Plot: What’s it about?
“If peeing your pants is cool, consider me Miles Davis.”
I’ve been a fan of Adam Sandler for years, but given some of his recent works I’d have to say that my affection for him (as a performer) is somewhat waning. But taking a trip back to the early to mid 90’s Sandler was in his prime. He was a cast member of SNL, but was somewhat overshadowed by the bigger personas of Chris Farley, Chris Rock, Mike Myers and Dana Carvey. Still, Sandler continued to write and perform and it wasn’t long before he got his big break. 1995’s Billy Madison proved a perfect showcase for Sandler’s infant-style humor. In much the same way Jim Carrey will be remembered as Ace Ventura or Lloyd Christmas from Dumb and Dumber, I feel that Sandler will always be associated with his roles in Happy Gilmore or Billy Madison. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Sandler and cohort Tim Herlihy co-wrote the script paving the way for Adam Sandler to be with us for a long, long time.
Billy Madison (Adam Sandler) is a spoiled brat. He’s lived his life in a mansion avoiding work and any sort of responsibility. His father (Darren McGavin) is the owner of Madison hotels and is set to hand the company over to Billy upon his retirement. However, not wanting to see his years of hard work go down the drain, Mr. Madison decides instead to give the company to slimy COO Eric (Bradley Whitford). Billy, disgusted at this, wants to prove to his father that he’s serious and therefore worthy to take the reigns. To show this, he’s willing to go back and repeat grades 1-12, each in two weeks. Should he succeed, his father will bestow the moniker of CEO upon Billy. Should he fail, the company is Eric’s. Along the way are many kids, drunk parties and one of the sexiest third grade teachers (Bridgette Wilson) you’ve ever laid eyes on.
Yes, the plot really is that simple and when you finish the first five minutes you’ll know why. What Billy Madison proved was that Adam Sandler could headline a movie just like any of the other SNL stars from the era (Mike Myers and Dana Carvey were currently riding high with Wayne’s World and Wayne’s World 2). The film reeks of sophomoric humor, something which I love, and it plays to all the strengths of the cast – notably Sandler. He’s joined by a few fellow SNL’ers with Chris Farley as a bus driver with a temper and Norm McDonald as one of Billy’s perpetually drunk friends. Yes, this one has it all and it paved the way for 1996’s Happy Gilmore and, of course, many others.
Video: How’s it look?
Having seen this movie on virtually every format ever, I think I’m qualified enough to make an accurate assessment as to its image quality. And if not, I’m going to do it anyway. This is the first time the film has been presented in 4K, and thanks to a new restoration it looks as good (or better) than it ever has. The 1.85:1 HEVC 4K image sparkles from beginning scene to the closing credits. This is important when you see an 80 year-old man in his underwear stomping out a flaming bag of poo on his front porch or a 6 foot penguin holding a drink. Yeah, you read both of those references accurately. Kidding aside, the image does receive an upgrade in picture quality, color and definition. Background images have a little more depth and detail, colors are a bit more even on the 4K disc (versus the included Blu-ray where there’s much more contrast) giving us this nice-looking transfer. Below are some screen captures from the 4K disc vs. its Blu-ray counterpart.
Audio: How’s it sound?
The included DTS HD Master Audio mix is an upgrade from the Dolby Digital 5.1 of the DVD, but it’s not a night and day difference. There are some pretty good songs on the soundtrack, The Jackson Five’s “ABC” comes to mind, but by and large this is a dialogue-driven comedy with only sporadic instances of surround sound to be heard. Oh, there is a song and dance number complete with a chorus of third graders. It’s pretty amazing. It’s a nice, well-balanced mix that’s sure to please, but it won’t be one that you’ll use to demo your system.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Audio Commentary – This is the same commentary track that appeared on the 2005 DVD and it was recorded for that disc. That being said, there was a ten year gap between this commentary being recorded and it being put on disc and, as such, there were a lot of “Uhhh’s….” and some flat out blank spaces. But it’s nice to have a commentary on one of my favorite movies and if you’ve not heard it – it’s well worth a listen.
- Audio Commentary – Kino is somewhat known for producing new audio commentaries for their titles and Billy Madison is the latest recipient. Though Tamra Davis’ original commentary highlights some of the technical aspects, this one is more from a “fan’s” perspective. Author and Filmmaker Bryan Connolly and The Billy Gilmore Podcast Host Wilson Smith give us some anecdotes from the film, interviews and so forth. It’s a great track and a welcome addition to this new 4K set.
- Deleted Scenes – This is actually a pretty robust selection of deleted scenes to choose from that run nearly half an hour. These seem to be along the lines of extended scenes as opposes to truly “deleted”, though the kickball scene should have been included (for obvious reasons).
- Outtakes – A few minutes of some laughing, dropped lines and more.
- Theatrical Trailer
The Bottom Line
Fans of Adam Sandler will no doubt already have this. This is what I consider one of his three “essential” films and it looks better than it ever has. Add in a new commentary track and what more motivation do you need?
Note: Be sure to watch the ending scene in which Chris Farley’s character gets pleasured by an oversized penguin. Yes, you read that correctly.
