4K Blu-ray Review: Spaceballs

Synopsis: In a distant galaxy, planet Spaceball has depleted its air supply, leaving its citizens reliant on a product called "Perri-Air." In desperation, Spaceball's leader President Skroob (Mel Brooks) orders the evil Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis) to kidnap Princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga) of oxygen-rich Druidia and hold her hostage in exchange for air. But help arrives for the Princess in the form of renegade space pilot Lone Starr (Bill Pullman) and his half-man, half-dog partner, Barf (John Candy).

Main Features: Quiz me on what film I'd pick of Mel Brooks' to enter the UHD stratosphere, and I would not have guessed "Spaceballs." Maybe "Young Frankenstein" or "Blazing Saddles." And as much as I have a fondness for the space spoof comedy (it was the first Brooks I saw), its not at the top of my list of Mel's best. Hindsight being 20/20, I can see why they picked it for the format. After all, its a space movie. And it is a high quality transfer. Not perfect, but admirable. Kino Lorber, the boutique outlet who released this UHD disc, oversaw a decent work. The audio is also very well done. The film itself still holds up, especially for me an admitted "Star Wars" fanatic. 

Bonus Features: A lone extra is on the 4K disc--an archival commentary track with Brooks. The accompanying Blu-ray disc contains the above commentary and a load of extras, albeit archival. Nothing new. But I can appreciate interviews with Brooks about his work as anybody else. And a carryover extra looking at the genius that was John Candy is also of note to highlight. 

Final Call: "Spaceballs" might not hold weight in the storied filmography of Mel Brooks, but its still got plenty of Schwartz to make a UHD presentation worthwhile for fans.

Grade: B