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Released by: Shout Factory
Released on: March 29th, 2016
Director: Chuck Barris
Cast: Chuck Barris, Robin Altman, Brian O'Mullin
Year: 1980
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The Movie
Fans of the wacky and unpredictable 70s series The Gong Show should have a pleasant trip down memory lane with this feature length meta-film, which was directed by the show's host Chuck Barris, and co-written by Putney Swope director Robert Downey, Sr.
The Gong Show Movie has certainly not earned that stellar a reputation in the year since its 1980 release, when Barris' sole directorial effort had the unfortunate honor of being pitted against The Empire Strikes Back in theaters. Critical and fan appraisal had been mixed for the film, although this Blu-Ray from Shout Factory gives The Gong Show Movie a bit of a new lease on life, with modern viewers able to see just how confessional Barris' film can be viewed, so many years later.
Barris stars as himself here, moving episodically from one crazy situation to another as he encounters would-be Gong Show contestants nearly everywhere he goes, all vying for his attention and their two minutes of fame on network television. In the meantime, the host has to balance not only the show's slumping ratings, exhaustive taping schedule and his own nagging anxiety and self-doubt.
Indeed, this is probably the most enduring aspect of The Gong Show Movie, as we delve into Barris' frayed psyche as it slowly begins to unravel, thanks to the madness of his professional life. It's an interesting commentary on both the nature of celebrity, as well as The Gong Show itself, specifically its reputation as a low brow, anything goes reflection of society's worst, attention starved aspects.
The jokes are actually smarter than they may appear on the surface, with The Gong Show Movie working better with successive viewings, particularly if one had grown up watching the show, either during its initial 70s run, or in 1980s syndication. Barris is amusing as the lead, and he's helped along the way by a number of recognizable cameos, including one memorable performance by Rip Taylor as an enthusiastic restaurant waiter.
Yes, the film does tend to repeat itself a bit with Barris' endless encounters with auditioning nincompoops, and it's clear that plenty of drugs and alcohol were likely shared on the set, but The Gong Show Movie is still a hoot from a bygone era which deserves some reappraisal here on Shout Factory's Blu-Ray.
Video/Audio/Extras
The Gong Show Movie is presented in full 1080p HD, in its original 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen aspect ratio. The sequences which were specifically shot for the film generally look good, although some scenes-such as one early on when Barris is accosted by two thugs near his home-appear a little soft. Meanwhile, the television clips provide a noticeable dip in quality, but it isn't the end of the world, essentially coming across as nostalgically fuzzy clips from the show's memorable run.
The DTS-HD audio track is fine and nicely balanced, particularly when it comes to the informative commentary track from pop culture historian Russell Dyball. This is due to the fact that there are some dead spots during Dyball's discussion, yet the film's audio track rolls on, saving us from silence and thus making both tracks and entertaining listening experience.
The Final Word
Mileage will certainly vary when it comes to The Gong Show Movie, but those who can easily forgive the wacked out narrative and abundance of filled television clips should at the very least smile a bit when recalling Chuck Barris' one of a kind variety nightmare.
Click on the images below for full sized Blu-ray screen caps!
