- Format: PAL
- Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
- Number of discs: 3
- Classification: 15
- Studio: Universal
- DVD Release Date: 7 Nov 2005
- Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (81 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B000A1OFG4
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 37,058 in Film & TV (See Top 100 in Film & TV)
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Reviews
Amazon.co.uk Review
After building up the duo's popularity through popular recordings and several performances on Saturday Night Live, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd--as "legendary" Chicago blues brothers Jake and Elwood Blues--took their act to the big screen in this action-packed hit from 1980. As Jake and Elwood struggle to reunite their old band and save the Chicago orphanage where they were raised, they wreak enough good-natured havoc to attract the entire Cook County police force. The result is a big-budget stunt-fest on a scale rarely attempted before or since, including extended car chases that result in the wanton destruction of shopping malls and more police cars than you can count. Along the way there's plenty of music to punctuate the action, including performances by Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Cab Calloway, and James Brown that are guaranteed to knock you out. As played with deadpan wit by Belushi and Aykroyd, the Blues Brothers are "on a mission from God," and that gives them a kind of reckless glee that keeps the movie from losing its comedic appeal. Otherwise this might have been just a bloated marathon of mayhem that quickly wears out its welcome (which is how some critics described this film and its 1998 sequel). Keep an eye out for Steven Spielberg as the city clerk who stamps some crucial paperwork near the end of the film. --Jeff Shannon
Synopsis
In roles made famous by their famed Saturday Night Live skit, Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi star as Ellwood and Jake Blues in this extremely entertaining and successful comedy. Upon Jake's release from prison, the brothers are reunited and visit the orphanage they grew up in--only to discover that it is in danger of being shut down by the county for failure to pay taxes. With a little help from James Brown as a revival preacher, the Blues Brothers are divinely inspired to raise the $5,000 that the orphanage needs to stay open. On their mission from God, they must reunite their old band and raise the money by playing various gigs around town. The wild adventures of the band include dodging evil neo-Nazis, playing in a rowdy redneck bar, and narrowly escaping the crazed Carrie Fisher as Jake's ex-fiancee, who is out to see him dead. Finally, the boys have to get to a gig at the Palace Hotel Ballroom and deliver the $5,000 to the county assessor's office--leading to one of the most wild and hysterical car-chase smashups in film history. John Landis has spiced this wonderful romp with fabulous rhythm-and-blues numbers from such greats as Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Cab Calloway, and Ray Charles.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
120 of 128 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Firstly, a quick overview of what you get in this 4-disc set.
Disc 1 - The Blues Brothers (as previously released).
Disc 2 - Blues Brothers 2000 (as previously released).
Disc 3 - The Best of the Blues Brothers (as previously released).
Disc 4 - The Blues Brothers: Anniversary Edition (previously unreleased).
I'll be honest, I bought this set simply for the films. The first one is excellent in my opinion, with great comedy, wit, writing, and amazing music. The second is more of a guilty pleasure. Not being as well-made as the first, the songs and comedy are all of the same excellent standard, the songs in particular being very enjoyable, as all the musicians from the original (and then some!!!) are back. The musical talent on display in these first two discs is incredible for those who appreciate music.
Discs 3 and 4, I didn't really know what I was getting here. I was pleasantly surprised with both though, especially disc 3. This features original live concert footage of the band performing when it was just an act on 'Saturday Night Live' back in the late '70s. Soul Man in particular is brilliant, and I'm told it went on to become a number 1. You can see why the Hollywood execs gave them backing for a film off the strength of the performances here!
Disc 4 is just a special edition of The Blues Brothers, but has a nice set of extra features unavailable on the original release (disc 1). Among these are an informative tribute to John Belushi, which really help appreciate more what kind of man he was and the close off-screen relationship he developed with Aykroyd. Also included is a fantastic song-selection feature, which I use a lot!
Highly recommended package, and the price is a bargain for what you get!
43 of 46 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is a classic movie. Who can resist a musical comedy starring Dan Akroyd and John Belushi? This DVD belongs in your collection alongside all the other classic comedies.
This particular package is a good one. On disc 1 you get the theatrical version of the movie along with a making of bonus feature. On disc 2 you get the extended version of the movie and some bonus features. The features include an introduction to the movie by Dan Akroyd, and a few other features that you'll enjoy.
I recommend that everybody buys this DVD. You'll watch it many many times.
This particular package is a good one. On disc 1 you get the theatrical version of the movie along with a making of bonus feature. On disc 2 you get the extended version of the movie and some bonus features. The features include an introduction to the movie by Dan Akroyd, and a few other features that you'll enjoy.
I recommend that everybody buys this DVD. You'll watch it many many times.
33 of 36 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I love this movie but have only given it 4 stars for one reason. There are extra scenes included, which you get no option over, adding 14 minutes to the movie. Thing is they add nothing and some of them actually ruin the pace. You can understand why they were originally cut. Alas there is no mention of this on the cover, so just be warned.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Boys, you got to learn not to talk to nuns that way. ?
(THE FILM)
After the release of Jake Blues (John Belushi) from prison, he and brother Elwood (Dan Aykroyd) go to visit the orphanage where they were raised by nuns. Read more
After the release of Jake Blues (John Belushi) from prison, he and brother Elwood (Dan Aykroyd) go to visit the orphanage where they were raised by nuns. Read more
Published 1 month ago by S. F. husseiny
Funny stuff
I've watched this film a few times by now and I've now got all the music on my ipod. It's a great film to watch with the family. Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi are a great team.
Published 5 months ago by elen4
One night only
With Jake's release from Joliet prison the two brothers, Jake (John Belushi) and Elwood (Dan Aykroyd) Blues, are back together again. Read more
Published 10 months ago by bernie
Blues Brothers ( DVD ) 1980
Took a chance as DVD was so reasonably priced. Pleasantly surprised as item was exactly as promised and with an added bonus of a FREE DVD, will look for more bargains.
Published 10 months ago by Derek
Blues Brothers
Product arrived in good time and in very good condition.
There was a point in the film that the talking/singing was not in time to the actions but this did not deter... Read more
There was a point in the film that the talking/singing was not in time to the actions but this did not deter... Read more
Published 11 months ago by JB
Pirate copy
I love this film and have seen it many times in my youth, but the copy I received is terrible quality, the picture is dark and there is bleaching around the edge of the frame I... Read more
Published 15 months ago by Mark Slade
Fantastic
I loved this film! I watched it with my parents and my sister when we rented it from a video shop and liked it so much i went out and bought it the same week. Very funny. Read more
Published 18 months ago by cullenlover
Still rockin
Not quite as good as I remember it, but the music still rocks. A rather slow start and a feel it never really gets up to speed can be forgiven when the set pieces come into play.
Published 18 months ago by Mr. Robert Griggs
One of the Best
This is one of my favourite musicals. I watched it again for the umpteenth time the other night and was up singing and dancing with them. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Amy Connolly
DVDs TO MAKE YOU GLAD TO BE ALIVE
For those feeling glum in these harsh financial times I can recommend two DVDs guaranteed to make you feel glad to be alive. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Malcolm Everett
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