Herb Kane
Screenwriter
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Space Jam – Two Disc SE
Studio: Warner Brothers
Year: 1996
Rated: PG
Film Length: 88 Minutes
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Enhanced Widescreen
Audio: DD 5.1
Subtitles: English, French & Spanish
MSRP: $26.99
Package: 3 Pane gatefold with slipcover
The Feature:
In light of next week’s hugely anticipated Looney Tunes release and to coincide with the release, Warner Brothers is finally releasing a widescreen version of the family classic, Space Jam. Both previous versions were merely fullscreen, while this new Two Disc Special Edition sports an all new enhanced widescreen transfer. The set is packaged in an extremely attractive triple gatefold case with a silver slipcover typical of the two disc WB special editions.
Presently one of WB’s all time most successful family releases, the 1996 blockbuster Space Jam, grossed more than $225M worldwide and stars “His Airness and His Hareness” -- The great Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny and includes all of the Looney Tunes characters as well as many of the great NBA basketball stars who make cameo appearances.
Swackhammer (voiced by Danny DeVito) is the villainous owner of an amusement theme park called Moron Mountain and is desperate for new attractions. He will do virtually anything to get what he wants. Business is sluggish and he feels that Bugs and his friends are just what he needs to rejuvenate his sagging business. He sends a group of “Nerdlucks” to force them to go to the park. Bugs underestimates their size and thinks a game of hoops is a sure bet…
In an attempt to restore their freedom, Bugs Bunny negotiates a plan with the creatures to play a game of basketball to decide their fate. Needless to say, Bugs recruits the talents of Michael Jordan and his companions to help save them. A deal is eventually struck with Swackhammer. If they win the game, they’re free to go. If they lose, they’ll be slaves to the Mountain forever…
Believe it or not, Jordan’s appearance in a motion picture wasn’t as bad as his appearance at the plate… He really did hold his own and gave a rather admirable performance. Bill Murray’s appearance as well as the cameos by many of the athletes and with the newer animation incorporated into the film make it a visual treat that is sure to attract the attention of young basketball fans.
Video:
Well, to say that I was impressed would be an understatement. This is an absolutely gorgeous transfer. I don’t have any of the previous versions so I can’t compare them, but I can tell you that this version is sure to impress. I watched this with HTF’s Gregg Loewen while he was here doing a calibration on my projector and we were both amazed at the quality of the transfer.
Colors were gorgeous and very nicely saturated. Skin tones were also rendered seemingly accurate. The level of detail was outstanding. Dirt and scratches were virtually non existent. Blacks were very deep and whites were crisp. Artificial sharpening was also virtually non existent.
Obviously, for diehard fans of old Warner Bros. shorts, the animation found in this film isn’t likely to leave you sustained, so to speak. That is not to say it is bad, it’s just very different. In fact, for a family film, they do a great job blending in the newer animation with that of real live action. All in all, they did a great job and this looks most impressive, just don’t into this expecting 1950’s looking animation.
A stunning transfer…!!
Audio:
This is a super aggressive soundtrack that I simply wasn’t anticipating. From the time the opening credits roll to the end of the film, your system will have had quite a laborious workout. I really wasn’t expecting this.
Most importantly (as always) dialogue was exceptionally clear and always intelligible through the constant action and various sound effects. There was a lot of music, everything from the Looney Tunes theme music to hip hop to rap which always came across very nice (OK… well as nice as rap can sound…) and sounded great up front. Directionality was always pin-point accurate.
The use of surrounds were extensive and employed tactfully to capacity to help with special effects. LFE was also abundantly deployed again, very tactfully and engaged when needed.
This audio track is outstanding. Very impressive…
Special Features:
This set comes with a plethora of special features. The feature film is located on disc one and there are also a few features located on that disc. The first is a Commentary By Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Director Joe Pytka. While some of the commentary is mildly informative, there is a lot of dead time. Bugs & Daffy try to ad-lib which becomes tiresome. Joe’s voice is rather dry and at one point I found myself thinking I was at an insurance sales seminar… Duration: 1:27:13.
The other special feature on disc one is the Theatrical Trailer which is in surprisingly rough shape given how impressive the actual feature looks. Duration: 1:16. Mins.
On the second disc, the first feature is Jammin’ With Bugs Bunny & Michael Jordan. Shown in 4x3, this is a “making of” featurette which not only covers the feature film but there is also quite a bit of discussion which covers some of the old animation showing some great old footage of many of the original directors as well as Mel Blanc… interesting, too bad it wasn’t longer. Duration: 22:33 Mins.
Up next is Adventures which includes four relatively new WB shorts. They are: Another Froggy Evening, Invasion of the Bunny Snatchers, Night Of The Living Duck (1988) and The Duxorcist (1987).
Bugs vs. Daffy: Battle of The Music Video Stars… is a modern cartoon showcasing Bugs and Daffy as TV hosts showing many great old clips of vintage WB animated shorts. Unfortunately most of which appear to be in rather shape. We can only hope for the day these are all released in their fully restored glory… Duration: 23:30 Mins.
Music Videos is the final feature on disc two. The included videos are Seal: Fly Like An Eagle and "Monstars Anthem", Hit ‘Em High Duration of these videos are 3:54 minutes and 4:52 minutes respectively.
There is also a DVD-ROM feature which is a multi level flash mini game; Looney Tunes: Back in Action video game. I didn’t spend a lot of time navigating this on my PC.
Also included with the set is a movie pass for free admission for one child to the upcoming WB movie; Looney Tunes – Back In Action which opens in theaters on November 14th.
Final Thoughts:
As someone who considers himself a Looney Tunes nut, I really have very little time for much of the WB animation that is post 1969. But hey, this is a family flick and a pretty darn good one. Don’t go into this looking for the brilliance of the old WB animated shorts. If you do, you’ll be soon disappointed. In my house it’s a film that has become a family favorite.
Space Jam is a terrific movie that’s sure to please young and old alike. Included are a number of special features and an A/V presentation that is of demo caliber. If you’re a fan of this film or if you are looking for a good family film, I can’t recommend this set enough. Highly Recommended…!!
Release Date: October 28th, 2003
