Review: Canadian Bacon (1995) {MVD Marquee Collection Blu-ray}

John Candy is an icon of comedy. From his time in sketch comedy to advancing to the silver screen. He has starred in such amazing films as Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Uncle Buck, The Great Outdoors, Spaceballs and many more.

In 1995 Academy Award Winning director of Bowling For Columbine Michael Moore directed the legendary John Candy, Alan Alda and Rhea Perlman in the comedy Canadian Bacon. Now the good folks at MVD Visual under the division MVD Marquee Collection are giving this film a chance to shine on Blu-ray.

When the U.S. President (Alan Alda, M*A*S*H*) is facing plummeting approval ratings and disgruntled arms manufacturers, he decides to go to war with Canada! After a flood of media propaganda, Americans waste no time in "patriotically" burning their ice skates and swearing off maple syrup. Than when bumbling U.S. sheriff Boomer (John Candy, Who's Harry Crumb?) and his hair-trigger deputy Honey (Rhea Perlman, Cheers) decide to take matters into their own hands and lead a preemptive strike, they soon find themselves embroiled in a hilarious international incident that's too close for comfort, eh!

Canadian Bacon is a brilliant satire. The story is off the wall and completely crazy in the best way. Now along with Candy, Alda and Perlman the cast also includes, Rip Torn (Men In Black), Kevin Pollak (The Usual Suspects) and Steven Wright (Natural Born Killers).

MGM released Canadian Bacon on DVD and to say it was a lackluster release would be an understatement. The release didn't even have a DVD menu. Thankfully MVD stepped up and gave this Candy comedy a release it deserves.

The film has been transferred in High Definition (1080p) in 1:85.1 aspect ratio. There are two audio options an English 2.0 Stereo and a Spanish 2.0 Stereo. There is also Optional English, French and Spanish Subtitles.

When I examined this Blu-ray transfer against the less the spectacular MGM DVD this transfer looks a little more crisp and is defiantly a nice upgrade. Now in addition to a Blu-ray menu MVD added some cool bonus features to this Blu-ray take a look at what is included. 

* Original Theatrical Trailer 

* Reversible Artwork (Including an original poster artwork)

* Slipcover with different artwork

Now while Canadian Bacon may not be on a par with some of Candy's best comedies that does not diminish the entertainment value found in this feature film. The satirical nature of this film shines a funny light on politics and war. And sometime we just need to laugh or we will cry.

So if you love the genius of John Candy as much as I do no Candy collection will be complete without Canadian Bacon on Blu-ray. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today.


Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) MVD Marquee Collection' Blu-ray of Canadian Bacon receives...