The Oh, God! Collection Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

The Oh, God! Collection Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 28, 2021

With “The ‘Oh, God!’ Collection,” Shout Factory brings a strange trilogy to Blu-ray, and one that focuses on the practiced charms of star George Burns. The legendary comedian is a fine fit for the part of God, beginning with promise in 1977’s “Oh, God!” Had the series only stopped there. With 1980’s “Oh, God! Book II” and 1984’s “Oh, God! You Devil,” Burns basically arrived and did his thing, but creative ambition dwindled, resulting in a pair of follow-ups that provide all the Burns one could ask for, but laughs aren’t invited to the cinematic party.

Click here for a review of Oh, God!

Click here for a review of Oh, God! Book II

Click here for a review of Oh, God! You Devil

The Oh, God! Collection Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

See above for reviews.

The Oh, God! Collection Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

See above for reviews.

The Oh, God! Collection Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Oh, God!

• Commentary #1 features director Carl Reiner, screenwriter Larry Gelbart, actress Teri Garr, and producer Jerry Weintraub.

• Commentary #2 features film critic and theologian Dr. Donna Bowman.

• "The Tonight Show with John Denver" (27:52, SD) is a 1977 clip from the iconic late night talk show, with Denver taking over hosting duties for a vacationing Johnny Carson. His guest is "Oh, God!" director Carl Reiner. Valerie Harper also appears.

• "The Tonight Show with John Denver" (20:36, SD) is a second 1977 clip from the program, with Denver welcoming guests George Burns and Teri Garr.

• Radio Spots (3:44) offers seven commercials for "Oh, God!"

• And a Theatrical Trailer (3:00, SD) is included.

Oh, God!: Book II

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

• "The Gospel According to Tom" (22:24, HD) is an interview with assistant director Tom Lofaro, who details his work responsibilities, sharing what the job requires and how he fits into the grand design of film production. Lofaro recalls his entrance into the industry and his friendly time with "Oh, God! Book II" director Gilbert Cates. The George Burns experience is remembered, with the comedian only appearing on set for a short amount of time, and co-star Louanne is celebrated, maintaining professionalism to the end. The interviewee examines the creation of multiple sequences in the picture, including the motorcycle ride and time inside Union Station, and he reflects on the happy shoot, which was a rare event in his career.

• Radio Spots (1:53) offer four commercials for "Oh, God! Book II."

• And a Teaser Trailer (1:06, HD) is included.

Oh, God! You Devil

• 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.

The Oh, God! Collection Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Supplementary material on "The 'Oh, God!' Collection" reaches about as far as possible, offering some interesting production perspectives and unexpected clips from the television vaults. A/V offerings aren't consistent, with the best presentation reserved for the first movie, which is unwelcome but certainly understandable.