Cheech & Chong’s: The Corsican Brothers Blu Ray Review (MGM)

Cheech and Chong’s: The Corsican Brothers is a 1984 comedy written/directed by Tommy Chong (Cheech and Chong’s Next Movie, Up in Smoke, Still Smokin, Far Out Man, and Nice Dreams) and Cheech Marin (Get Out of My Room and Born in East L.A.). It’s inspired by the 1844 novel “Les Frères Corses” from author Alexandre Dumas. It was produced by Peter Macgregor-Scott (Batman franchise, Death to Smoochy, A Perfect Murder, The Fugitive, Under Siege, Troop Beverly Hills, and The Jerk). It grossed $3,772,785 worldwide at the box office. Superfecund twins Louis (played by: Cheech Marin from From Dusk Till Dawn, Desperado, Tin Cup, Nash Bridges, After Hours, Once upon a time in Mexico, Grindhouse, and Machete) and Lucien Corsican (played by: Tommy Chong from Half Baked, That ’70s Show, National Lampoon’s Senior Trip, After Hours, Yellowbeard, Color Out of Space, McHale’s Navy, and Evil Bong) were born to two different aristocratic fathers. They lose them both when they have a brutal duel to the death over their arrival which leaves them all alone. Somehow they can always feel each other’s pain no matter what so they end up reunited after going their separate ways for awhile. They decide to go against The Evil Fuckaire (played by: Roy Dotrice from Beauty and the Beast, Hellboy II, Game of Thrones, Amadeus, Eliminators, Suburban Commando, and Tales from the Crypt) who’s trying to take over all of France. Can these idiots save all these innocent people before it’s too late????Cheech and Chong tried something completely different with 1984’s The Corsican Brothers. The comedy duo was on fire when it came to their stoner franchise, everything was performing great for them in the 80’s. They had full creative control and they tested it out with The Corsican Brothers. I can honestly see why this film is probably the most hated and least appreciated for all their movies together. It’s nothing like Up in Smoke, Cheech and Chong’s Next Movie, Still Smokin, Nice Dreams, and Things Are Tough All Over. It’s a very bizarre period piece that tries to feature a little more action adventure with it’s odd humor. I understand why it was made, Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong were tired of doing the same material all the time. I respect that they tried something new here. Tommy Chong as Lucien plays it a little more serious compared to all his other roles. He’s even credited as Thomas rather than Tommy for The Corsican Brothers. It’s actually one of his better acting performances. Cheech Marin as Louis is a complete goofball in this. He goes for all the over the top laughs and gags in this strange comedy. It’s definitely one of his weirdest roles. They still have great chemistry as always. Roy Dotrice steals the show as The Evil Fuckaire. This villain is so wacky and he doesn’t even realize it because he’s just trying to take over France. His intentions are bad but he’s such a screw up that he can’t pull it off. You will never forget this bad guy because there’s no one like him in anything else. The rest of the supporting cast includes Shelby Chong (Cheech and Chong’s Next Movie), Rikki Marin (Nice Dreams), Edie McClurg (Planes, Trains and Automobiles), Robbi Chong (Poltergeist: The Legacy), Rae Dawn Chong (Commando), Jean-Claude Dreyfus (The City of Lost Children), and Marc Andréoni (District B13). Most of the jokes kinda fall flat but it does have a few really funny moments. It’s definitely unique and original when it comes to comedies based on this period of time. It’s personally my least favorite feature from the comedy legends. It’s not boring at all but it just never grabs your attention like it should. It’s still worth checking out at least once of you are fan of Cheech and Chong, just keep expectations very low. Let’s discuss this high definition presentation from MGM! This 1080p (1.85:1) transfer appears to be the exact same restoration as the 2015 Olive Films home video release. It’s still a major improvement compared to it’s original DVD and VHS versions. It has an English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track on the disc. It might be one of better sounding Cheech and Chong films because this one actually has some action in it. All of the dialogue is very clean, the madness is elevated, and the music has a nice boost to it. There’s no extras on this release. Don’t let the artwork fool you, this is a pro pressed home video release and it’s not a BD-R. It’s available everywhere right now including MovieZyng.com!!!!