Blu-Ray Specs:
Audio: English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital
Video: 1080p High Definition
Definitely pulling from the group of Happy Madison, comes yet another mindless stoner comedy, Strange Wilderness. As you can expect, along with moderately talented funnyman, Steve Zahn ( from Saving Silverman and National Security) is joined by HM regulars Allen Covert, Peter Dante, and also contains Justin Long, Jonah Hill and Ashley Scott. Ernest Borgnine also graces the screen for this fun filled extravaganza.
Strange Wilderness follows Peter Gualke (Steve Zahn) as the son of a great wildlife expert whom inherits the family business of a nature show. Not quite the same caliber of host as his dad once was, Peter struggles with a local TV network to keep his show on the air. Along with his rag-tag crew, they embark on a calamity filled adventure to find and film Bigfoot in a South American country. As the story flows along nicely, you will be waiting to see the next mishap unfold while laughing at the hysterical simplicity of both physical and situational comedy. Of course, pot smoking is very up front and in your face, but I’m not sure it all would work without it.
Some of the more stand out scenes that kept me laughing where the turkey attacks Peter while relieving himself in the woods, the piranha sequence and the voice over work narrating some old footage of bears. And I’m always a sucker for physical comedy as Peter and Fred have their teeth busted out by a car, and when Justin Long falls face first into the doorway of the RV.
The special features are chocked full of content. Containing a long version of Jonah Hill (Cooker) song on the RV, a behind the scenes look at the turkey footage. Comedy Centrals’ show Reel Comedy interviews of the cast on set as animals roam in the back ground. And finally, deleted scenes of which are of plenty.
Picture quality was amazing with the animal sequences and wildlife films from the 70’s and the Blu-ray definitely helps even these older parts shine for what they have to offer. And to see the turkey attack in HD, well that’s truly a spectacle for the eyes. There is also no experience like hearing the bubbles of a bong with TrueHD quality. So much better than the regular release.
From start to finish, never a dull moment and had me waiting in anticipation for the next gag. There was a bit of nudity in a few scenes, but the main reasoning for the rating comes from the language and drug use. Anyone whom likes the Happy Madison brand and the likes will certainly want to pick this one up. Not for the easily offended. Truly a band of misfits in action, but I was rooting for the underdog as usual.
Reviewed by Michael Albaugh.
