Retro VHS Blu-ray Review: Problem Child (1990)

John Ritter is probably best known for his iconic role as Jack Tripper in the classic TV show Three's Company. But he also made some very interesting movies. He was in the Stephen King mini-series It, Man of Miracles, Sling Blade, and one of my guilty pleasure films Hero At Large.

In 1990 John Ritter would take the lead role in the "family" comedy cult classic Problem Child. Now 33 years later Mill Creek Entertainment are giving this film a chance to shine on special edition Blu-ray as apart of their Retro VHS style Blu-ray collection.   

Ben Healy Jr. (John Ritter, Three's Company) is a good-hearted man who always wanted to be a father. He and his wife Florence "Flo" Healy (Amy Yasbeck, Wings) have been unable to have a child of their own so they decide to adopt. Little did they realize the couple adopted the red-headed troublemaker whose hero is a killer named Martin Beck (Michael Richards, Seinfeld). They soon find that everywhere the boy goes disaster follows. Now they have to make the hard decision of whether to keep him or send him back to the orphanage.

The film was a huge success upon release although gained mostly negative reviews. It is not that terrible of a film, in fact it is a very entertaining little film. Let's face it over they years this film has become somewhat of a cult classic. Along with the above mentioned stars, we see a supporting cast that includes, Jack Warden (Heaven Can Wait), Gilbert Gottfried (Saturday Night Live) and Peter Jurasik (Babylon 5).

It is amazing to note the film we know could have been completely different. John Ritter was not the producer's first choice. They had originally thought of Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Richard Dreyfuss, Steve Martin, Rick Moranis and Kurt Russell. But it goes beyond that the part of Martin "The Bow-Tie Killer" Beck was originally offered to Christopher Lloyd. And finally Junior could have went to the future Home Alone star Macaulay Culkin, as he auditioned, but ultimately lost the role to Michael Oliver.

Mill Creek Entertainment has transferred Problem Child to Blu-ray in 1080p in widescreen format 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The audio track is a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. There is also English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing included.

Now this new Blu-ray transfer looks better than the double feature DVD release of Problem Child 1 and 2. The picture is sharp and the colors are bright, also the audio is clear, so it is a good upgrade from the DVD. But it is not from a new 4K scan or 2K scan. So just don't look for something stellar. 

The Blu-ray has no bonus features. But the thing that makes this such a special release is the Retro VHS style Slipcover. I really have been enjoying this retro cover. They truly take me back to my early childhood going to the video rental stores and renting a VHS tape to watch with my mom and dad. That brings a smile to my face and that is priceless.

It is amazing to lookback at the "family friendly" films from the 80s and 90s. These films always included adult situations, profanity and violence. We see a PG rating and it probably should be more of a PG-13 rating. So if you have never seen Problem Child just be ware of this.

So if you love 90s comedies, John Ritter or those Retro VHS Blu-ray releases Problem Child maybe just what you are looking for, for your collection. Head over to Deep Discount or Amazon and order your copy today. 


Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) Mill Creek Entertainment's Retro VHS Blu-ray of Problem Child receives...