There’s one major reason to add the new, 25th-anniversary release of “The Blues Brothers” ($22.98) to your DVD collection. And no, it’s not because the movie is on a mission from God.
This double-sided disc contains both versions of the comedy favorite – the 148-minute extended cut and the previously unreleased-on-DVD, 133-minute original – allowing fans to explore the longer version as well as the theatrical release that first made them fall in love with Jake and Elwood Blues.
It’s an example I wish more studios and filmmakers – George Lucas, are you listening? – would follow. Why make consumers pay for two versions of the same film (or, in the case of the first “Star Wars” trilogy, a special edition without a single glimpse of the theatrical version) when a DVD set can easily hold more than one movie? Oh right, I forgot. So the studios can make more money.
In fairness, Universal isn’t completely innocent when it comes to double-dipping; the studio released an extended cut of “The Blues Brothers” on DVD in 1998. But at least this time, the studio makes an admirable attempt to do right by the film that officially immortalized the “Saturday Night Live” soul men created by Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi.
In addition to both movies, the set comes with several extras, including the documentary “The Stories Behind the Making of ‘The Blues Brothers”‘ (which also appeared on the ’98 release); “Transposing the Music,” a new, shorter doc about the film; a live performance from the recent Blues Brothers tour, featuring Aykroyd and Jim Belushi, subbing for his brother; and “Remembering John,” a 10-
minute look at the all-too-brief life of John Belushi, who died of a drug overdose in 1982.
The new extras are a little disappointing, as some of them repeat stories already told in the 1998 documentary. And while “Transposing the Music” treats viewers to a portion of John Belushi’s famous “King Bee” performance on “Saturday Night Live,” there’s an odd absence of “SNL” footage featuring Aykroyd and Belushi as the Blues Brothers. A commentary track with the always energetic director John Landis also would have made a nice addition. (A remastered version of the film with fewer flecks in the picture would have added value too).
Even with the anniversary edition’s flaws, most “Blues Brothers” fans should happily embrace the chance to revisit this infectious musical-comedy, which launched numerous catchphrases, inspired countless thousands to don dark suits and sunglasses on Halloween and led to one ill-advised sequel (“Blues Brothers 2000”). Thankfully, Universal had the good sense to leave that take on “The Blues Brothers” off this DVD.
Best bonus: It may be a little old – as well as familiar to those who own the 1998 DVD – but the hour-long “The Stories Behind the Making of ‘The Blues Brothers’ ” remains the most robust, informative and entertaining bonus feature of the lot.
Most tasteless bonus: “Remembering John,” which only skims the surface of Belushi’s compelling life story, closes with two promotions for the “Animal House” and “1941” DVDs. They not only left a bad taste in my mouth but also made me wonder: Would anyone actually buy a copy of “1941”?
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