Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 30, 2019

While the collaboration may have seemed odd on paper, “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” benefits wildly from the disparate screen energy of stars Steve Martin and Michael Caine. Joining forces to portray a pair of con artists, the actors are the main attraction of the feature (which is a remake of “Bedtime Story,” a David Niven/Marlon Brando endeavor from 1964), which does well with offerings of deception and faux charm, but the movie handles superbly when it’s trying to be silly. Such comedy chess may seem impossible to play with these men, but Martin and Caine deliver some of their finest work in “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” with director Frank Oz creating a farce sturdy enough to let the talent (joined by the late Glenne Headly) run with extremes, yet somehow remain on Earth with sneakier, slyer lines from screenwriter Dale Launer.

A con man with a fondness for rich women, Lawrence (Michael Caine) has set up shop in the French Riviera, creating a palace of wealth and luxury as he works to bilk targets out of large amounts of cash using a variety of role-playing schemes. Into his life comes Freddy (Steve Martin), a small- time scammer with a limited intellect who gets by with modest troublemaking, believing himself to be a master of the criminal arts. Stepping on Lawrence’s territory, Freddy threatens to disturb the routine, forcing the older, wiser crook to take the American under his wing, teaching him ways to elevate his style and game. When antagonisms mount, the pair sets down a bet, racing to be the first to con daffy tourist Janet (Glenne Headly) out of her soap business fortune, escalating their attacks to preserve a spot in the territory.

While there’s a story to tend to in “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” concerning Lawrence’s careful monitoring of Freddy’s arrival in his area, which is populated with wealthy women looking for adventure, Oz does much better arranging playtime for the stars. The film isn’t always dramatically sound, but as a farce, it’s consistently amusing, watching Lawrence teach Freddy a thing or two about cultural refinement (one of the great sight gags in the feature is Freddy’s bookmarked handling of a Mad Magazine as his preferred literary escape) and the illusion of partnership, giving the younger man an education in the art of swindling women by turning him into various characters, including his mentally challenged brother, Ruprecht. Such a creation is symbolic of Launer’s ability to approach potentially distasteful ideas (another has Freddy committing to a wheelchair to win Janet’s sympathy) and spin them into gold, creating an open range for Martin and Caine to run freely with extreme accents and personalities, creating a sublime display of one-upmanship that carries throughout “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” with Oz wisely keeping his distance with wider shots, encouraging screen interplay between Martin and Caine, who work wonderfully together.

For additional analysis, please read Michael Reuben’s 2013 review.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" made its Blu-ray debut in a 2013 MGM release, but Shout Factory goes back to the well for a new packaging of the 1988 movie, giving fans a "New 2K scan" of the feature, offered in an AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation. The scan provides a richer viewing experience, working to bring out a brighter, deeper sense of color to the nicely shot shenanigans. Locations emerge with real vibrancy, amplifying greenery and luxury with sun-kissed vistas, and ornate interiors for hotel rooms and casino floors bring out appealing primaries, especially the bold green felt of gambling tables and red chips. Skintones are within the realm of natural, showing a slightly heavier redness that's satisfying, bringing some life back into close-ups. Costuming is also distinct, mixing eveningwear with casual period outfits. Detail is strong, isolating aging on the cast and the nuances of their transformative schemes. Clothing is fibrous and silky. Distances are dimensional, and decoration is easily surveyed. Grain is fine and filmic. Delineation is strong, capturing dense costuming and evening events. Source is in fine shape, with no significant damage detected.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix supports the feature's comedic energy with a crisp dialogue exchanges, handling the strangeness of accents and banter with care, delivering a secure understanding of performance choices, even when they dip into pure silliness. Scoring efforts maintain jazzy rhythms and respectful placement, lifting the movie up when required to do so, while a club visit offers a more potent dance beat that activates the low-end with appealing heaviness. Music is also the most circular event on the track, breaking the frontal hold of the endeavor with wider sounds. Atmospherics are agreeable, doing well with beachside activity, contributing the feel of water movement and community bustle. Party scenes also handle with adequate levels.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features director Frank Oz.

• Interview (23:25, HD) sheds some light on the origins of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" with help from screenwriter Dale Launer. Initially approached to create a buddy comedy for Mick Jagger and David Bowie after scoring a hit with 1986's "Ruthless People," Launer decided to pitch a remake of "Bedtime Story," only to find the rights difficult to secure, losing actor interest along the way. After acquiring an opportunity to rework "Bedtime Story" with help from one of its original producers, Launer labored through several drafts, trying to refine the picture for its revolving door of stars (his personal choice being Warren Beatty and Tom Cruise), with Steve Martin and Michael Caine eventually emerging as the leads. Launer discusses Martin's efforts to rewrite the movie, with the pair debating how the Ruprecht sequence should be handled, finding Martin the unlikely champion of subtlety. Frank Oz, still nursing wounds from the scrapped original ending to "Little Shop of Horrors," was determined to get the payoff right, refining the feature, which eventually achieved one of the highest test scores in Hollywood at the time. Launer also shares memories of his opening day ritual, visiting a theater in Times Square to check on audience response, and he shares the legacy of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," which was eventually turned into a Broadway musical.

• Vintage Featurette (6:47, SD) is a short recap of production achievements for "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," with interviews (include Caine, Martin, and Oz) conducted on-set for an EPK audience. Topics covered include story, specific scenes, characters, crew achievements, and locations.

• Teaser Trailer (1:04, HD) is offered, with optional commentary from Oz.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:57, HD) is included.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There are some quibbles with "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," including length (it's a bit too long for such a breezy premise) and romantic entanglements with Janet, but nothing of true concern arises, keeping the picture largely successful as it navigates subtleties and broadness. Oz brings out the best in Martin and Caine, and their commitment to the sharpness of the material is refreshing, playing to the best of their individual abilities, making the feature most triumphant when it settles in to watch the big show developing between the actors. This thespian magic (made of up exquisite timing and nuanced facial reactions) is not the only reason to watch "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," but it's certainly a reason to revisit the movie, just to delight in the fun Martin and Caine are clearly having.