Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Spaceballs 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov April 15, 2021

Mel Brooks' "Spaceballs" (1987) arrives on 4K Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber. The supplemental features on the release include archival audio commentary by the director; archival featurettes and interviews; vintage promotional and production materials; and more. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-Free.

In the United States, Mel Brooks' Spaceballs was initially released on Blu-ray by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 2009. For an in-depth analysis of the film, please see Marty Liebman's review of this release here.

Spaceballs 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The screencaptures that are included with our review appear in the following order:

Sscreencaptures #1-18: Blu-ray release.
Screencaptures #21-25: 4K Blu-ray.

Please keep in mind that the 4K Blu-ray screencaptures are downscaled to 1080p, so they are not indicative of the actual quality of the 4K content that is on the 4K Blu-ray disc. Resolution and color values are different in native 4K.

4K BLU-RAY DISC

I viewed the entire film with Dolby Vision enabled and thought that the quality of the visuals was very good. A lot of the darker space footage, in particular, looked terrific on my system, which surprised me quite bit because it is not that difficult to tell that the creators of the film used some old-fashioned cinematic tricks there. Delineation, clarity, and sharpness range from very good to great as well, though I have to mention that there are a couple of places with noticeable density fluctuations that I believe could be minimized with a superior 4K master. (The sequence that screencapture #35 is taken from is a great example). In some darker areas shadow definition could be a little better, but this is a more prevalent limitation in 1080p. Colors look rich and healthy. I went back and forth between the 1080p and 4K presentations to test quite a few sequences and on my system again many of the darker visuals looked much more attractive. I believe that the improved depth has a positive impact on the overall color balance as well -- and vice versa -- because there is just a greater stability in these visuals when various nuances are expanded in 4K. Quite predictably, density levels are superior, and in 4K the encoding actually eliminates some minor issues that I spotted in 1080p. The film looks clean and healthy. My score is 4.75/5.00. (Note: The 4K Blu-ray release is Region-Free).

BLU-RAY DISC

It isn't surprising that in native 4K the film looks superior. However, the current master is strong and there is plenty to like in 1080p as well. In fact, I intentionally took quite a few screencaptures from the Blu-ray disc and included them with our review so that you can see that the visuals are still quite impressive. Delineation, clarity, and sharpness are very pleasing. Obviously, the film looks just as healthy here as it does in native 4K. Now, I would like to mention the few areas where the Blu-ray does not perform as well as the 4K Blu-ray. First, in the darker areas there is some light crushing that eliminates minor nuances that are retained in native 4K. The density fluctuations I mentioned earlier are more pronounced as well. On top of this, the encoding is on the verge of producing some minor but noticeable anomalies (examples can be seen in screencaptures #16 and 17). Close-ups are most vulnerable, especially the ones that feature plenty of light, but wider panoramic shots can be a bit shaky as well. Color saturation and balance are convincing, but with Dolby Vision enabled the film very clearly looks richer and more attractive. (Note: This is a Region-A "locked" Blu-ray release. Therefore, you must have a native Region-A or Region-Free Blu-ray player in order to access its content).

Spaceballs 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There are two standard audio tracks on this Blu-ray release: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature.

I viewed the entire film with the lossless 5.1 track on 4K Blu-ray. I thought that the audio was rock-solid. Clarity, sharpness, and depth were very good. Separation was quite good as well, though I also feel that from time to time the overall sound design is a bit exaggerated. But then again, exaggeration is part of the film's DNA, so this should not be surprising either. The dialog is clear, stable, and healthy.

Spaceballs 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

4K BLU-RAY DISC

• Commentary - this archival commentary with Mel Brooks has appeared on previous home video releases of Spaceballs. In it, Brooks goes down memory lane and provides a wealth of information about the production of Spaceballs as well as its success.

BLU-RAY DISC

• Commentary - this archival commentary with Mel Brooks has appeared on previous home video releases of Spaceballs. In it, Brooks goes down memory lane and provides a wealth of information about the production of Spaceballs as well as its success.

• John Candy: Comic Spirit - this archival featurette takes a closer look at the life and career of John Candy. Included in it are clips from archival interviews with the late actor as well as various people that worked with him and knew him well. In English, not subtitled. (10 min).

• In Conversation with Mel Brooks and Co-Writer Thomas Meehan - in this archival program Mel Brooks and Co-Writer Thomas Meehan recalls how the idea for Spaceballs materialized and discuss the film's conception and production. In English, not subtitled. (21 min).

• Spaceballs: The Documentary - this archival documentary examines the genesis of Spaceballs and its satirization of the sci-fi genre. Included in it are clips from interviews with Mel Brooks, Bill Pullman, Daphne Zuniga, and Joan Rivers, amongst others. In English, not subtitled. (31 min).

• Force Yourself! Spaceballs and the Skroobing of Sci-Fi - in this archival program, Mel Brooks recalls what it was like to direct the various people that made Spaceballs with him, and discusses the film's sense of humor (and specifically the many cliches it rehashes), its financial performance and history, and lasting appeal. In English, not subtitled. (17 min).

• Trailer - vintage trailer for Spaceballs. In English, not subtitled. (3 min).

• Teaser - vintage teaser trailer for Spaceballs. In English, not subtitled. (2 min).

• Exhibitor Trailer - vintage exhibitor teaser trailer for Spaceballs with an introduction by Mel Brooks. In English, not subtitled. (3 min).

• Posters & Art Image Gallery - a collection of vintage promotional materials for Spaceballs. With music. (3 min).

• Behind the Scenes Image Gallery - a collection of behind the scenes stills. With music. (7 min).

• Storyboards to Film Comparison - presented with music. (7 min).

• Film Flubs - in English, not subtitled. (2 min).

• Watch Spacesballs in Ludicrous Speed - the entire film presented in one short clips of .30 seconds. In English, not subtitled. (1 min).

Spaceballs 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The final verdict on this 4K Blu-ray release is short and very simple: it offers the best technical presentation of Mel Brooks' Spaceballs that you can get on home video. In native 4K, the upgrade is very solid and if you have previously seen the film on Blu-ray you will easily appreciate it. On the Blu-ray disc, you get the legacy bonus features that were produced for earlier home video releases of the film. However, if you are ordering from overseas, please keep in mind that the Blu-ray is Region-A "locked". The 4K Blu-ray is Region-Free. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.