Buster Keaton Rides Again / Helicopter Canada Blu-ray Movie
HomeBuster Keaton Rides Again / Helicopter Canada Blu-ray Movie 
includes The Railrodder & 7 other shortsCanadian International Pictures | 1965-1966 | 3 Movies | 106 min | Not rated | Jun 28, 2022
Price
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Movie rating
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| Users |  | 0.0 |
| Reviewer |  | 3.0 |
| Overall | | 3.0 |
Overview
Buster Keaton Rides Again / Helicopter Canada (1965-1966)
Two unforgettably cinematic journeys through ’60s Canada! BUSTER KEATON RIDES AGAIN - In the fall of 1964, just over a year before his death, Buster Keaton traveled to Canada to make The Railrodder, a silent short that would turn out to be one of his final films. Documenting this mobile production in fascinating and unexpected detail, Buster Keaton Rides Again offers a rare glimpse of the comedy legend’s temperament, philosophies, hobbies, marriage (his third), and occasionally combative creative process. Canadian International Pictures fondly presents this intimate look at one of cinema’s most enduring legends. In addition, this disc includes The Railrodder and six other shorts by director – and Buster Keaton Rides Again co-star – Gerald Potterton (The Rainbow Boys, Heavy Metal). HELICOPTER CANADA - Made in celebration of the Canadian centennial, this Oscar-nominated documentary offers a stunning aerial exploration of the country’s vast and varied landscape. Featuring impressive widescreen cinematography by director Eugene Boyko, amusingly irreverent commentary, and even a cameo by The Beatles, this enchantingly oddball time capsule brings Canadiana to new heights. In honor of the film’s debt to the sprawling Cinerama travelogues of the ’50s, this disc also includes a presentation of Helicopter Canada in the Smilebox format, simulating the effect of a curved screen.
| Documentary | 100% |
| Comedy | 5% |
| Biography | Insignificant |
Specifications
Video
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Audio
See individual releases
Subtitles
English SDH
Discs
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Packaging
Slipcover in original pressing
Playback
Region A, B (C untested)
Review
Rating summary
| Movie |  | 3.5 |
| Video |  | 2.5 |
| Audio |  | 4.0 |
| Extras | | 4.0 |
| Overall | | 3.0 |
Buster Keaton Rides Again / Helicopter Canada Blu-ray Movie Review
Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 28, 2022In 1964, legendary screen comedian Buster Keaton was hired to make “The Railrodder,” a silent short used to showcase the natural beauty and personality of Canada. Director Gerald Potterton (who would go on to helm 1981’s “Heavy Metal”) was put in charge of assembling the picture, teaming with Keaton, who was 69 years old, embarking on the creation of his 87th movie. Hoping to capture this moment in film history, director John Spotton was brought on to make a documentary, “Buster Keaton Rides Again,” about the production experience, observing Keaton at his most unguarded as the icon toured the country, trying to perfect gags for “The Railrodder.”
“Buster Keaton Rides Again” is unusually candid about the subject, initially offering some biographical information that details Keaton’s rise to fame, enjoying creative freedom and money before alcoholism and changing trends in moviemaking left him broke both financially and psychologically. In 1964, Keaton is an older man, but eager to prove himself once again with “The Railrodder,” working with Potterton to make something funny as they sell the splendor of Canada. “Buster Keaton Rides Again” tracks the development of the shoot, following the filmmakers as they change locations and work on gags, finding Potterton and Keaton sometimes at odds over staging and timing, but they maintain a decent working relationship.
More interesting is time with Keaton’s wife, Elenore, who handles everything for her husband, showing thinning patience for the work. Daily life is also compelling, watching Keaton interact with the public, signing autographs (even for kids) and attending city functions, playing the part of a cinema superstar while he looks forward to down time, which allows him to follow baseball games and play bridge with friends.
Buster Keaton Rides Again / Helicopter Canada Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality
The AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Buster Keaton Rides Again" is sourced from a 35mm interpositive, with restoration work performed by the National Film Board of Canada. Filtering is present, pulling out the natural graininess of the image, and softness dominates, with a mushy sense of facial particulars and Canadian sights. Black and white cinematography is balanced, with satisfactory delineation. Source is in decent shape, with some mild wear and tear. Age is more apparent on "The Railrodder" and "Helicopter Canada," showing roughness at times, but color is inviting on both productions.
Buster Keaton Rides Again / Helicopter Canada Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix provides a basic but clear understanding of conversations in "Buster Keaton Rides Again." Offerings of score and musical performance also emerge with clarity and authority.
Buster Keaton Rides Again / Helicopter Canada Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras
- Booklet (10 pages) contains an interview with director Gerald Potterton and a synopsis for the short film.
- Commentary on "Buster Keaton Rides Again" features director Gerald Potterton and cinematographer David De Volpi.
- Commentary on "The Railrodder" features director Gerald Potterton and cinematographer David De Volpi.
- Gerald Potterton Shorts (HD) include 1960's "Hors-D'oeurve" (7:26), 1962's "My Financial Career" (6:40), 1963's "Christmas Tree Decoration," 1963's "The Ride" (6:41), 1965's "The Railrodder" (24:49), 1966's "The Quiet Racket," and 1983's "The Awful Fate of Melpomenus Jones" (7:51).
- Bonus Film: "Helicopter Canada" (50:09), a 1966 documentary celebrating the 100th anniversary of Canadian Confederation, taking viewers across the vast land to visit nature, industry, and communities. A 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix is offered, and the movie is presented in three aspect ratios: 2.35:1, 2.76:1, and the "Smilebox" format, simulating a curved screen viewing experience.
- Bonus Short: 1970's "Canada the Land" (7:26, HD).
Buster Keaton Rides Again / Helicopter Canada Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation
One can sense Spotton struggling to find structure for "Buster Keaton Rides Again," which suddenly returns to the comedian's upbringing in the final five minutes of the documentary, seemingly out of production information to share. The viewing experience is a little jarring at times, but the idea of "Buster Keaton Rides Again" is simple: offering fans a chance to see the actor in action, working with his still-crisp sense of humor to complete a project engineered to celebrate career achievements. The Canada-ness of it all is appealing, but a chance to watch Keaton in action is the real draw of the picture.