Why So Blu?

Jackass 3.5 (Blu-ray Review)

The wacky crew from Jackass is back for even more mayhem with their followup to the incredibly successful Jackass 3-D; this is  Jackass 3.5.  Jackass 3.5 is a compilation of skits and stunts that were left on the cutting room floor of Jackass 3-D with some added features like a new intro, intimate interviews with the cast and crew and so forth.  Yes, the boys are still getting into heaps of trouble ten years into this whole thing.  Jackass 3.5 will be available on DVD June 14th everywhere and the Blu-ray will be available EXCLUSIVELY at your local Best Buy retailer.  With that said here’s our review of Jackass 3.5 on Blu-ray.  I hope you haven’t eaten yet. 

Film 

It’s time to get down and dirty with the boys from Jackass on this special UNRATED Blu-ray called…Jackass 3.5. No, this isn’t a new theatrical feature that you missed, but a compilation of footage that was originally shot for Jackass 3-D and never used.  Now that is some efficient filmmaking!  The return on investment will be huge.  This Blu-ray will also be EXCLUSIVE to Best Buy.

You can say that I’ve always been a casual Jackass fan. I absolutely loved the first film, but was lukewarm to the second and third films.  In this installment we have the boys getting into familiar trouble in addition to inflicting severe bodily injury to and on each other.

In this film you will see Steve-O have a close encounter with a giant snapping turtle that is just positively brutal along with Pontius’s encounter with a woodpecker…with a woodpecker.  I said that twice.   Wee Man will face a giant bull and lose.  Johnny, Bam, Dave, Ehren, and Preston will also get into equal trouble.  Jackass 3.5 features crotch rockets fired into Uranus, two liter bottles of exploding soda (secret ingredient to make them shoot up is peppermint drops), and long jump enemas.  The long john enemas had me coughing even before they actually started jumping.  I’m usually pretty strong when it comes to the poop gags, but for some reason this one made me a little ancy in anticipation.

Spike Jonze makes a guest appearance as big hearted, but crass “Kathy” as he-she causes trouble in Los Angeles and messes with unsuspecting individuals.  This one is also cringe worthy, because it’s very embarrassing to watch.

Jackass 3.5 is a hit and miss affair with some gags being absolutely brilliant and some gags being not so brilliant.  The opening intro is pretty funny, but doesn’t come close to the most epic intro ever of the first film.  Maybe they’re saving it for part 4?

In any event Jackass 3.5 is another film of the franchise that will be best viewed if served on an empty stomach and with your friends.  Make it a family affair if you want, but be warned there is also full frontal male nudity (Pontius, who else?) involved.  Remember, this is an UNRATED version of the film that is NOT recommended for children.

DISCLAIMER

The stunts in this movie were performed by professionals, so neither you nor your dumb little buddies should attempt anything from this movie.

Video 

Jackass 3.5 is presented in 1080p 1.78:1 widescreen.  This being my first high definition outing with the guys from Jackass I can say that they have moved up their game to the high def world.  Jackass 3.5 looks pretty good.  Shot in various countries in various areas; nature always looks good.  Even some of their wardrobe choices like a bright yellow shirt or bold red sweater pop off the screen.  The picture is clean; shot on digital.  A thin layer of grain accompanies the picture.  I did detect edge enhancement in certain scenes, but it was not bothersome.  Oh, and Jackass 3.5 is presented in 2-D, so for the anti-3-D crowd that should be a relief.  I will say that high definition brings out the grossness in all of their stunts.

Audio 

Jackass 3.5 is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1.  Now here is where Jackass really shines; audio.  Get ready to hear every bone crunching hit, tumble, kick, punch, electrocution, and screams of agony in glorious lossless surround sound.  Music also sounds clear and loud without being too loud.  Dialogue can easily be heard even when everyone is talking over each other in the ensuing chaos.  The audio on Jackass 3.5 is a winner.

Special Features 

Jackass 3.5 contains a few extras, but what it lacks in quantity it more than makes up in quality.  There’s a forty minute ten year retrospective with never-before-seen–footage of everyone before they joined up to become the Jackass troupe.  This is the best feature on the Blu-ray.  Everyone looked so young.  Just goes to show you what ten years of shenanigans will do to the human body.  Wow.  Deleted scenes and outtakes round out the rest of the special features.

• Jackass – The Beginning
• Deleted Scenes
• Outtakes
• Jackass European Tour

Final Thoughts 

Nowhere near the best of the Jackass film Jackass 3.5 makes a valiant entry into the franchise, but is more than enough, because it’s very obvious that the creme de la creme will be saved for the theatrical releases.  Jackass 3.5 can be considered one long episode.  There’s some really good stuff on display here and then there’s equal part garbage which is why I split my film review down the middle.  The tech specs and special features raise up the overall grade.  Please keep in mind that if you decide to purchase the Blu-ray you will have to visit your local Best Buy store or www.bestbuy.com. 

 

Order Jackass 3.5 on Blu-ray!