its protagonist navigates the eccentricities of his challenge, underscored by a critique of materialism and fleeting societal values. The performances, particularly by Pryor and Candy, encapsulate the essence of their characters' journey, making "Brewster's Millions" a memorable piece not only for its humor but also for its underlying message on the complexities of wealth.

"Brewster's Millions" emerges on Blu-ray as a commendable nostalgia trip, meshing the timeless charm of a classic '80s narrative with commendable performances that remain its central allure. Richard Pryor and John Candy excel, bringing depth and humor to their roles, exploiting the comedic potential to its fullest. Pryor, in particular, showcases a remarkable ability to navigate the emotional spectrum, delivering a performance that adds layers to the film's straightforward plot. While categorized as a comedy, the film serves more poignantly as a fable of wealth and its consequences, encapsulating a perfect slice of '80s cinema that still resonates. However, the release falls short in areas where fans might expect more; notably, it lacks any form of supplemental content, which could have enriched the viewing experience with behind-the-scenes insights or commentary.

Technical aspects of the Blu-ray presentation exhibit a mixed bag. The video quality is praised for its clarity and enhancement, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the film's visual nuances in a way that's both good and very enjoyable. This starkly contrasts with the audio presentation, described as bland, which unfortunately detracts from the overall immersive experience. This disparity highlights a missed opportunity to elevate the film's auditory experience to match its visual improvements.

In conclusion, "Brewster's Millions" on Blu-ray stands as a worthwhile acquisition for those looking to reconnect with an '80s classic through a visually pleasing medium. Despite its shortcomings in audio quality and the absence of supplemental features, the film's enduring appeal, driven by stellar performances and a captivating story of wealth and morality, makes it recommended viewing. Fans and new viewers alike will find something to enjoy, even if it leaves them wanting in aspects beyond the primary film content.