SYNOPSIS
A young couple finds themselves slightly dead. They cope while still living in their house, but soon find themselves in their own personal hell as their house gets invaded by new home-owners. The plot thickens as they are introduced to Beetlejuice, who offers to help them get rid of the new home-owners. Little do they realize involving Beetlejuice pretty much causes hell on Earth. And as they realize this, they also realize that the homeowners aren’t as bad as they seem. But is it too late to make peace?
CRITIQUE
The 1980s had some odd films. Some of the odder ones, rest in B movie (or, perhaps, C-movie status) while holding the cult classic title (Killer Klowns from Outer Space anyone?). And of course, the supernatural was a big draw in those days. Steven Spielberg really started it with friendly aliens, unfriendly ghosts & gremlins, and evil spirits in Arks. Since then, send off’s started showing up. There’s no doubt, if it weren’t for Poltergeist, there would probably be no Ghostbusters. And without Ghostbusters, I doubt Beetlejuice would exist. And without Beetlejuice, I bet the forgotten odd Burton-esque 1992 film; Highway to Hell, (which still hasn’t seen the light of day on DVD) wouldn’t be born.
After Tim Burton’s success with Pee-wee's Big Adventure, he was a shoe-in for Warner Brothers. He got himself attached to Batman (at a time when it was under development hell), but still needed to prove himself capable of such a massive project. He was handed the script for Beetlejuice, and immediately fell in love with it. And it truly was a film for him. He got a chance to work with stop-motion animation (which goes back to his roots as a filmmaker), as well as work with other special effects. This was the be-all, end all for him. And he exceeded beyond expectations.
Beetlejuice is a droll dark comedy about life, death, and everything in-between. In true Burton fashion, it’s all style and no substance (which isn’t a bad thing, especially for a guy like Tim Burton). It’s over-the-top surreal fun. With the added ingredients of a great cast and a fantastic score by Burton’s right-hand man: Danny Elfman (make no mistake about it, much like Spielberg/Williams and Hitchcock/Herrmann, its not a Burton movie without Elfman conducting).
After the success of the classic The Fly, Gena Davis has proven herself as a talented and sexy starlet. And back when he was a thin young lad, Alex Baldwin was the obvious leading man type. Along with the always funny Catherine O'Hara, and also then-ago and didn’t throw his career away Jeffery Jones, we already have a solid cast. Add the young and spunky Winona Ryder and the legendary Sylvia Sidney – we have here a vast amount of talented thespians to bring this oddball masterpiece to life. Wait. I forgot someone. Oh yeah, the title role.
People were curious how Michael Keaton would do as Batman. Obviously, it turned out alright (and arguably, still the best Batman to date – sorry Bale fanboys). But, going back to Keaton – this fella is known for comedies. And the title role of Beetlejuice is his finest work then or now. What really is impressive is the amount of time he is in the movie. With no less than 17 of the 92-minute running time, Keaton utilizes the time well spent. His heavy tone (which must have given him a sore throat after a while) and his appearance creates a classic cinematic character.
The satiric approach toward life and death is most noticeable about this movie. There really hasn’t been a film like this, which makes it quite unique. Death is something that’s very sensitive to everyone. And the horror genre takes the concept to many heights, but rarely satirize the idea. Where do we really go after we pass on? Heaven? Hell? Do we just turn off like a kitchen light? Do we transform into spirits (ghosts, if you will)? The harsh truth is no really knows. I guess that’s where faith comes in at.
While we are alive, however, we can enjoy all the fruits that life offers us. Like watching this Burton classic and laughing how incredibly funny it is.
THE VIDEO
1:85 of perfection. Beetlejuice never looked any better. This is the highlight of this set. If there is one reason to buy it, it’s this wonderful transfer. Much like the Batman Special Editions a few years ago, colors are brighter – shaper – and less grainy. It has the look of the 80s classic, without looking like a 1980s print.
THE AUDIO
5.1 of surround sound excellence. Danny Elfman’s score sounds even better. Keaton’s rough voice sounds deeper. And the sound effects goes even further, adding that extra dimension of the living and the non-living.
THE EXTRAS
Three episodes [A-Ha, Skeletons In The Closet, Spooky Boo-tique] from the tedious animated series back in the 90s. Two trailers (one for Beetlejuice, other for Pee Wee). And a false ‘Deluxe Edition’ label. How is this a DELUXE EDITION?!?! It’s the 20th Anniversary of the movie, and this is all you can gather up?!?! THIS?!?!
It’s sad – Warner Brothers – when you give Supergirl, Batman & Robin, AND Catwoman the two-disc special edition treatment. Yet you drop the ball on Poltergeist last year, and this film this year. But I know it makes no difference. The company that sent me this DVD isn’t in charge of making these discs. So there is no way of telling WB they f*cked up yet again!
FINAL THOUGHTS
This is the release you want to get, and may want to even trade your old barebones for this particular release. The transfer alone is worth it. But bear in mind, this is still pretty much a barebones set. Don’t let the “20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition” banner deceive you.
