Plot: What’s it about?
U.S. Bates (Jackie Gleason) has more wealth than he could ever spend and in addition, owns most of southern Louisiana. He has stocks, companies, and real estate under his control, as well as his son Eric (Scott Schwartz), whom he sees for one week per year. As part of tradition, he allows Eric to enter a massive toy department and choose whatever he wants, no matter the cost or effort involved. As Eric shops for his newest plaything, an out of work reporter named Jack Brown (Richard Pryor) is cleaning up the store, since he is the janitor. He takes a break to test out a giant wheel toy and is seen by Eric, who decides Jack is to be his selection. Of course, Jack is a person and not an object, but with a lot of cash on the table, Jack agrees to spend the week with Eric and do as he wishes. At first, Eric humiliates Jack with a series of pranks and cruel tricks, but as time passes, Jack starts to teach Eric what friendship is all about. But now it seems like U.S. himself needs a lesson and these two friends are just the two do deliver the message…
I can now check off one of my most wanted titles, now that Columbia has released The Toy, a childhood favorite of mine. This hilarious movie stars Richard Pryor (Silver Streak, Moving) and Jackie Gleason (The Hustler, Smokey and the Bandit), as well as a talented supporting cast, but Pryor runs this show, without a doubt. The mere thought of Pryor in the Spider-Man pajamas or running through piranha infested waters is often enough to make me laugh, not to mention the countless other events. You’ll also find some more dramatic moments and serious themes, but these are handled in humorous fashion, so it never gets too thick. The premise is a terrific one and the details are played out quite well, with minimal dull stretches to speak of, which is vital in a comedic picture. So there’s lots of laughs and even some touching moments, as our characters get to know each other, and themselves a little better. The fundraising party sequence is an all time classic also, as all sorts of mayhem break loose on the grounds. I wish Columbia could have included some sort of extras, but if you ask me, the movie itself is enough to make this one a purchase, instead of a rental.
Video: How does it look?
The Toy is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, with a full frame edition included on the disc’s flip side. The image here looks terrific, much cleaner and refined than previous versions, no doubt about it. There is some grain evident, but this is a 1982 film and as such, that has to be expected, at least to an extent. The print looks clean, with minimal nicks and debris to be seen, which is great news, of course. I found colors to be natural, if a shade drab at times, while contrast is on the mark at all times. The image does look a tad dated here and there, but on the whole, this is a very nice visual presentation.
Audio: How does it sound?
The included mono option is no sparkplug, but it’s no doorknob, either. The audio comes through in clean and acceptable form, but this is a 1982 mono track, so keep that in mind. The music and sound effects are well presented, while dialogue remains crisp and well placed throughout, no real complaints. You won’t want to use this as a showcase disc for your speakers, but it handles that material and that’s what counts. This disc also includes a French language track, as well as subtitles in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean, and Thai.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc contains no bonus materials.
