Review of Running Scared

Introduction

I wanted to review this because I had only a vague recollection of it and I think Billy Crystal is the funniest man with the name Billy Crystal on the planet. Oh and my uncle in NY has a bit part in it!

Seriously, this was one of those genre making movies that didn`t really get its recognition `till the mid eighties video rental boom. A fantastic teaming of Crystal and Hines as the wise cracking cop buddies who can`t wait to retire. But it`s Crystal who gets all the best lines for example Ray and Danny`s sergeant tells them he has the post mortem results for a suicide roof jumper and his cause of death. Crystal replies "Let me guess, deceleration trauma"...well I think it`s funny!

Video

Another Warner classic back catalogue title. Again they have done it justice with a great anamorphic 2.35:1 transfer that is pristine if only a little grainy. Colours are strong and vibrant and the contrast blacks and white work well to give a good sense of depth. There is dome slight halo effects on bright whites but not too much to distract.

Audio

Another simple but strident Dolby Digital 2.0 mix. Again a little harsh in places and no bass punch. Ambient surround effects sound forced and unnatural.

Features

You get a trailer. Come on Warner track down Billy Crystal, I`m sure he would have had some great anecdotes for a commentary. An opportunity well missed!

Conclusion

A great little buddy flick with a predictable story. The transfer is good but sound could have done with more work. I wish more companies would realise the importance of a good bass level this can add great depth to the films effects and its musical score.

Oh yes my uncle was in one of the police station interior shots, on the phone. He said to look at the snow in the movie, apparently it`s all soap suds...foam to you and me!