Review of Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!

Introduction

The film is based from the failed TV sitcom, "Police Squad," which had acquired a cult-like status when released on home video. Filmmakers Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker, who had previously brought us other comedy classics like Airplane and Top Secret, have enhanced the sitcom by upgrading it for the big screen. Both the film and sitcom introduces audiences to Lt. Frank Drebin, who is one of the most comic police officers to have ever adorned the screen. Played to perfection by actor Leslie Nielsen the hilarious film features non-stop visual gags, slapstick comedy, spoken puns & genre satire.

The Naked Gun features a crazy plot with the look-a-likes of Yasser Arafat, Reggie Jackson, Queen Elizabeth as well as an impressive supporting cast of O.J. Simpson, George Kennedy, Priscilla Presley and Ricardo Montalban. A box-office hit the film will continue to make audiences chuckle with laughter on every viewing.

Video

Paramount has released the film on DVD in a widescreen 1.78:1 aspect ratio format. It is further enhanced with an anamorphic transfer, which does help with picture detail. But the film on this disc looks rather aged and soft with some wear and tear blemishes seen in the form of black lines & small specks.

Film grain is constant throughout much of the duration. Blacks detail varies from being just average as shadow detail is at times difficult to make out. An example of this can be found during chapter 3, when O.J. Simpson is at the docks. On a plus note compression artefacts are not seen, and colours are well presented without distortion.

Audio

The DVD features two audio soundtracks. The first track is a remixed English 5.1 Dolby Digital soundtrack, which fully function only during the music score by Ira Newborn. For the rest of the time the soundtrack feels more like a mono track, which is understandable as the film was originally released on cinema in mono. Dialogues are centre channel driven which always remain quite clear.

The second audio soundtrack is in German Dolby Digital Mono that is also fairly clear and free from any major sound distortion.

Features

Menu navigation is easy and is motionless. Supplement materials include a hilarious group commentary track with the Host Peter Tilden, Producer Robert Weiss & Director/Writer David Zucker. It certainly ranks as one of the most enjoyable I have heard in ages. Also included is the funny original theatrical trailer that is presented in anamorphic widescreen.

Conclusion

While the picture quality is just average I did enjoy the supplements on this disc. I would only recommend this DVD for purchase if you`re a fan of the film, or if you`re buying the Naked Gun box set that works out less expensive.