Not too long ago, we took a look at Arrow’s Region B Blu-ray release of REMO WILLIAMS: THE ADVENTURE BEGINS (a Region A release of that film is happening early next year). Here’s a look at another Arrow Region B title, THE BURBS, which is also not available on Blu in the States at this point (although it is now streaming on Netflix). THE BURBS is a 1989 comedy from Joe Dante, perhaps best known to Geeks for EXPLORERS, GREMLINS and it’s arguably more awesome sequel GREMLINS 2: THE NEW BATCH, THE HOWLING, and the third segment of TWILIGHT ZONE: THE MOVIE.
THE BURBS is an interesting beast: it’s a Joe Dante movie most folks don’t think to include when citing his interesting and considerable repertoire. It features a Jerry Goldsmith score few people even recall. Although it works quite well in the picture, and could be argued to be among the composer’s better work.
It stars Tom Hanks before he became THE Tom Hanks (although, having already appeared in SPLASH and BIG, his star was certainly rising at this point). It’s a film which sometimes seems to exist in some bizarro pocket universe: often beloved by those who actually remember it, but frequently overlooked in the day in, day out evocations of Geekery.
Truthfully, I recalled very little of THE BURBS before revisiting it via Arrow’s recent Blu-ray release of the picture. I remember seeing it, I remember where I saw it, and I remembered amusing imagery of Tom Hanks’ tired, bedraggled, and slowly decaying Ray Peterson character. Other than that? Nothing. Not a single damn thing
And perhaps it was better to bring no preconceptions to my viewing, as…this time around…I really, really liked the movie - and left my viewing shocked that the film didn’t make a greater impression on me the first time around.
There’s not a great deal of ‘plot’ to discuss in THE BURBS, the picture may be best considered as a somewhat hodge-podgy exploration of distrust - of one’s self, of one’s initial instincts, and of those around us. New neighbors with questionable behavior patterns move into a cul-de-sac, and the surrounding neighborhood quickly becomes nosey, suspicious, and increasingly invasive regarding the nature of the new arrivals. The situation escalates. Citizens regress to their fidgety, judgmental worst. Property is damaged, homes are broken into, etc. It’s dark, but in a fun, jocular way. The movie isn’t condemning human nature as much as it’s giddy slap on the back. An affectionately begrudging acknowledgment that “We all know that people are whacky, imperfect souls…let’s joke about it a little…”
Which leads to my only true point of uncertainty about THE BURBS: Dante and scripter Dana Olson seem to go out of their way to never take sides on whether or not the sometimes over-the-top actions of the film’s leads are justifiable. There’s quite a bit of moral pivoting on display throughout the film’s 100ish minute running time. And just when we think we have a solid bead on what Olson is ‘trying to say’ through his writing, the picture backtracks and heads an entirely different direction.
In the end, I’m wondering if this is why THE BURBS isn’t more widely remembered - or why it didn’t get more initial traction. There’s no sense of right and wrong here, no clarity of message or even intent (despite the dangling presence of one). Only moral ambiguity. It’s a lovely romp and frisky exploration of innate and sometimes distasteful human conditions, but it rings a tad hollow - as if a full pay-off hasn’t been effectively rendered. It remains, none the less, a tremendously amusing shell of a journey.
Despite its stubborn refusal to commit in these areas, in terms of general execution and directorial tightness, THE BURBS ranks high in the pantheon of Joe Dante greatness. It’s a solid, fast moving, hugely nuanced film which is carefully and intricately layered. Even with disjointed thematics, THE BURBS is far more complicated than it looks. Several viewings may well be required to completely appreciate the tapestry Dante has woven here.
Hanks doesn’t break new territory in terms of performance, but he seems to be having a good time and relishing the zany, TWILIGHT ZONEish paranoia his Ray is thrust into. Carrie Fisher is hot as hell in this film, and enviably asserts herself as the film’s chief voice of reason. Her shtick begins to feel repetitive and non-progressive after a bit, but she’s still an enjoyable presence. And she’s still ‘Hot Carrie Fisher’ - so it’s hard to complain too much about what she’s doing in the picture.
Much like Hanks, Bruce Dern appears deeply in love with his role and material and potently forges what is perhaps the film’s most memorable character.
Arrow’s Region B Blu-ray issuance is a remarkable product, and may rank high among the company’s all time great releases. The new 2K,1080p restoration of the theatrical version of the movie is bold and crisp, and special attention seems to have been paid to the film’s physically darker moments. THE BURBS’ nighttime photography looks great here; I did not notice any of the visual drop out one might expect under such conditions.
A workprint of the film, transferred from Dante’s personal copy, is also included and does feature a number of alternate or deleted scenes. A Tale of Two ‘Burbs (23:37) featurette compares the differences in the two versions - optional audio commentary by Dante further illustrates these distinctions.
The disc includes a trailer, and a 1 hour, 6 minute documentary chronicling the making of the film with appearances from many cast and crew.
The theatrical feature includes optional commentary from scripter Dana Olson - which I didn’t have a chance to dig into too deeply, but it sounds like it’s rather promising upon first impression. This is moderated by British author and critic Calum Waddell.
You can learn more about THE BURBS Region B Blu-ray releases HERE. For all of its wonky imperfections, it’s a fascinating and hugely enjoyable film which would never be put before cameras today (I suppose the same could be said about much of Dante’s work). For this reason alone, it’s very much worth checking out…but this very well executed Blu-ray release makes it all the more worthwhile.
Coming Soon: a look at another Region B Blu-ray issuance of a film not yet available in that format here in US: Chuck Norris, Lee Marvin, and !!!!!George Kennedy!!!!! in the Golan/Globus action thriller THE DELTA FORCE.
————
Glen Oliver
“Merrick”
