TAPEHEADS

One of the funniest comedies of the '80s has received new life thanks to an exemplary dvd from ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT.  Tim Robbins and John Cusack star in "TAPEHEADS" as two buddies aspiring to break into the world of music video stardom. 

Unfortunately, the duo get taken advantage of along the way by most the people they work for, believing everything they do needs to be done on "spec".  There are plenty of "inside" jokes throughout the film, and anyone with even a rudimentary knowledge of the film or music business will take an extra delight in the criticism aimed at these industries.  There are a lot of cameos as well, and it's great to see personalities like Bobcat Goldthwait, Connie Stevens, and Michael Nesmith, though we'll have to admit the film would've been even better without Ted Nugent!

This is the kind of film that people will hate unless they "get it!"  If they do get it, it will become a favorite for any dvd collection.  Some people didn't like Chris Elliot's "Get a Life" and thought it was stupid.  Others(this reviewer included) thought it was terrific and witty.  "TAPEHEADS" fits this kind of analogy.  There's also a subplot involving the music group Menudo, and it's hilarious!  Just as there's plenty of great dialogue, there are numerous visual gags as well.

ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT has kept the film's numerous gags intact by presenting the film with its proper 1.85:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement.  There's great definition and clarity here.  The previous laserdisc suffered from improper color and contrast.  This transfer is close to perfect!  Color values are solid and and the contrast is wonderful, with deep blacks and grays.  There are minimal artifacts and fleshtones appear natural throughout the film.

ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT has remixed the film's soundtrack for Dolby Digital 5.1.  Being that the film has so much music, the enhanced mix is an improvement over the original stereo track.  While not filled with directional effects, the dialogue is always intelligible, even when the 5.1 mix appears to layer one musical element after another around it. 

The presentation of this dvd is awsome! ANCHOR BAY has gone all out here!  To begin with, there's an extra cd included within the packaging.  It features both the standard and extended mix of the "Swanky Modes" performing "Ordinary Man", and it's well recorded.   There's also a collector's booklet, featuring more photos than any other booklet we can recall. It also offers production info and chapter stops.  

Director Bill Fishman, Michael Nesmith and production designer Catherine Hardwicke also provide a running commentary, and it, too, is great!  The three gab in a laid back but fun manner, and provide plenty of info and stories behind the filming. Unfortunately, while they elude to a much longer cut of the film, none of this footage is offered here!