Oh, God! You Devil Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.5

Oh, God! You Devil Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 28, 2021

Apparently 1980’s “Oh, God! Book II” wasn’t quite the box office dud it originally appeared to be. Producers weren’t done with George Burns in the eponymous role, but they waited four years to mount “Oh, God! You Devil,” which returns the comedian to big screen action as the cigar-chomping deity, with the actor also playing Satan for this round of heavenly intervention. There’s also a creative decision to avoid rehashing the original movie, with writer Andrew Bergman breaking away from expectations with his Faustian bargain plot, focusing on the Devil’s attempts to collect on a soul contract signed by a depressed songwriter (Ted Wass) looking to become a rock god.

What’s impressive about “Oh, God! You Devil” is the production’s effort to extract a performance out of Burns, who isn’t just playing himself this time around. The dual role situation provides an acting challenge, and it’s interesting to watch the comedian become slightly more present for the camera, especially when locked in eyebrow-arching Devil mode. Comedy is also downplayed in “Oh God! You Devil,” which follows the songwriter’s mad dash to become a sensation on the stage, but he also mourns the loss of his average life, generating a somber tone for the picture at times, with Wass effective in his own dual role.

Oh, God! You Devil Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Much like "Oh God! Book II," the AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Oh God! You Devil" is sourced from an older scan of the feature. Detail is basic as best, with some mild textures on the aged faces of God and the Devil. It's a softer look at production achievements, diminishing the impact of decorative additions and exterior dimension. Colors are bit fatigued, but use of primaries to identify characters comes through as intended. There's the Devil with his red everything, including tinted eyewear, while God offers tan and white outfits. Rock world lighting supplies bolder hues, along with band costuming. Delineation is acceptable. Source is in good condition.

Oh, God! You Devil Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Unlike the previous installments of the "Oh, God!" series, "Oh, God! You Devil" has just a little bit more going on sound-wise. The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix is simple, securing clear scoring cues, but the addition of rock music adds a little more power, with compelling concert instrumentation. Dialogue exchanges aren't as authoritative, with levels dipping at times, and heavier hiss is present throughout the track.

Oh, God! You Devil Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film critic and theologian Dr. Donna Bowman.

• "The Gospel According to Ted" (32:01, HD) is an interview with actor Ted Wass, who was coming off his work on "The Trail of the Pink Panther" when he received the script for "Oh God! You Devil." Tasked with playing a pop star, Wass was eager to show his stuff as a vocalist, battling director Paul Bogart, who wanted the star to lip sync his songs. The interviewee received a glimpse of the rock star life, playing to excited crowds, and he offers a deep dive into character and themes, really feeling the dramatic arc he was assigned to portray. Fond memories of Bogart are shared, but time with George Burns is most interesting, as Wass constantly had to fight the comedian's rapid-fire timing, laboring to maintain a performance around the impatient man. Talk of co-stars Ron Silver and Roxanne Hart is also included.

• "The Jack Benny Show" (25:51, SD) is a segment from the comedian's show, featuring George Burns portraying the Devil.

• Radio Spots (1:59) offer four commercials for "Oh God! You Devil."

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:33, HD) is included.

Oh, God! You Devil Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Oh God! You Devil" is more cinematic than the previous chapters, but it's also a bit more desperate in the humor department, with the production resorting to slapstick and cartoon sound effects to underline funny business. The second sequel makes a choice to break away from the structure of the previous two films, which is a positive development, but it's still a far cry from the charms of the original picture. Burns is giving a little more this time around, but the writing doesn't support him.