Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		1.5
Overall		3.0

Bugsy Malone Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman August 31, 2021

Paramount touts 'Bugsy Malone' as a film that 'redefined the movie musical.' The studio has released Director Alan Parker's debut feature to Blu-ray, for the first time in the United States, as part of the prestigious 'Paramount Presents' line. This 'limited-edition release' sports newly remastered video, a 5.1 lossless soundtrack, and a couple of extras.

Official synopsis: Before 'Fame,' 'Pink Floyd: The Wall,' 'The Commitments,' and 'Evita,' acclaimed director Alan Parker redefined the movie musical with his first feature-length film. Set in 1929 New York City, 'Bugsy Malone' captures a flashy world of would-be hoodlums, showgirls, and dreamers -- all portrayed by child actors. As Tallulah, the sassy girlfriend of the owner of Fat Sam's Grand Slam Speakeasy, future superstar Jodie Foster leads a talented cast. Parker's sharp script, combined with the music and lyrics of Paul Williams ('Phantom of the Paradise'), makes for an irresistible satire that's truly one-of-a-kind.

For a full film review, please click here to read Dr. Svet Atansov's thoughts accompanying his review of the 2008 U.K. Blu-ray.

Bugsy Malone Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Paramount brings Bugsy Malone to Blu-ray with a solid, if still slightly imperfect, 1080p transfer. The print does retain some splotches and speckles – look around the 24:30 mark for an example – but the picture is otherwise in very good condition, boasting a steady and pleasing grain structure for the duration. The resultant image is very filmic and has aged remarkably well; beyond the few trouble spots listed above this image holds up very well. Textures are excellent: they're sharp overall, skin definition delights, the image sports well defined period clothing textures, and firm location elements are commonplace throughout. The picture never relents in delivering essential sharpness across the board, leaving practically every shot, scene, and sequence a delight. Colors lacks intense depth, favoring something of a dreamy and airy, at times, lift, resulting in a sort of dreamy appearance that befits the film's structure, style, and tone, but at the same time the picture reveals plenty of bold tones within a solid contrast that offers deep reds, bright greens, and other colors with expressive styling and satisfying depth and precision. Black levels are solid and flesh tones are fine. Some white blooming effects are in evidence (see 25:55 for an example) but seem to only add to the intended visual aesthetic.

Bugsy Malone Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Bugsy Malone's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack is a rather front-heavy listening experience. The surrounds are not engaged with any potency or power, leaving most of the material up front. Scattered light support may drift back there from time to time, but listeners should not expect to find a deluge of rear channel activity in play. Front side stretch is well done, however, taking advantage of the wide real estate up front. Musical clarity is very good, too, bringing both instrumental and vocal detail to life with ease and efficiency. "Action" sound effects -- the blasting splurge guns, for example -- offer a nice little pop though most effects certainly lack the sort of depth and rigor one might expect to find in a traditional "gangster" picture and these weapons firing "real" .45 cartridges in rapid-fire outbursts. Dialogue drives the film forward and it is presented with exceptional clarity and prioritization from a natural front center position.

Bugsy Malone Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

This Blu-ray release of Bugsy Malone includes a pair of all-new brief retrospectives and a few trailers, including one for Bugsy Malone. This release is the 23rd in the "Paramount Presents" line and includes the slipcover with fold-open poster artwork. A digital copy code is included with purchase.

• NEW! Give a Little Love: Paul Williams on Bugsy Malone (1080p, 6:13): The film's composer discusses his initial response to the concept, cast performances, composing songs, vocal performances, the picture's legacy, and more.
• NEW! Filmmaker Focus: Executive Producer David Puttnam on Bugsy Malone (1080p, 5:27): Like the previous piece, a key crewmember remembers project origins, his early work with Alan Parker, Paul Williams' work on the film, making an "uncompromised" film, the splurge guns and wardrobe, cast and performances, the film's overseas success, the film's legacy in school productions, and more.
• Theatrical Trailers (1080p): Trailers for Bugsy Malone (2:11), Paper Moon, Grease, and Black Beauty (1971).

Bugsy Malone Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Kudos to Alan Parker for stepping up to make something like Bugsy Malone as his debut feature. It's a project that would be risky for an established filmmaker, never mind someone whose career might rise or fall in fell swoop depending on whether something this odd, this out of left field, would actually work. But in Hollywood -- even decades ago -- it must be said that no matter how different, there's something to be said for boldness, inventions, and originality, qualities that Bugsy Malone holds in spades. The film not only worked, but it launched Parker's career and remains a defining moment in the musical genre. Paramount has done justice to the film with this 'Paramount Presents' release. As expected from the line, the video and audio presentations are first-rate. A couple of good extras are included as well. Recommended.