‘Innerspace’ lands on 4K with tiny thrills and a limited edition for huge collector appeal

Director Joe Dante’s and executive producer Steven Spielberg’s 1987 sci-fi comedy gets a coveted home theater release in the ultra-high definition format that’s sure to please collectors in Innerspace: Limited Edition (Arrow Video, rated PG, 1.85:1 aspect ratio, 120 minutes, $59.95).

Actor Dennis Quaid starred along with North American comedic treasure Martin Short in this high-tech story about a reckless test pilot, Lt. Tuck Pendleton (Mr. Quaid), volunteering for a mysterious miniaturization experiment.

Specifically, he is controlling a submersible pod that’s downsized to microscopic levels to be tested in a rabbit. Nefarious shenanigans ensue as a rival organization breaks into the facility and attempts to steal the shrunken vehicle and Jack, both now immersed in liquid in a syringe.

The lead scientist escapes the attack and, while running away from the bad guys at a mall, manages to inject the contents of the syringe containing Lt. Pendleton and the pod into an unassuming hypochondriac and grocery clerk, Jack Putter (Mr. Short).

Mr. Putter teams up with Mr. Pendleton’s girlfriend, Lydia Maxwell (Meg Ryan), to figure out how to extract the test pilot and return him to normal size before his oxygen runs out.

The mission will involve stealing a microchip back from the evil rivals, with plenty of hilarity to ensue, and that even features altering Jack’s face (like a Looney Tunes short) to look like a henchman.

A rich supporting cast of pop culture luminaries complements Mr. Short’s antics including Henry Gibson (“Laugh-In”) as Mr. Putter’s boss, Robert Picardo (“Star Trek: Voyager”) as evil henchman the Cowboy, Kevin McCarthy (“Invasion of the Body Snatchers”) as lead villain Victor Scrimshaw and Fiona Lewis (“Dr. Phibes Rises Again”) as Mr. Scrimshaw’s lead researcher.

Also, pay close attention to an appearance by Mr. Short’s fellow SCTV alums Joe Flaherty and Andrea Martin in a doctor’s office.

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Overall, “Innerspace” balances laughs with the fantastical, thanks in large part to the Academy Award-winning effects from Industrial Light and Magic, offering a 1980s version of the classic movie “Fantastic Voyage.”

4K action: A clever opening shot of the inner workings of ice melting in a glass of whisky reveals the clarity and color depth to be found in this screen-filling restoration created from a 4K scan from the original 35mm camera negative.

Viewers often get an eye-popping dose of vivid hue moments, such as seen in the makeup and green-and-red outfit of a grocery store patron; Lt. Pendleton’s cherry-red Shelby Mustang; and, most impressively, from a room with focused pink lighting reflecting off of a pure white Alaskan Malamute and Mr. Scrimshaw’s white suit.

However, the highlight of the movie’s debut in 4K is the ILM effects of the test pilot navigating through Mr. Putter’s body.

Sequences worth examining include the tiny pod entering the bloodstream surrounded by a sea of fast-moving red platelets; landing on the optic nerve; connecting to the yellowish fibrous stalks of the middle ear (tympanic canal); perilously hanging near the moving tissue flaps of the heart; and taking part in an encounter with stomach acid in the digestive system.

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Best extras: Arrow Video’s celebration of the film’s production starts by including a vintage optional commentary track from the 2002 DVD release, offering a witty and informative overview from the director, producer Michael Finnell, visual effects supervisor Dennis Muren, and Mr. McCarthy (speaking up only when his character appears) and Mr. Picardo (popping in when his character shows up in the film).

The informative focus is mainly on a discussion with Mr. Dante and Mr. Finnell talking through the production while the others stay scene specific, especially Mr. Muren (arriving about 18 minutes in), who is more than happy to talk about his team’s special effects efforts.

Some information nuggets range from learning that a lot of the movie was ad-libbed; Mr. Short stiffed the gang for the commentary track due to another project; and they used real Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientists in the film.

Next, and brand new, is an enthusiastic track from film critic Drew McWeeny who declares early that he loves the film before dissecting “Innerspace” as he unloads with cast, production and effects information as well as his thoughts on all facets of the movie.

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Next, a much-appreciated and informative, brand new retrospective offers an hour of memories on the making of the film and its legacy as relayed by Mr. Dante, Mr. Picardo, producer Mr. Finnell and special effects pioneer Mr. Muren, model builder Bill George and VFX art director Harley Jessup.

Viewers learn from Mr. Dante that there was a move by executives to get Mr. Short fired (he was not handsome enough); that Ms. Lewis was not happy on the shoot because the director did not pay enough attention to her; and that the studio’s ad campaign was the worst he had ever seen for a comedy.

Also worth a look are two entertaining batches of previously unseen, behind-the-scenes footage (VHS-quality) as captured by Mr. Dante (23 minutes) on the set and Mr. Muren (20 minutes) at ILM.

And, as usual with Arrow Video limited edition releases, collectors get some extra physical goodies to supplement the great selection of digital extras.

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Specifically, the cardboard box-set packaging with slipcase offers a double-sided foldout poster (16 inches by 20 inches) featuring the movie poster design and an unusual, slightly macabre, board game-style poster of traversing through the human body

Next, a 60-page, full-color, information-packed bound booklet contains new analysis pieces and essays from critics Charlie Brigden, Josh Nelson, Jessica Scott and Andrea Subissati; snippets of an interview with the director by Michael Doyle; and even a brief biographical look at some key actors that were part of Mr. Dante’s stock company.

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Joseph Szadkowski

jszadkowski@washingtontimes.com

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