The Naked Gun 2 1/2 / The Naked Gun 33 1/3

The fruitful collaboration between David Zucker, his brother Jerry, and Jim Abrahams, began with the amusing 1977 cinematic pastiche "Kentucky Fried Movie." Although the film was directed by John Landis, the three men wrote the dialogue, which clearly exhibited their raucous brand of humor. Yet it was the now classic 1980 comedy, "Airplane," written and directed by the trio, that consolidated their trademark, comic style: irreverent, politically incorrect humor, elaborate sight-gags based on trivial, verbal puns, a staccato rhythm of nonstop gags, and a heavy dose of Neo-Three Stooges slapstick.

In 1984, the Zucker/Abrahams team created a TV show, "Police Squad." The mini-series introduced bungling police detective Frank Drebin, played to hysterical perfection by veteran actor Leslie Nielsen. Based on this show, the 1988 feature film "Naked Gun," proved an enormous success. Nielsen was joined by another pro, George Kennedy, as well as Priscilla Presley and O.J. Simpson for this hilarious spoof on police films. The movie was such a hit, that it was followed by two sequels which utilized the same principal cast members, Naked Gun 2 �: The Smell of Fear, and Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult.

Of the two sequels, "...2 �" is the overall, better film. The plot concerns villain Robert Goulet attempting to undermine the nation's safe energy programs, with Drebin and his cohorts hot on his trail. Nielsen is at his best, and Presley displays a true flair for comedy. The gags are endless. Not all of them work, but the average is high enough to provide viewers with some real guffaws. The George and Barbara Bush look-alikes are astounding!

Though not as consistently amusing as its predecessor, "...33 1/3" definitely has its moments. Evil mastermind Papschmir hires thug Rocco (Fred Ward) to carry out a terrorist scheme. Coming out of retirement, Drebin goes undercover, befriending Rocco and his curvaceous girlfriend, played by the ill-fated Anna Nicole Smith, in an attempt to uncover the heinous plot. The climactic finale at the Academy Awards ceremony is unquestionably the film's highpoint. Studded with numerous celebrity cameos, the Oscar presentations are deliciously satirical; and the musical production number with Pia Zadora, absolutely hilarious.

Released just in time for Christmas, the two "Naked Gun" sequels have been issued for the first time on Blu-ray. Neither includes supplements or special features of any kind. However, compensating for the barebones presentation, the picture quality of both films is excellent. With respect to sharpness and clarity, and density of color, the high definition visuals are clearly above average. And, with the superior DTS-HD audio, you won't miss a single pun. Currently available for under $10 each, the new Blu-rays will make ideal stocking stuffers for anyone with an outlandish sense of humor.

"Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear"
"Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult"
Blu-ray
$14.98
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