The 80s were a simpler time, a time in which we could believe that a small UHF station would have no trouble gaining a following and becoming a colossal hit. You know, like a YouTube channel but without all the ridiculous standards.
And, funny enough, UHF reminds us of those times. A “Weird” Al Yankovic movie at heart, it features the singer as a man who suddenly gains control of a UHF station, and struggles to make it work – until an unexpected surprise jettisons him to success.
It’s silly, sure, but that’s the point. You don’t watch a “Weird” Al movie to be dramatically moved. With that, Shout Factory has delivered a killer 4K UHD release packed with extras, including – what else – more “Weird” Al than you can handle.
So get yourself a drink from the fire hose (open wide!) and find out why this movie is well worth the purchase.
Shut Up and Let’s Go To Spatula City
As mentioned above, the movie follows George (Yankovic), a hapless hero who tries to rise Channel 62 from the ashes. His ideas don’t really take off at first, but he soon gets help from an unexpected source – a young janitor named Stanley Spadowski (a young Michael Richards, pre-Seinfeld).
This irks R.J. Fletcher (Kevin McCarthy, chewing up the villain role like it’s taffy), the owner of rival station Channel 8, and he sets out to sabotage him. What follows is a number of memorable comic bits, as well as great comedy performances from the likes of Victoria Jackson, Fran Drescher and even Billy Barty.
It’s great fun, provided you’re aware of what you’re in for. Again, this is “Weird” Al territory, so there’s parodies galore (the Rambo one is hilarious) and 80s character types everywhere, such as Gedde Watanabe’s Kuni chewing out someone on Wheel of Fish (“STOOPAHD!”). Accept that and you’ll have a field day with it.
Shout Factory has done a terrific job with the film’s 4K transfer. They used the original 35MM negative to get the best picture possible, and it pays off. It doesn’t go too far leaps and bounds over the original Blu-Ray release (which is also included), but it still looks great for a decades-old film. The sound is excellent as well, especially when “Weird” Al delivers on some musical moments (like his Beverly Hillbillies themed take on Dire Straits’ “Money For Nothing”).
What Extras Are Included?
The big feature here is an awesome San Diego Comic-Con panel from 2014, in which “Weird” Al discusses the film on its anniversary. It’s a lively panel packed with information and memories, and well worth sitting in on.
There’s also a commentary with director Jay Levey and Yankovic, and they have just as much of a good time as we do watching the film and revisiting certain skits.
The rest are pretty general stuff, but ideal for fans. You’ve got nearly 20 minutes of deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes footage, Easter eggs (“Weird” Al themed, of course), a music video and more.
It’s got everything fans would want, outside of the actual original UHF programs. I personally would’ve liked to see how Secrets of the Universe ended up, but maybe one day. (Or maybe they’re too secret…)
UHF Really Does Have It All
Again, how much you partake in UHF depends on your love for “Weird” Al Yankovic. But if you have any hatred for him, you may want to look in a mirror and see what’s wrong with you.
UHF is absolutely goofball 80s fun, packed with references, jokes and great performances. And Shout Factory complements the film with a superb 4K transfer and plenty of extras.
It may come from an earlier time, as UHF barely matters now (or does it?), but UHF is a reminder that “Weird” Al’s demented genius has been around longer than you might think. Definitely add it to your shopping list – or you’ll anger Conan the Librarian. And you DO NOT want to anger him.
GAMERHUB RATING: 4 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Shout Factory for the review copy!
