Take Off Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.5

Take Off Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 23, 2025

1978’s “Take Off” is inspired by Oscar Wilde’s 1890 novel, “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” changing the premise from a painting containing dark magic to an adult film that possesses strange powers. Instead of following the original story, co-writer/director Armand Weston (who would go on to make 1981’s “The Nesting”) uses the source material to fuel his Hollywood fandom, transforming a dark tale into light comedy, with the T.V. show “Laugh-In” a clear influence on the endeavor. “Take Off” is a very silly picture, and also passably ambitious, watching Weston attempt to tell a story that takes place over six decades and tries to pack in as much Hollywood history as possible. There’s adult material as well, but carnal activity also seems like an afterthought in the offering, which is much more interested in the potential for parody and lighthearted antics.

Linda (Lesllie Bovee) is enjoying a pool party at a remote mansion, catching the attention of Roy (Eric Edwards), a cowboy looking for a little extra fun. The pair sneak off into a secret room for a moment of passion, only to discover a hidden projector threaded up with an old adult movie. Homeowner Darrin Blue (Wade Nichols) discovers the pair have found his special film, soon requesting Linda join him on a drive around the country, prepared to share the unique story of his life. Born in 1900, Darrin found his way into an affair with Henrietta (Georgina Spelvin), who was obsessed with age and addicted to pleasure, even filming one of their sexual experiences. Filled with doubt and shame, Darrin wishes to never age again, allowing his onscreen image to mature while he remains eternally young. His journey travels through the decades, becoming a gangster in the 1930s, a connected man in the 1940s, a rebel without a cause in the 1950s, and a hippie in the 1960s. Darrin hopes to share his fatigue with Linda, who’s riveted by the confession, enjoying a chance to experience life through the old man’s tales of passion.

Darrin is hosting a shindig at his mansion, and the tone of the party is fairly obvious, as a giant phallic fountain is the centerpiece of the gathering. The spirit eventually catches Linda and Roy, who look to have a little fun in a “jungle room,” only to discover the strange film Darrin is looking to keep away from public view. Story time begins for the main character, who asks Linda to accompany him on a drive to help him get away from the party, giving him time to commence the retelling of his wild life. “Take Off” has the makings for something serious, but Weston doesn’t want that, only reserving a bit of drama for Darrin’s initial recognition of his aging ways, explored during a black and white segment set during the 1920s. Henrietta is a bad influence, recording a picnic tryst without his permission while filling his head with insecurities, inspiring him to conjure some type of magic to make himself eternally young.

“Take Off” gets a lot sillier as the decades come and go, initially moving up to the 1930s, with Darrin becoming a James Cagney-type character, dealing with bagel issues (recreating the grapefruit scene from “The Public Enemy”) and a visit from John Dilllinger and Jean Harlot (Brigette Lynne), with the latter an especially tempting guest for the mob boss. In the 1940s, Darrin transforms into Humphrey Bogart from “Casablanca,” watching over business at The Blue Falcon with bartender pal Louie. This segment becomes the longest in “Take Off,” finding Weston especially interested in playing around with the 1942 film, adding a romantic complication with Virginia Slimms (Annette Haven), who needs wartime help from Darrin, also opening the feature up to plenty of cigarette jokes. And for those who’ve fantasized about a more explicit connection between Rick and Ilsa, Weston’s got you covered.

For the 1950s, Darrin goes Brando as a man on a motorcycle saving a young woman from a pack of greasers and their Playboy-driven aggression. “Take Off” loses most of its fun factor as a potential sexual assault starts to form, but there’s a unique surprise to be found in this section of the movie, finding Peter Scolari making his acting debut in the picture, giving the future “Bosom Buddies” star a chance to show his stuff as an oversexed goon. “Take Off” also details the 1960s, though Weston doesn’t really have much of a plan for the decade, preferring to focus on drug culture and the ways of Jane (Patty Boyd), who’s dealing with a visit from her conservative parents. Weston loses his Hollywood celebration to offer a more generic take on hippie habits and acid rock, and it isn’t nearly as amusing as the rest of the offering, which is much more interested in toying with classic movies, also giving Nichols time to offer his impressions of famous actors as Darrin evolves throughout the century.

Take Off Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The image presentation (1.85:1 aspect ratio) for "Take Off" is listed as "newly scanned and restored in 4K from its 35mm color reversal internegative." Age is present throughout the softer viewing experience, finding color a bit pinkish at times. Broader hues register as intended, including costuming displays and decorative additions. Blue pool time and greenery is also defined. Detail isn't sharp, but a look at skin particulars remains, and costuming has a little bit of fibrousness throughout the decades. Exteriors are passably deep, and housing tours are acceptably dimensional. Delineation is satisfactory. Some mild scratches are found along the way.

Take Off Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix also wrestles with age, but intelligibility remains with dialogue exchanges, preserving performance choices and mimicry. Musical selections aren't crisp, with a few sounding a little blown out, but most offerings are appreciable, helping to define time period changes.

Take Off Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet contains essays by Ashley West and Dr. Helen Marks.

• Image Gallery (4:12) collects marketing materials, film stills, publicity shots, BTS snaps, and production receipts.

• Radio Spots (1:59) offer four commercials for "Take Off."

• And a "Hard" Theatrical Trailer (5:12, HD) and a "Soft" Theatrical Trailer (4:55, HD) are included.

Take Off Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Take Off" tries to remain focused on Darrin's complex experiences, as he reflects on his situation and the pain that's developed over time. However, Weston is primarily interested in shenanigans and his Hollywood tributes, clearly having a good time replicating "Casablanca" and assorted genres, allowed to fiddle with cinema eras using a game cast, finding Nichols especially engaged in the acting challenge. Sacrificed here is a sense of heat, as sex scenes are few and far between in the feature, making for a strange adult movie viewing experience. The production is much more interested in parody and tomfoolery, almost turning moments of coupling into surprise additions as the tone of the endeavor changes suddenly. "Take Off" is a bit uneven in this regard, but it stays on its feet, maintaining some momentum with time changes and playfulness, getting appropriately wild with Wilde.