Two dollars! It might be hard to believe, but while many fans cherish John Cusack for the timeless romance of Say Anything, there’s a growing wave of love for the cult classic Better Off Dead from 1985. This hilarious gem, often overshadowed, is now making its mark, thanks in part to its quirky, Naked Gun-style humor that distinctly separates it from other teen comedies of its time. It’s a ride through teenage heartache like no other!
Exciting news has just dropped: Blu-ray.com has unveiled that a special 40th anniversary edition 4K Blu-ray of Better Off Dead will hit shelves in early August, all thanks to Paramount Home Media Distribution. While we’re still waiting to hear about any thrilling special features, the essential details below build the anticipation even further. Here’s what the film’s release promises: “When Lane (John Cusack, HIGH FIDELITY) is heartbreakingly ditched by his girlfriend (Amanda Wyss, NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET) for a Typical Ski Jock, he feels like there’s nothing left. But in a series of mishaps that only lead to more embarrassment, this heart-wrenching yet hilariously absurd journey explores the trials of youth, and introduces the wildest cast of characters you’re sure to remember.”
So, let’s dive into the specs:
Video
Codec: HEVC / H.265
Resolution: Native 4K (2160p)
HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Audio
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: DTS 2.0
French: DTS 2.0
Spanish: DTS 2.0
Subtitles
English, English SDH, French, Spanish
Discs
4K Ultra HD
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD-66, 1 BD-25, 1 BD-50)
Digital
Digital 4K
Available on iTunes, Vudu
Packaging
Slipcover in original pressing
Playback
4K Blu-ray: Region free
2K Blu-ray: Region A (B, C untested)
Better Off Dead stands out as one of the defining films marking John Cusack’s ascent to stardom in 1985. Just after showing promise in Sixteen Candles and Class, an eighteen-year-old Cusack stepped into the limelight as the lead in Rob Reiner’s The Sure Thing, followed closely by this quirky comedy directed by Savage Steve Holland. Though Cusack has often acknowledged the brilliance of The Sure Thing, he’s had a tumultuous relationship with Better Off Dead, laden with honesty and controversy. Holland recalls how, after catching a glimpse of the film in its rough edit, Cusack felt humiliated, vowing never to trust the director again during the making of their subsequent project, One Crazy Summer.
What could have led Cusack to such frustration? Better Off Dead is undoubtedly an outlandish comedy, featuring everything from a Korean drag racer channeling Howard Cosell to an animated claymation segment, all while addressing the heavy theme of suicide in a way that’s, well, whimsically absurd. It’s bizarre, yet it holds a treasured place in the hearts of 80s film enthusiasts. Over time, Cusack has softened his opinion, gradually appreciating its cult following, even if it hasn’t been an easy journey.
