Actors: Jennifer Coolidge, Christopher Guest, John Michael Higgins, Michael Hitchcock, Eugene Levy
Directors: Christopher Guest
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: February 19, 2013
Run Time: 90 minutes
Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars
Let me start this review by listing the fantastic cast: Christopher Guest, Bob Balaban, Ed Begley, Jr., Jennifer Coolidge, John Michael Higgins, Michael Hitchcock, Eugene Levy, Jane Lynch, Michael McKean, Larry Miller, Catherine O’Hara, Parker Posey and Fred Willard. The only person missing from this comedy troupe is Harry Shearer. Can you honestly go wrong with a stunning cast like that? If you agree than skip the rest of the review and run out to the store! I wish more comedies that the wit and cleverness of this film.
I remember the first time I saw “Best in Show” in a small theater in NYC and I remember leaving in pain (from laughing). I got introduced to Christopher Guest and pals comedic genius in “Waiting for Guffman”. While that film is amazing, this really steps it up with the comedic talent and all around quality. Personally my favorite is “A Mighty Wind” but this film never misses a beat and continuously gets laughs even over ten years later.
Warner is releasing this film for the first time on Blu-ray. The 1080p transfer is a nice step up from the DVD release and presented in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. For a catalog release, this is easily worth the purchase if you are a hardcore fan. Since the film is shot via documentary style, there isn’t much to see here in terms of quality but the transfer is still sharp and clear. The new audio includes an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. It work great with the cast’s hysterical dialogue.
The special features are a port from the previous DVD release. But still rather impressive. There is a very funny audio commentary track with Christopher Guest and Eugene Levy. If you think the movie is funny, I urge you to check this out for sure. There are also about 30 minutes of deleted scenes, which contain 17 very very funny scenes. I would have loved to see these extra scenes includd in the film itself but at least they are available here. Lastly, there is a theatrical trailer including.
The Purebred Cult Comedy, Best In Show, comes out for the first time on Blu-ray Feb. 19th!! http://bit.ly/14CEoLs
Official Synopsis: The tension is palpable, the excitement is mounting and the heady scent of competition is in the air as hundreds of eager contestants from across America prepare to take part in what is undoubtedly one of the greatest events of their lives — the Mayflower Dog Show.