Innerspace — Innerspace (UHD/ Blu Ray)
From the late 80’s Innerspace is entertaining/ largely undated blend of sci-fi, physical comedy, romance and action. It regards a washed-up test pilot (Dennis Quiad), getting involved in a secret miniaturization experiment- but instead of been injected into the planned rabbit, he gets shot inside bumbling hypochondriac (Martin Short). Here from Arrow Video, both in the UK and Stateside, is a new either UHD or Blu Ray release of the film. It features a 4k scan, new commentary track, and blend of new/ archive.
Innerspace is from the year 1987. It was directed by Morristown, New Jersey born Joe Dante- who stands as one of the most populist genre directors. He has sixteen feature credits to his name- these take in creature feature/ horror comedy Piranha (1978), classic 80’s werewolf film The Howling (1981), monster horror comedy Gremlins (1984), and aimed at older children Toy Story Toy Soldiers (1998).
After the floating and drifting through shapes ‘n’ colours credits, we meet our lead Lt. Tuck Pendleton (Quiad)- he’s drunk at a military awards event, getting roughed up by his ex buddies- he staggers out of the place with his journalist girlfriend Lydia (Meg Ryan). They get back to Tucks cluttered apartment…the next morning Lydia’s calling a cab, saying she’s had enough.
Next, we meet our other male lead Jack Putter (Short)- he’s an assistant manager in a supermarket, but he’s somewhat of bumbling and on-edge hypochondriac. He’s visiting his doctor’s office, and it’s made clear he’s often there.
Anyway, next time we meet Tuck- he’s readying himself to get in his craft. He’s going to be shrunk down, and injected inside a rabbit. But it seems someone else is after the tech- white suited business man Victor Scrimshaw- Kevin McCarthy( 1956’s Invasion of the Body Snatchers), and big permed haired Dr. Margaret Canker( Fiona Lewis at the center of it. So, the Doc in charge of the experiment runs, making his way to a nearby shopping mall- here in panic he injects the shrunk down Tuck.into Putter's buttocks.
As things unfold Tuck tries to make Jack aware that he’s inside him- with some truly wonderful moments of physical comedy. We find out Tuck has only nine hours of air, and both the good & the bad guys after getting their hands on Jack.
The inside of Jack’s body effects are very impressive/ undated. We move from the floating yellow lumps of fat of his buttocks. Onto speeding flow through his vein network, with tense moments when he’s nearly pulled into the heart. He visits the optic nerve, the inner ear, and the chopping green seas of his gut.
There’s great chemistry between are two leads. With Quiad prefect as the cocky, yet washed-up test pilot. And Short is great as the nervous wreak geek. Ryan is as always good as romantic interest. Other worthy mentions go to Lewis as the bad, yet alluring doctor. And Vernon Wells as the black gloved, silent, but relishing torture henchmen Mr. Igoe.
For the most part Innerspace is an entertaining ride- with its rewarding blending of genres. With my ccriticism been maybe one or two of the subplots, and its runtime could have been cut down.
The new release features a new restoration from the original 35mm negative by Arrow Films, approved by director Joe Dante. This looks lovely with real clarity of depth of the colour pallet throughout- as well even balance between dialogue and score. Surprisingly none of the effects look dated, and these are generally enhanced by the restoration.
On the extras side we have a few things- on the new side we have two things, a commentary track, and a making of. So first off, the track features film critic Drew McWeeny- this is well researched and informative. He begins by saying he’s loved the film since been a child. We find out the films effects team won an Oscar for their work, and he talks about the score from Jerry Goldsmith is good- but not great. He talks about how Ryan & Quiad become an item just after working on the film and ponders if you can notice this from the onscreen chemistry.He discusses how the films had two hero stories- one inside of the other. We get a bio of Martin Short, and he touches on how it’s sad the actor has never gone onto bigger things- as he plays a neurotic character wonderful in the film. We find out they created multiple different size and types of models for the ship/ sub, and how they took a lot of time discussing the lighting/ colouring of the body’s insides. Later on, he talks about the switch in the film’s dynamics, and points at the moments of subtle animation used. He chats about how the film is full of weirdos, and how Dante took advantage of the San Franciso location- with out over doing it. He breaks down the hanging out of the back of the van stunt- and where the actor was switched with stunt guy. He comments on the unrealistic club created for this and many other films of the time, and much more.
The other new extra is Shrinkage: The Making of Innerspace (58.53) interviews with director Joe Dante, producer Michael Finnell, visual effects supervisor Dennis Muren, visual effects artists Harley Jessup and Bill George and actor Robert Picardo.
On the archive side we have the following: Behind the Scenes with Joe Dante (23.23) previously unseen video footage shot during the production of Innerspace. Behind the Scenes at ILM (20.16) previously unseen footage shot by visual effects supervisor Dennis Muren during production. Original storyboards. Continuity and Behind the Scenes Polaroids. Production stills gallery. Posters and Promo still gallery, and theatrical trailer.
The finished release comes with a double-sided fold-out poster featuring two original artwork options. A perfect-bound booklet featuring new writing by film critics Charlie Brigden, Michael Doyle, Josh Nelson, Jessica Scott and Andrea Subissati, a short guide to Joe Dante’s stock company by Scott Saslow, plus the original exhibitor’s pamphlet.
It’s always great to revisit a film you enjoyed in the 80’s, and it still stands up. If you dig mixes of sci-fi, physical comedy, romance and action- with undated/ neat effects, you’ll enjoy Innerspace. This new Arrow Video release takes in a lovely 4k scan and a good selection of extras.