Shack Out on 101 Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		0.0
Overall		3.5

Shack Out on 101 Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman October 17, 2013

To the great, time honored film-land comedy teams of duos like Laurel and Hardy or Abbott and Costello, it may be time to add the most unlikely pair of all time: Keenan Wynn and Lee Marvin. These two actors, typically better known for their viscerally intense character work, provide Shack Out on 101 with some deadpan humor, even as the film itself lurches precariously between low (sometimes physical) comedy and more hyperbolic, Red Menace baiting drama. The film takes place almost entirely within the confines of an isolated diner on the titular highway, where owner Wynn does daily battle with his cook, Slob (yes, Slob), played by Martin, while vixen waitress Kotty (Terry Moore) sachets around the joint, occasionally engaging in a clinch with her nuclear physicist boyfriend Sam (Frank Lovejoy). That last bit may give a clue as to where this bizarre but nonetheless enjoyable little romp ends up, after a meandering tale that includes both cheesecake and beefcake.

Shack Out on 101 is a fairly odd entry in the Red Scare hysteria which swept the United States (and the film world) in the 1950s. It’s nowhere near as sanctimonious and self-serving as other entries like My Son John, which may in fact be one reason why it’s so goofily enjoyable so much of the time. There’s a kind of “throw everything at the wall and see what sticks” atmosphere to the film, including a patent rip off of the famous beach seduction scene from From Here to Eternity, so while the film may at times be unruly and even silly, it’s never less than utterly fascinating to watch.

Shack Out on 101 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Shack Out on 101 is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Olive Films with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.78:1. This another great looking black and white release from Olive, one which offers consistent contrast and really nicely modulated gray scale. Some of the location photography on the beach is just slightly softer looking than the bulk of the studio set sequences. Fine detail is quite commendable, especially in close-ups, catching the fine pattern on Moore's bathing suit or some of the grimy dish towels in the diner. The final 20 minutes or so have some minor issues with brief flashes on individual frames. Legendary cinematographer Floyd Crosby (High Noon, and David Crosby's father) lensed this film, and it has his typical sheen and professionalism, even though this was obviously a low budget affair.

Shack Out on 101 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Shack Out on 101's lossless DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track ably supports the film's dialogue and Paul Dunlap's brass soaked score. While slightly boxy sounding at times (especially with regard to the score), there's no real damage to report. Fidelity is very good, though dynamic range is fairly limited.

Shack Out on 101 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

No supplements are offered on this Blu-ray disc.

Shack Out on 101 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Shack Out on 101 is such a peculiar little film I'm willing to cut it more than a bit of slack. Is it patently ridiculous most of the time? Undoubtedly. But that's part of this particular Shack's very distinctive charms. Wynn and Marvin are a comedy team to be treasured for all time. Recommended.