A classic con caper comedy directed by the man who brought Yoda to life returns to the Blu-ray format with a digital facelift in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Collector’s Edition (Shout! Factory, rated PG, 96 minutes, 1.85:1 aspect ratio, $29.99).
Frank Oz’s understated masterpiece from 1988 (actually a remake from the 1964 film “Bedtime Stories”) offered a pair of gigolo con artists in southern France working together to take advantage of rich women and starred comedic mastermind Steve Martin and legendary British actor Michael Caine.
Mr. Martin was at his cinematic peak as conceited American hustler Freddy Benson with Mr. Caine playing the too-suave and sophisticated criminal Lawrence Jamieson.
After Benson meets and challenges Jamieson on his turf, he is mentored by his new rival until getting fed up with a second banana role and decides to trump the teacher at his own games.
“Star Wars” fans should also pay close attention to an appearance by the Emperor himself, Ian McDiarmid, appearing as Mr. Jamieson’s butler in crime.
Connoisseurs of humorous dialogue will most appreciate lines such as “may I take your trident sir?” or “excuse me, may I go the bathroom first?” as Benson has a dinner table accident.
Not as complex as “The Sting” but loaded with chemistry and laugh out loud moments, “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” delivered the wit and charm of a Noel Coward play.
Unfortunately, mastered from a new 2K scan of the film, the latest high-definition release does not look as sharp as the recent 4K scan of “When Harry Met Sally …,” both originally released in theaters around the same time.
However, the colors are still vivid to the point of panoramic scenes of Venice almost looking like a painting. The grain is subdued throughout while the visual detail is crisp enough to count the crinkles in the pair of adversaries’ linen jackets.
Best extras: Start with a vintage optional commentary track with the mild-mannered Mr. Oz recorded in 2001. He sounds almost like a fanboy, reacting to the onscreen hijinks as well as deconstructing the gags and, during all of his non-stop chatter, fondly remembering the fun on the set while working with the stars.
Viewers also get a new 23-minute interview with the original writer and executive producer Dale Launer that covers the genesis of the project. It was actually first considered by Mick Jagger and David Bowie who would have played the lead roles.
Mr. Launer covers the various other casting choices once considered (Warren Beatty and Tom Cruise for example); touches on readapting the original movie; discusses specific scene details (such Benson’s socially inept character Ruprecht at the dinner table); and explains why remaking older mediocre movies is actually a good idea.
The extras round out with a teaser trailer of footage never used in the film (commented on by Mr. Oz); a short, vintage featurette (under seven minutes) about the making of the film; and a theatrical trailer.
Although Shout! Factory under delivers in its selection of bonus content, the company usually overwhelms with extras in its releases, the collector’s edition is still a worthy purchase for those who do not own the 2013 Blu-ray release and are amassing a classic comedy film library.
• Joseph Szadkowski can be reached at jszadkowski@washingtontimes.com.
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