Popeye 4K UHD Review
There’s nothing quite like “Popeye.”
Back in 1980, Robert Altman directed a live-action movie musical adaptation of the E.C. Segar comic and cartoon character “Popeye.” Set in Sweethaven, the story concerns a sailor (Popeye) searching for his missing father. Popeye’s time in Sweethaven is anything but welcoming. He’s treated as an outsider, the town features hellish taxes, a bulky bully brute (Bluto) essentially runs the place, and he has to stay at the Oyl residence where he initially clashes with Olive Oyl. Everything changes when Popeye and Olive Oyl meet a baby named Swee’Pea who possesses the ability to predict the future. When Bluto gets wind of this, he kidnaps the baby for his own agenda. Can Popeye rescue the baby and save the day?
Despite its mixed reputation, “Popeye” is nothing short of fascinating. Does it entirely work as a movie with its meandering pacing and bizarre Swee’Pea plot? No. Is it a mesmerizing oddity that has a lot to admire? Absolutely. As a cinematic spectacle, there’s so much to absorb here with the grand seaside Sweethaven sets (that still stand as a tourist attraction in Malta called Popeye Village), the Harry Nilsson soundtrack (including the now iconic “He Needs Me”), the physical comedy gags, and the visuals that look like they popped straight out of the comics. Robert Altman seems a strange choice to helm this given his dramatic background, but he truly brings the characters to life while doing his own thing as any great directing auteur would.
Let’s not forget the casting here which is spot on. Robin Williams is an inspired choice for Popeye, Shelley Duvall was born to play Olive Oyl, Paul Dooley IS Wimpy, and Paul L. Smith is about as perfect of a casting as you can get as the menacing Bluto. Even if some scenes or comedy bits don’t work, the cast truly elevates the movie and brings these beloved characters to life.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.35:1 2160p. How does it look? I would say it’s a slight step up from the Blu-ray released 6 years ago. The colors pop and you are able to notice more details. If you already own the Blu-ray, it’s likely not worth the upgrade, but if you have held off on the Blu-ray, grab the 4K (which also comes with the Blu-ray).
Audio Track: Dolby TrueHD 5.1. How does it sound? This is the same track as the Blu-ray and it’s a strong 5.1 track all around.
Extras:
* Digital copy
* Blu-ray copy
* “Return To Sweethaven: A Look Back With Robin And The Altmans” contains interviews, discussions about the film, stills, and more.
* “The Popeye Company Players”- A featurette on the cast and characters
* Theatrical trailer
* “Popeye’s Premiere” stills
* “The Sailor Man Medleys”- The option to play individual songs
No comments yet.
Share This Blog
Robert Ham
dmanderson
Andrea
nicklyons1
DVD Corner 
Leave a comment