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The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension: Collector's Edition
[Blu-ray]
Blu-ray A - America - Shout! Factory Review written by and copyright: Anthony Arrigo (10th October 2016). |
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The Film
 Physicist. Neurosurgeon. Test pilot. Martial artist. Rock star. In the history of cinema, there have been few characters presented as dynamic, gifted, and magnetic as Buckaroo Banzai. There have also been few films as ambitious, bizarre, and unique as “The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension” (1984). This is one of those “journey rivals the destination” types of films, where viewers draw more enjoyment from spending time with these characters in this universe than anything else. The story itself is dense and often convoluted, requiring multiple viewings to pick up on all of the nuances. I remember working at Suncoast back around 2001, where my buddy & I would play two VHS tapes on an endless loop nearly every week – one was “Legend” (1986), the other was this film. I know the score and dialogue better than the actual picture, still despite these countless viewings it can still be easy to get lost in the thick of it all. Screenwriter Earl Mac Rauch crafted something special and weird that, given his writing style, is amazingly coherent. As the bonus features explain, Rauch would often write up a few pages here, more pages there; all these little bits of story that were far from an assembled script. Director W.D. Richter – who would go on to write one of the greatest of all 80's films, “Big Trouble in Little China” (1986) – managed to cull Rauch’s myriad scattershot screeds into a workable feature, delivering a true cult classic that has finally gained a respectably-sized audience after fizzling at the box office over three decades ago. On a lonely flat of desert land, Banzai (Peter Weller) suits up for a test drive in his modified Ford F-350, which has been outfitted with the Oscillation Overthruster, a piece of technology he developed that should allow objects to pass through solid matter. Banzai’s test is a success, with the doctor passing through a mountain and emerging out the other side unscathed; however, a small organism managed to attach itself to the undercarriage while he was “away”. Banzai’s vehicle didn’t simply go through the mountain; it entered the 8th dimension, home to the Red Lectroids, who many years earlier were banished there after being defeated by their diplomatic enemies, the Black Lectroids. In 1938, Banzai’s trusted mentor, Dr. Hikita (Robert Ito), attempted to reach the 8th dimension with his protégé Dr. Emilio Lizardo (John Lithgow). Their experiment was only partially successful; Lizardo’s head became trapped between the two dimensions, resulting in his mind being possessed by the Red Lectroids’ leader, Lord John Whorfin. Lizardo has since spent the remaining time after that failed attempt living in a sanitarium. When news of Banzai’s success is broadcast, Lizardo escapes from the asylum and joins up with his fellow expats from Planet 10, who arrived on Earth in 1938 along with Whorfin’s consciousness. The Red Lectroids have been posing as employees of the Yoyodyne Propulsion Systems defense company, hiding under false names like “John Smallberries” or “John Bigboote” (Christopher Lloyd). The group has been building a ship intended to be used to take back Planet 10 from the Black Lectroids, but it is unable to fly due to the need for an Oscillation Overthruster. And now, with Banzai’s success, Lizardo and his crew are determined to steal the final piece needed to begin their quest for world domination. The film’s title suggests viewers are in for a wild ride, and it’s true. This is a bumpy journey, populated by colorful characters, side quests, zany science, and odd romance. Banzai isn’t undertaking this journey alone, either; he has the backing of his troupe of scientist/rock stars, the Hong Kong Cavaliers. When the group isn’t solving equations and advancing their individual scientific disciplines, they can be found on stage rocking out as Banzai’s touring band. The Cavaliers aren’t just faceless additions, with names like Perfect Tommy, Reno Nevada, Pinky Carruthers, and Rawhide. Early in the film, Jeff Goldblum joins up with them as an eccentric cowboy named New Jersey. The casting on every one of these roles is perfect, with each actor’s strengths complementing the part they are playing. If the wild adventures and comic book style aren’t enough to draw in viewers, the cast should be. John Lithgow. Jeff Goldblum. Christopher Lloyd. Clancy Brown. Ellen Barkin. There are plenty of big names here, most of which appear before they had their biggest hits. But it’s Weller who holds it all together in the title role. It likely wasn’t much of a stretch, either, considering the actor is something of a renaissance man himself. Literally. The guy has a Ph.D. in Italian Renaissance. Weller imbues Banzai with a strong sense of conviction, a big heart, logic, and rock star bravado. He has a commanding presence and you can genuinely believe this man is capable of all the things he does. Richter mentions Michael Keaton was also considered at one point – and I think he could have worked – but Weller really nails it. Buckaroo Banzai may not be a cultural milestone film but it has generated a fair share of ancillary products that include a novelization, comic books, a video game, and a failed attempt at a television series. That final point should be corrected soon, though, as it was recently announced Kevin Smith has been pitching a “Banzai” TV series that would cover the entirety of the film as well as the unproduced sequel, “The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Against the World Crime League”. Deleted footage from the film, which is available on home video, set up Banzai’s nemesis, Hanoi Xan, as an antagonist for the sequel that never came to be. The notion of Smith resurrecting that plotline is intriguing but, really, it’s going to be hard to find anyone else able to step into Banzai’s shoes.
