Multiplicity Blu Ray Review (Sony)
Multiplicity is a 1996 comedy film produced & directed by Harold Ramis (Caddyshack, National Lampoon’s Vacation, Groundhog Day, & The Ice Harvest). It was based on Chris Miller’s short story ‘Multiplicity’ which was published in National Lampoon magazine. It was written by Chris Miller (National Lampoon’s Animal House & Delta House), Mary Hale (Calling Dr. Death), Lowell Ganz (Night Shift, Splash, Spies like Us, Greedy, & Parenthood), & Babaloo Mandel (Gung Ho, Vibes, City Slickers 1/2, & A League of Their Own). The budget was $45 million & it grossed $21,075,01 at the box office worldwide.
Doug Kinney (played by: Michael Keaton from Batman, Batman Returns, Beetlejuice, & Spider-Man: Homecoming) is a Los Angeles construction worker whose job is constantly getting in the way of his family. On one job to build a new wing of a scientific facility, Doug meets up with Dr. Leeds (played by: Harris Yulin from Bad Dreams, Scarface, Ghostbusters II, & The Believers). The friendly scientist has developed a successful method for cloning humans. Dr. Leeds is sympathetic to Doug’s troubles, so he allows Doug to clone himself so that the clone can take over for Doug at work so the original Doug tries to spend quality time with his family. Doug goes to great lengths to keep his clone a secret. While Doug & his wife Laura (played by: Andie MacDowell from Groundhog Day, Ready or Not, Hudson Hawk, & Short Cuts) are at a restaurant for dinner, Doug finds that Two is on his own date. Doug begins to worry about his clone being revealed. Despite the complications of having a clone, Doug decides to have another made to help out at home. Lance (#2) & Rico (#3) attempt to make another clone but he doesn’t turn out like they planned. This causes an annoyed Doug to decree that no more clones be created. Doug decides to take some time off and goes on a sailing trip. He doesn’t want Laura to know, so he has his clones step in for him & take his place while he’s away. However, he specifically instructs them that Laura is off limits. While he is gone, each of the clones has sex with his wife. Doug ends up losing his job because of the clones. When Doug returns from vacation, he learns that Laura & the kids have left. Doug remodels the house with the help of the clones & wins back the love of his wife. Doug also tells Laura he is planning to start his own construction business. Realizing Doug can take care of himself now, the three clones move away. The clones set up a successful pizzeria called “Three Guys from Nowhere” in Miami, Florida!!!!
Multiplicity is a fun 90’s comedy with an interesting concept & a great performance by Michael Keaton as 4 different versions of himself. This is a must watch for any Keaton fan, this under-rated wacky film is one of his greatest performances. He manages to play each role completely different here. He always had good comedic timing & it shows with this one. Andie MacDowell is good here as the straight role & she kinda balances out all the humor here with some more serious material. The supporting cast is very impressive, it features a few familiar faces which includes Harris Yulin, Richard Masur (The Thing), Eugene Levy (American Pie), Ann Cusack (Tank Girl), Julie Bowen (Happy Gilmore), & Glenn Shadix (Beetlejuice). The script had more than a few hilarious & laugh out moments. There’s not a boring scene in this, it’s loaded with fun & entertainment. It’s kinda been forgotten after all these years but hoping this blu ray release will give it some more attention, RECOMMENDED!!!!
Let’s talk about the high definition presentation from Sony Pictures! This 1080p (2.39:1) transfer actually looks better than expected for an older back catalog title. The English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is decent. It’s definitely not the one to show off your sound system for because it’s not that type of movie. All of the dialogue is very clean & the music has a solid boost to it. It has English SDH & French subtitles. The only extra on the disc is the “Theatrical Trailer”. It’s available everywhere right now including MovieZyng.com, CHECK IT OUT!!!!
