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Brewster's Millions
Year: 1985
Rated: PG
Film Length: 102 minutes
Aspect Ratio: 16x9 enhanced (1.85:1)
Coming off such renowned action hits as The
Warriors, The Long Riders, Streets Of Fire and
48 Hours, Director Walter Hill tried his
hands at directing Brewster's Millions, a
much simpler comedy with America's hottest comic
talents, Richard Pryor and John Candy. What many
may not know is that the film is actually a
remake of a 1961 movie called Three on a Spree.
Pryor really takes to the role of a relief pitcher
for a minor-league baseball team who suddenly comes
into a lot of money - and just as suddenly must spend
it all. It's a condition of the will left by his
practical-joker great-grandfather (Hume Cronyn) that
Pryor must rid himself of $30 million in 30 days in
order to get his full inheritance of $300 million.
While none of Director Walter Hill's stylish
touches are very evident, the movie does succeed
at being a very fool-proof entertaining comedy
although it lacks big laughs.
How is the transfer?
This film has never looked better on any format.
Although the overall transfer has a slight dullness
to it, picture remains clear and blemish free
(except for the title sequence). What you won't
help but notice is the vivid blue and orange colors
of the team uniforms that practically leap off the
screen. Distractive video noise virtually goes
unnoticed. Overall, a very nice transfer for
catalog product.
The sound is 2.0 mono, and there's not much more
you can say about the quality of mono sound except
that it comes across quite clearly through the
front channels.
Special Features
I wouldn't expect much extra material from this
film, but Universal has added a few gratuitous
extras nonetheless.
The film's Original Theatrical Trailer
is included as well as a nice Cast and
Filmmaker filmography that not only gives
their individual screen credits, but also a
short history on the actors themselves -- something
I don't normally see that often and find to be
a nice added touch.
The film's Production Notes tell how
Brewster's Millions was reincarnated from
a former stage play and movie, as well as how
Walter Hill became involved with the project.
Final Thoughts
Though certainly not a milestone in either
Richard Pryor or Walter Hill's career, nor a
particularly uproarious comedy, some may wonder
why I recommend Brewster's Millions. The
reason is simple: It's a fun movie to watch
thanks to the talents of Pryor and Candy. At
a price of under $15 at most on-line retailers,
this becomes an easy guilty pleasure.
Release Date: May 21, 2002
