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Summary: Attention Blue Blaze Irregulars!
Review: As soon as I saw this film on screen back in 1984, I immediately joined the Blue Blaze Irregulars (but I've also considered applying for membership in the Hong Kong Cavaliers).In any case, I only have the VHS version, and I'm wondering if in the DVD version we get to find out about the mystery of the WATERMELON! If you enjoy quirky SF plot lines and actors who are willing to go "over the edge," you'll love this movie. And look for Clancy Brown, who later was the Kurgen-villian in the first Highlander movie.
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Summary: Sci-Fi Classic
Review: Too bad they never made the next version, but that's the problem with "limited audience appeal" movies like this one. A small stream of income that comes in slowly rather than the big blockbuster paycheck. I like the artistic direction in this movie. The Lectroids organic ships and complete lack of hygiene is a great counter point to the squeaky clean space ships of its contemporaries. Not for people who don't enjoy a bit of good pun however.
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Summary: Quirky SF at it's best
Review: You'll either love it or hate it.
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Summary: No matter where you go...
Review: I LOVE this movie! One of my all time favorites. If you like campy sci-fi then this movie is for you.
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Summary: A Whole New (Better) Movie on DVD
Review: Sometimes you watch the deleted scenes on dvd and think, "Well, THAT certainly wasn't missed." Not here-- this is one movie (1941 is another) that has been saved by the return of its missing pieces. What, I wonder, was someone thinking when they cut half the exposition out of the theatrical release? You still have the sense in this movie that you are just seeing the tip of the iceberg that is Banzai's universe, but now you don't feel like you came in on the sixth chapter of a movie serial. With some of the fog lifted, this is more fun than ever. John Lithgow is cheerily over the top, and the rest of the cast is a parade of "Hey I know that guy" moments. The story is loopy but exciting, a great pulp adventure that plays as if the creator of Doc Savage had thrown all caution to the wind. If you always thought this movie was just too hard to follow and too incoherent, now is the time to look again. This is great fun, and tasty adventure, and a unique treat. Well worth watching.
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Summary: The "extras" actually hurt this DVD
Review: I won't waste time reviewing the movie. If you're reading this review then you already know what an awesome flick it is. I'll concentrate on the bonus features. I was initially quite excited about the large number of features on this disk but they turn out to be a detriment! In a way, I wish I had never seen them. The problem is that director Richter treats the material as though it's a dramatization of the real adventures of a real Buckaroo Banzai. This is a far bigger problem than simply being annoying: it eliminates the possibility of discussing some very interesting topics such as how he came up with the idea for Buckaroo, the struggles he's had with studios both in making the film and trying to create a franchise, and why it's such a cult classic. But it's even worse than simply missing opportunities to provide meaningful stuff. Richter gives lots of bogus information to play up the "docudrama" angle. He tells us that all references to Hanoi Xan were removed because Buckaroo thought such a dastardly person shouldn't even be mentioned in a lighthearted movie. In reality, the studio (wisely) ordered Richter to excise Xan, feeling that the plot was already a bit much. Once you hear Richter's bogus explanation, you really don't know how much of what he tells you on the rest of the DVD is true! Most of the "deleted scenes" are truly awful, including the overhyped Jamie Lee Curtis "alternative intro" scene. The "Pinky's 48 billion unknown facts" is painful to watch. And Richter gives you the impression of someone who still hasn't accepted the fact that the film only appeals to a very niche crowd. I've lost a lot of respect for him. Look, this is a classic movie and I'm glad I have it on DVD now. But the opportunity to provide some valuable info about this legendary film has been utterly wasted. What a shame. If you do buy this disk (and I *am* recommending it -- barely), do yourself a favor and never watch the bonus features.
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Summary: finally released again
Review: for something like 10 years this film has been out of print. I was doubtful that it would ever be released on DVD, considering all the controversy surrounding it. THere's a lot of internal jokes on the DVD, references to Bonzai being a real person, which is sort of cute and amusing when it is pulled off correctly. It finally has all of those deleted scenes that everyonje has been clamoring for, for years. If you watch this film though, be prepared to have your eyes and your senses assaulted by garish 80's fashions, 80's music, and some of your favorite stars with 80's hair. This entire film is so stuck in its time that it's hard to get past, unless you just let go and follow Peter Weller in his Miami Vice fashions and jump into the fun. Remember, no matter where you go, there you are. And, coming soon, Buckaroo BOnzai versus the World Crime League.
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Summary: Buckaroo Bonzai Rules
Review: Absolutely a gem to find, for years I tried to buy a copy from a Laser Disc store, but they wouldn't sell. They knew they had a rare item. So I had to be satisfied with a very old used VHS copy. BUT... Now I'm in heaven, I've got the DVD and it can be considered the find of my lifetime! A must have for all SciFi fans. The movie rocks and is one of the best I have ever seen. Fun and entertaining. The dudes aren't so bad on the eyes either!
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Summary: To the ... who didn't like it - BUCKAROO RULES!
Review: Did you notice that there are over 80 reviews and almost every one gives it 5 stars. You just don't get it, do you? As Buckaroo says:
"Know that, as in life, there is much that many have looked upon but few have seen because, as my father told me and his father told him, you will come to learn a great deal if you study the insignificant in depth."
-Buckaroo ...
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Summary: Laugh while you can, monkey boy!
Review: I've tried and failed to explain this movie to people who had never heard of it. That's part of its charm: it is such a melange of comic book uber-achieving characters, science fiction distorted reality, tongue-in-cheek wierdness, and a steady torrent of subliminal jokes (think "Airplane") that it defies easy explanation. That complex mixture also makes this as rewarding in its thirtieth viewing as its first, and has made this a regular favorite at Science Fiction & Fantasy Conventions and at Mensa Gatherings. The reviews can tell you the plot; I'll tell you why I liked it. I'll also tell you that you're likely to either love or loathe this movie. You'll be in the first group if you 1)pay close attention to dialog and details, 2) thought that B-movie science fiction needs a send-up, 3) appreciate (or can at least tolerate) some inspired weirdness, and 4) want to see what an "all star" cast can do with some of the most (intentionally, I think) insipid lines ever placed in a script. This is the movie that gave us that gem, "No matter where you go, there you are." I jumped up and down in the store when I first saw that Buckaroo Banzai (easier to say than the full title, or even TAOBBATED) on DVD, and plunked down my money immediately. I was not disappointed. The quality is exceptional after all those years of VHS viewing. (The Anamorphic Letterbox presentation also fixes that disturbing compression of the end titles that marred earlier tape releases). The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack was a pleasant bonus. The DVD includes the expected outtakes, director's commentary, alternate beginning with Jamie Lee Curtis, and other goodies to keep the faithful entertained for hours! All of that doesn't detract from the fact that this is one of the oddest movies of the last two decades. The alternate beginning helps only a little in the initial impression that the viewer missed the first third of the film. That disorientation causes many to miss some good throw-aways that serve as the film's visual wallpaper. (For example, the computer displays during the countdown [in a test of Buckaroo's Jet-powered, oscillation overthruster-equipped pickup truck] show status as "Sined", "Seeled" and "Delivered".) I can get choked up just thinking of Dr. Banzai's resume: Brain Surgeon, Particle Physicist, Test Pilot, frontman of the hard-rocking (and heat packin') Hong Kong Cavaliers, and leader of an elite team that mobilizes to save the world, with a posse of Blue Blaze Irregulars (whom I believe discovered their calling from an ad in the back of a comic book.) If you're not sold yet, maybe you should rent this movie first--it's not for everyone!
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