Honky Tonk Freeway (1981) {KL Studio Classics Blu-ray Review}

Reviewed By Jason Lockard

Films from the 80s feel so retro in these days. Film fans love the absurdity of what went on in 80s films. I have to say that I was too young to see those films so getting to see them now is so much fun. And for me the more absurd the more fun.

Now the good folks at Kino Lorber Studio Classics are bringing movie fans another must own 80s comedy on Blu-ray. Thanks to Kino Lorber we can all take a vacation to Ticlaw, on the Honky Tonk Freeway.

In Ticlaw, Florida the town's Mayor and preacher Kirby Calo (William Devane) want the town to become a tourist stop, but how! When he find out a new freeway is being built he decides to bride the higher-ups to include an exit to the town of Ticlaw. Seems perfect, but you can't trust some people. When the freeway is complete there is no exit. So the town take hilarious measure to make sure tourist now Ticlaw is there. Including a water-skiing elephant.

John Schlesinger Academy Award winning director, known for his dramatic films, takes a detour to outrageous comedy. In doing so puts together a very fun film escape. Sometimes that what we need more than anything is just to laugh. This is not a good film! This is a wacky film! There is a difference! But the wackiness equal entertainment in my opinion.

The cast is a tremendous who's who of 80s TV and Movies including, William Devane, Howard Hesseman, Teri Garr, Peter Billingsley, Beau Bridges, Hume Cronyn, Jessica Tandy,  Beverly D'Angelo and Daniel Stern. It seems like everytime I turned around I was saying "Oh I remember him or her."

Now Kino Lorber has transferred this film from a new 4k restoration taken from the original camera negative. It is presented in 1080p in its proper 1.85 ratio. The audio is a mono track in 2.0 DTS Master Audio. The picture quality is crisp, sharp and super clean. There is no signs of damage to this print. And the audio is as clear as a bell! The film has never looked better on Blu-ray!

As for bonus features Kino Lorber knows I love my audio commentaries (I'm kidding) so they added another great one. Take a look at the bonus features.

* An Audio Commentary featuring Honky Tonk Freeway producer Dan Boyd, Film Historian and film maker Daniel Krammer and Film Historian /Biographer at Segaloff.
So much knowledge between these it's worth the price alone!

* Theatrical Trailer

* English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing

The outrageous antics in this film, I believe will remind film fans of National Lampoon movies. There is some adult language and situations. So parental guidance is suggested in this one. But I think the adult are going to love this release.

The quality of this transfer! The awesome audio commentary and trailer makes this KL Studio Classic Blu-ray release a must add for any 80s comedy movie fan!

So if you like your entertainment off the wall and wacky. I highly suggest giving Honky Tonk Freeway on Blu-ray a chance. You can order your copy now on Amazon.com.

Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) KL Studio Classic's Blu-ray of Honky Tonk Freeway receives...