When you think of disaster spoof movies most would think of Airplane starring Leslie Nielson. But before there was a hilarious terror in the skies. There was hilarious terror on the highway with 1976 The Big Bus. Now KL Studio Classics are giving this 70s cult classic a chance to shone on Blu-ray featuring a brand new 4K Scan.
Cyclops is a Big Bus that is world’s first nuclear-powered bus—a 75-ton monster on 32 enormous wheels—and its maiden journey from New York to Denver. Jockeying the world’s greatest bus, of course, is the world’s greatest bus driver (Joseph Bologna, Cops and Robbers). His co-pilot (John Beck, Sleeper) is given to sudden blackouts and has a penchant for driving on the shoulders of the road. A pair of evil-doers (including José Ferrer, Cyrano de Bergerac) vow to destroy the bus at the outset, thus providing hilarious suspense.
The Big Bus is absurd and a lot of fun. But it doesn't hit the same notes as "Airplane!". Airplane's dialogue is filled with quotable line. That when quoted pretty much everyone knows where the line is from. The film's dialogue is mostly forgettable, but the action is not. The Big Bus is a funny, entertaining adventure.
The film was expertly directed by James Frawley, who is best known for directing The Monkees tv series and the classic family film The Muppet Movie. Stockard Channing is tremendous in the lead role here. But the entire cast is a lot of fun. It includes, René Auberjonois (Benson), Ned Beatty (Deliverance), Ruth Gordon (Harold and Maude), Harold Gould (The Golden Girld), Larry Hagman (Dallas), Sally Kellerman (M*A*S*H*), Richard Mulligan (Empty Nest), Lynn Redgrave (Whatever happened to Baby Jane?), Bob Dishy (Critical Condition), Stuart Margolin (The Rockford Files) and Howard Hesseman (WKRP in Cincinnati).
The Big Bus has been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p in 2.35:1 Panavision theatrical aspect ratio. As for the audio there are two choice a DTS-HD Master Audio sound mixes: a 2.0 stereo surround mix and a 5.1 mix. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.
This new transfer comes from a new 4K scan of the original camera negative. I have to say watching this film on Blu-ray to say it looks spectacular doesn't really do it justice. The picture is sharp and colors are vibrant and the audio is clear. I can't imagine it could ever look better than it does here. But that's not all that is included on this disc, there is some nice bonus features, take a look at what is included on this disc.
Special Features:
• NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historians Howard S. Berger and Nathaniel Thompson
• The Big Bus TV Spots
• Trailers: The Big Bus, Honky Tonk Freeway, Million Dollar Mystery, Take This Job and Shove It, In God We Trust, Continental Divide, D.C. Cab, Moving Violations.
Now while The Big Bus lacks the quotable lines of Airplane it is still tons of fun. The absurdity of the story keeps you entertained all the way to the exciting conclusion. The new 4K scan is amazing and the bonuses of TV spots, trailer and insightful commentary truly makes this release a must own for fans of spoof films.
So if you would like a film that helps you escape from the cares of this world, even if just for an hour and a half you may want to try The Big Bus. Head over to Amazon and order your copy of The Big Bus today.
Out of 4 Film Reels (Four Being the Best) KL Studio Classics Blu-ray of The Big Bus receives...
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