Video
Shout! Factory is kicking off their new Select Series line with a bang by finally giving “Banzai” a long overdue stateside Blu-ray release (you UK folk have had Arrow’s edition available for some time). Framed at 2.35:1, with a 1080p 24/fps AVC MPEG-4 encode, the picture is a strong upgrade over MGM’s excellent-for-DVD special edition. Film grain is intact and appears organic. Fine details are more obvious than ever, with the definition overall enjoying a nice leap from SD. Colors have punch, looking bold and vibrant. There is very little print damage to be seen, as well. Optical effects are used often, so expect to see the usual picture fluctuations – grain, dirt, etc. - when they are present.
Audio
This disc, as with most Shout! titles, features an English DTS-HD Master Audio track in both 5.1 surround sound (48kHz/24-bit) and 2.0 stereo. The multi-channel track is the clear winner here, allowing for a greater sense of direction to the effects, a fuller soundfield, and better balancing. Composer Michael Boddicker’s synth-driven score sounds sublime in lossless, enjoying the best fidelity it has since the 70mm release so many years ago. Bass response isn’t terribly strong but there are some punchy moments. Rears carry subtle effects necessary background noise, such as when Banzai and the Cavaliers are performing in a dingy, crowded nightclub. Subtitles are available in English.
Extras
Shout! Select is off to a great start by not only choosing a heavily requested fan favorite as the inaugural title, but also by packing it with a ton of bonus content. It should be noted that most of these extras come from the old MGM special edition (and not every single one has been carried over), but there is one major new addition to please fans: a massive all-encompassing documentary. Along with that, expect to find audio commentary tracks, deleted scenes, featurettes, interviews, and more. DISC ONE: BLU-RAY There are two audio commentary tracks included here, one with director W.D. Richter & screenwriter Earl Mac Rauch, while the other audio commentary features a new track with art directors Michael & Denise Okuda. “Into the 8th Dimension” (1080p) is a documentary that runs for 128 minutes and 16 seconds. If the length didn’t tip you off, this is an end-all be-all piece, featuring new interviews from numerous members of the cast and crew. Every facet of the production is covered: conception, casting, making the film, post, release, and more. The only major participant that‘s MIA is Ellen Barkin. Expect to hear loads of great anecdotes along with scripting secrets and much, much more. DISC TWO: DVD “Buckaroo Banzai Declassified” is a featurette that runs for 22 minutes and 41 seconds, this is a vintage EPK that is interspersed with “new” interview footage of Richter, likely taken around 2002 for the MGM SE DVD. An alternate opening runs for 7 minutes and 12 seconds, featuring old home video footage of a young Banzai with his parents; his mother is played by Jamie Lee Curtis. Numerous deleted scenes are included: - “Backstage with the Cavaliers” runs for 53 seconds. - “Penny’s Troubles” runs for 1 minute and 20 seconds. - “The Conference Room” runs for 1 minute and 15 seconds. - “Dr. Lizardo?” runs for 43 seconds. - “Give Me a Fix!” runs for 37 seconds. - “A Little Down” runs for 33 seconds. - “Therma-what?” runs for 23 seconds. - “New Jersey Meets the Cavaliers” runs for 1 minute and 20 seconds. - “John Emdall” runs for 1 minute and 2 seconds. - “Hanoi Xan?” runs for 47 seconds. - “Penny Confronts Dr. Lizardo” runs for 45 seconds. - “Solve These Equations!” runs for 2 minutes and 45 seconds. - “A Piece of Cake” runs for 42 seconds. - “Illegal Aliens” runs for 1 minute and 6 seconds. “New Jet Car” theatrical trailer runs for 2 minutes and 25 seconds. What the hell did I just watch?? The film’s theatrical trailer runs for 1 minute and 17 seconds.
Packaging
The single disc comes housed in a standard Blu-ray keep case. A slip-cover is included on first pressings. The cover art is reversible as well. This new line of Shout! Select titles also feature a spine number, with this being number one.
Overall
Few films can be so outrageously weird and fun like “Buckaroo Banzai”. With its crazy cast of characters, an even crazier plot, and stellar performances galore it’s easy to see why this is such a celebrated cult classic.
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