Plot: What’s it about?
Based on a failed television show called Police Squad, The Naked Gun didn’t have a lot of history. The show was up against Magnum P.I and Fame on the other networks, and this was in the days of “the big three.” Needless to say, after the first episode, the directors found out that it was cancelled, even though three more of the episodes (of the original six) ran. When it came time to make a movie, another slapstick, goofball movie that is, it was none other than Leslie Nielsen (who also starred in the series) that took the lead role as Lt. Frank Drebin. Now, Leslie Nielsen used to be a dramatic actor, and I’m sure he could be again, but he seems content to spend the rest of his acting career doing slapstick parodies of other movie…but we all still laugh, so it will likely be a continuing trend. From his days in movies like Forbidden Planet and The Poseidon Adventure he was a nice (if not perfect) fit for the lead role; also a role that was sort of spoofed in the earlier Airplane! Movies.
We meet Frank Drebin as he’s right in the middle of an undercover operation somewhere in the Middle East. I personally don’t know what a police officer would be doing in that situation, but if you try and make sense of any of “The Naked Gun” movies, you’re missing the point entirely. Another serious actor, George Kennedy (who won an Oscar for Cool Hand Luke), plays his partner Ed. What the whole thing boils down to is that Police Squad has been chosen to protect Queen Elizabeth on her visit to Los Angeles. Drebin and the gang are to be on their best behavior, while at the same time trying to protect Her Majesty’s safety. The one thing that’s standing in their way is local millionaire and businessman, Vincent Ludwig (Ricardo Montalban). Ludwig has devised a scheme, for several millions of dollars, that can turn any normal person into an assassin by the flick of a switch. It’s up to Drebin and Police Squad to stop him at any cost, but at the same time convince the Commissioner that it’s indeed Ludwig that wants to take the Queen’s life. Ludwig’s assistant, Jane (Priscilla Presley) is assigned to cooperate with Police Squad in any way, and in the midst of this also falls in love with Frank. In a nutshell, that’s it. What is so funny about these types of movies (the same team also did the Airplane! movies) is the stuff that happens for no apparent reason, the stuff in the background and the way that no one seems to really grasp what is actually happening.
A major member of the cast is O.J. Simpson, the one and only. Playing the role of Detective Nordberg, he is quickly and in a very humorous way, put in the hospital. While The Naked Gun may not be exactly what you’re looking for in terms of plot and acting, it’s probably one of the funniest movies to ever grace the screen. It’s in my top five for sure. While some of the jokes are a bit dated, this movie contains the timeless slapstick humor that compares to the likes of “The Three Stooges”, stuff that is timeless. If you’ve never seen any of these movies, then treat yourself. Fit for a person of any age, this movie will have you rolling.
Video: How does it look?
I’ve always thought that this film looked rather good on any home video format. And it’s been around long enough that I’ve seen it on VHS, LaserDisc, DVD, Blu-ray and now 4K. The movie was made in the late 80’s, a decade that’s produced some rather impressive and some sub-par transfers when it comes to their new 4K masters. The Naked Gun falls somewhere in the middle, with there being some noticeable improvements in detail and color, it still seems a bit flat. It’s not bad, by any means, but with some modern films we get a 3D quality to them that simply isn’t present. It’s the best the film has looked on a home video format, to be sure, but it’s not a night and day difference from the included Blu-ray.
Audio: How does it sound?
The movie now sports a re-mastered DTS HD Master Audio soundtrack that has a few moments, but it’s more along the lines of a very good-sounding surround track. The slapstick, physical comedy has a few moments where the surrounds come into play. Dialogue is very strong and well-centered, Leslie Nielsen’s powerful voice is never distorted. The comedic score sounds good and we’re even treated to Herman’s Hermits’ video “Into Something Good.” This is a decent mix, though nothing I’d write home about.
Supplements: What are the extras?
No new extras are present. The included commentary and trailer are found on the Blu-ray, while the 4K disc lacks any supplements.
- Audio Commentary – David Zucker and Robert Weiss contribute to a track. While not on par with that of Airplane! this is still a good listen.
- Theatrical Trailer
The Bottom Line
Screwball comedies, when done right, are always a shoe-in with me. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen this movie and it never fails to put a smile on my face. Paramount’s new 4K offering offers a modest improvement in picture quality, but with the same audio mix and same supplements we’ve had for years, this one might be for the hard core fans only.
