Riding a wave of popularity after five years on Saturday Night Live, Adam Sandler co-wrote and starred in Billy Madison, a character that embodies the over-the top immaturity that made many of his SNL characters so memorable. Released in 1995, Billy Madison is a 27-year-old slacker about to become the heir to the Madison Hotel millions. However, Billy’s father (Darren McGavin) threatens to turn over his fortune to evil vice president Eric Gordon (Bradley Whitford) if Billy doesn’t show one iota of responsibility.
Desperate to show he can be trusted; Billy agrees to complete grades one through twelve in six months. Previously, Billy had only graduated because his dad paid off teachers and administrators alike. Along the way, he meets several elementary school students willing to help, a gay principal who was once a pro wrestler (Josh Mostel) an insane school bus driver (Chris Farley) and a pretty third grade teacher (Bridgette Wilson) who steals his heart.
Adam Sandler has a way of making the lamest humor seem charming. The grade school setting is the perfect setting for Sandler’s juvenile hijinks. Bringing an undeniable sweetness to his delivery, he wisely avoids the offensive “retard” jokes that often ruin these types of films. Instead, Billy is instantly likeable, while Bradley Whitford is equally vile. Sandler and Tim Herlihy crafted a script that allows Sandler to shine, that largely ignores the supporting players. Darren McGavin (who was so memorable as the dad in A Christmas Story) is a talented comic actor but is given little to do beyond overacting to keep up with Sandler.
Whether it’s him pummeling a group of fourth graders with dodgeballs or doing a spastic dance Culture Club’s I’ll Tumble 4 Ya, Adam Sandler turns the idiocy up to eleven. If that’s your kind of funny, Billy Madison is for you.
The all-new HDR/Dolby Vision Master from a 4K Scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative is a flawless representation of the film. Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, sharpness is strong throughout. The image is clean and free of any dirt or other blemishes. Blacks are inky, while the Dolby Vision HDR gives the bright colors a noticeable increase in density. A nice level of grain gives the proceedings a filmic appearance.
The DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack provides a nice level of oomph to the various ‘70s and ‘80s tunes that are heard throughout the film. Billy Squier’s “The Stroke” among others, gets the subwoofer involved and show off the surrounds abilities. Dialogue is clean, clear and concise throughout with no distortion. A DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo track is included.
English SDH subtitles are available.
The following extras are included:
DISC 1 (4KUHD):
- NEW!! Audio Commentary by Author and Filmmaker Bryan Connolly and The Billy Gilmore Podcast Host Wilson Smith
- Audio Commentary by Director Tamra Davis
DISC 2 (BLU-RAY):
- NEW!! Audio Commentary by Author and Filmmaker Bryan Connolly and The Billy Gilmore Podcast Host Wilson Smith
- Audio Commentary by Director Tamra Davis
- Deleted Scenes (32:58)
- Outakes (3:44)
- Theatrical Trailer (Newly Mastered in 2K)