Review of Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai, The

Introduction

… Across The Eighth Dimension to give it its full title was my all time favourite unwatched movie. Until I received a copy to review, I just never had seen it. I suppose that`s an odd statement so allow me to clarify. I`m a sci-fi fan of long standing, with tastes that vary from Star Trek to the X Files, and have dipped my toe in everything else from Babylon 5, Back To The Future to the Matrix and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Pretty much everywhere you go, you`ll find references and homage to Buckaroo Banzai. Most of the people working on sci-fi movies and television today will state Buckaroo Banzai as an influence, and in the US it is a cult phenomenon. It never really overwhelmed the UK in the same way and for some strange reason I never really made the effort to watch it for myself. But still in a second hand way I guess Buckaroo Banzai has been an influence on me. That`s pretty impressive for a movie I have never seen, until now.

Buckaroo Banzai is a unique individual. Half Japanese and half American, he has grown up to be a pioneering neurosurgeon, particle physicist, martial artist and also plays mean guitar with his band, The Hong Kong Cavaliers. With the aid of Professor Hikita, he has just perfected the Oscillation Overthruster and having installed it in his revolutionary supersonic jet car, he breaks the dimensional barrier and traverses the eighth dimension. However, it`s not just the US government that has an interest in his achievement as Black Lectroids from Planet 10 are observing from orbit. In 1938, Dr Emilio Lizardo failed in breaking the dimensional barrier but was possessed by John Whorfin, a Lectroid criminal who had been banished to the eighth dimension. Since 1938 the Red Lectroid exiles have been living on Earth and preparing to return to Planet 10 to once again rise to power. The Black Lectroids give Buckaroo Banzai an ultimatum to stop the Red Lectroids from escaping their prison or the Earth will be destroyed.

Video

The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eighth Dimension is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen. Aside from some minor grain it is an excellent transfer of a film that is nearly 20 years old. The image is clear and sharp with strong colours throughout. I mean strong colours too, remember this is an eighties film, lurid neon abounds. There is also hardly any print damage to speak of. Buckaroo Banzai would never have won any awards for the quality of the special effects, but they never detract from the fun, and indeed are part of the charm. The experimental jet car is flimsy indeed, and the Lectroid spaceships are cheap and cheerful. Thin ties and pastel suits are all the rage as we once again visit the decade that taste forgot. There is also the eighties fascination with all things Japanese that is integral to the plot (Remember when people slept on futons?). Still, I loved the eighties so the look of the movie is only going to be a plus for me.

Audio

BB gets a DD 5.1 remix for the English track and it`s put to good use. The effects are conveyed well and the surrounds are used quite impressively. Naturally since it is a remix of a stereo track it lacks the energy of a modern film, but you will be immersed into the action. Warning, eighties music alert! Some of the dancing is hilarious too. I do like eighties music but I feel it`s my civic duty to warn those ill prepared for synths, drum machines and snoods.

This is an MGM back catalogue disc so Europe is well catered for in terms of sound and subtitles. Other soundtracks include DD 2.0 German, French and Italian.

Features

Region 1 gets…

Alternative Opening
Buckaroo Banzai Declassified Documentary
Deleted Scene Archives
Audio Commentary with Director W.D. Richter and Writer Earl Mac Rauch
Character Profiles
Banzai Institute Archives
Photo Gallery
"Jet Car All Access"
Pinky Carruther`s Unknown Facts
Teaser Trailer

Region 2 (that`s us by the way) gets…

Theatrical trailer.

Bugger!

Conclusion

With all this anticipation and self-inflicted hyperbole, Buckaroo Banzai could have been one hell of a disappointment. Fortunately I loved every minute of it. Although, with it`s influence evident in many of my favourite programmes and films, I would have been predisposed to it anyway. Most apparent is the Back To The Future parallel. The Oscillation Overthruster vs the Flux Capacitor, breaking the dimensional barrier and travelling through time both in supercharged vehicles are obvious comparisons. However Buckaroo Banzai also has its own cinematic forebear in the shape of Doc Savage: Man of Bronze. It follows the same tongue in cheek comic style and characters.

Buckaroo Banzai, like Doc Savage before him is a perfect supergenius, and because of his lack of flaws he`s not that interesting in himself. It`s the characters around him who provide the interest and almost act as his personality traits. Peter Weller is quietly confident as Buckaroo Banzai, but new recruit New Jersey played by Jeff Goldblum ably supports him in his usual laconic style, also joining him is Clancy Brown as Rawhide in a surprising good guy role. Robert Ito plays Professor Hikita and Lewis Smith is impressive as Perfect Tommy. However the bad guy roll call is equally impressive. In another Back To The Future Link, Christopher Lloyd plays John Bigboote, and Dan Hedaya as John Gomez joins him as well as Vincent Schiavelli as John O`Connor. However John Lithgow steals the movie as the eccentric and malicious Lord John Whorfin/Dr. Emilio Lizardo, chewing scenery left, right and centre. Ellen Barkin provides the necessary love interest/damsel in distress as Penny Priddy.

Buckaroo Banzai just screams cult classic. When it comes to special effects and budget, it`s definitely cheap and cheerful. But in terms of sheer style and energy there is little to compare. It`s silly, over the top and bundles of fun. Best of all it doesn`t take itself seriously. It is at it`s heart an eighties movie and that will probably be a turn off to some. But if you like sci-fi as I do, then treat yourself to this overlooked classic that has influenced so many. You won`t be disappointed.

This MGM disc presents the film very well in terms of picture and sound, but is sadly lacking in terms of extras. For that the Region 1 disc is the purchase of choice. And remember, "No matter where you go, there you are" Deep…