The Channel 4 news team look sharper than ever in 4K
It’s been 20 years since we first heard Will Ferrell utter those immortal words “I’m Ron Burgundy“. The birth of one of his most beloved, and oft revisited characters in the two decades since his debut. With this all new 4K transfer, there’s a chance to revisit where it all began. 1970s San Diego, a time when men were anchormen (it’s not anchorlady!), with many leather bound books, and apartments that smelt of rich mahogany. Field reporter Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd), sportscaster Champ Kind (David Koechner) and meteorologist Brick Tamland (Steve Carell), all led by news-anchor Ron Burgundy (Ferrell), who as the top rated news-team in the area rode the wave of celebrity that came with being on top. Until things changed, and their all-male domination was shaken up by the hiring of reporter Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate). Her own star on the rise, she is seen as an addition to the team to address concerns over diversity, but instead of driving the team to greater heights, there is open-conflict. Rivalry gives way to romance, although the problems for the team don’t seem to be improved, and for Ron, a fall from grace is looming on the horizon.
Essentially, Anchorman is an overt commentary on broadcast TV, chauvinism, and power dynamics in the workplace. A group of guys, thriving on their celebrity, indulging in parties, scotch, suit shopping, and some light misogyny. A perfect world thrown into uncertainty because of changing social standards, and the growing power of women. The 70s is a pitch perfect area to scrutinize and also hold up as an example as to how far we’ve come (or in many ways haven’t), as well as serve as comedic fuel. Behavior and expectations so inappropriate it’s funny, compounded by the blinkered obliviousness of these men, and many others at the time. Jokes come at breakneck speed, both sharp and witty as well as abstract and absurd. Adding to this is an off-the-cuff flow, as the improv and natural banter between the cast just propels the film forward. Supporting characters and notable cameos just heap on the fun, rather than detract from it. There are defining comedies in the history of cinema, think Caddy Shack, Animal House, Groundhog Day, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Ferris Bueller, Airplane, or Some Like it Hot. Films where the chemistry of its cast, the spark of a good script, and the overall formula works not just in the moment, but to create something that becomes a benchmark. Anchorman is undeniably a pop culture landmark and quotable phenom, and even after 20 years it’s relentlessly funny fare.
The Package
Quite often these big studio 4K releases of older films, especially cult fare, gets a bit of short thrift when it comes to transfer quality. Thankfully, that’s not the case here. Anchorman looks superb in 4K, and the transfer really shows off some of the well-considered 70s-era production design (with cinematography by Thomas E. Ackerman). Reflecting this, the color palette tilts towards warmer hues, while colors have a healthy pop. Blacks are solid, offering a good range of contrast. Detail and clarity of image is excellent, the film doesn’t look in any way over-processed, instead retaining a grain and natural filmic quality. Unsurprisingly, there are no new extra features here, but the release pulls from the various legacy editions to give one of the most verdant packages I’ve seen in a long time.
- Both Theatrical and Extended versions of the film
- Commentary by Adam McKay, Will Ferrell, Lou Rawls, Andy Richter, Kyle Gass, Paul Rudd, David Koechner, and Christina Applegate: Amusingly bringing together stars and not-stars of the film, the result is an eclectic, chaotic, and hilarious commentary that is a piece of entertainment in its own right
- Deleted & Extended Scenes: Running close to an hour and comprised of deleted scenes, extended scenes, alternate takes, and more. More hit than miss, and a nice window into the loose/improv approach to many of the screens
- Bloopers: Humorous cuts, largely stemming from the cast breaking into laughter
- “Afternoon Delight” Music Video
- ESPN SportsCenter Audition – Ron Burgundy: A short clip of a faux audition for Burgandy to serve as anchor on the fledgling ESPN network
- Wake Up Ron Burgundy: The Lost Movie: My first encounter with this was back when the film was originally released on DVD, quite simply, an entirely alternate Anchorman movie. 93 minutes in length, centered around a completely different plot, and showcasing some, but not all, of the cast, along with some new comedic faces. It’s not quite as sharp or consistently funny as the main feature, but its well worth a watch
- Intro-Commentary with Will Ferrell and Aaron Zimmerman: Tees up Wake Up Ron Burgandy
- PSAs: Amusing era-specific public service announcement, think the news team speaking to the community about the hippy menace
- Award Speech: Ron Burgandy’s acceptance speech for a local award
- Raw Footage “Good Takes”
- “Afternoon Delight” Recording Session
- Specials: EPK style kits touching on behind the scenes style approach, with one being more of an interview style affair with Burgandy himself
- Cast Auditions:
- Table Read 6/2/03: The first assembly of the cast for a readthrough
- Rehearsals: Another series of improv takes
- Playback Video: Remote reports from the news team in the field
- Commercial Break: Another ‘in character’ sketch
- Trailers
The Bottom Line
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy is one of those lightning in a bottle films that showcases a collective of comedians at the peak of their powers, knocking out an instant comedy landmark. A riotous, imminently quotable film, that straddles the fine line between brilliance and sheer stupidity. The 4K makeover is a welcome boost to the visuals, and the extra features included are an embarrassment of riches and sure to delight all fans of the film. Knights of Columbus, this is a fine release from Paramount.
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy, is available on Paramount Home Entertainment 4K-UHD now
