Special Features
There are various special features suitable for a cult movie such as this. The main special feature is an “On Set Home Video” consisting of actual rough footage shot by the Zucker Brothers, apparently to send to their parents as a demonstration of what they were doing with their time and money (and education). This offers select behind the scenes footage (including much about the “Zinc Oxide and You” and “Cleopatra Schwartz” sketches) and shows the Zuckers’ and Landis’ lighthearted side. It also offers evidence as to Landis’ working methods as a director. As a dated home movie, however, the visual quality is often poor. The original trailer is also included and nicely functions as an added gag and is thus a notable adjunct to the film itself. Although there was a commentary track on the Anchor Bay region 1 DVD release, such a track is sadly absent from the region 4 DVD and multi-zone collectors may thus well wish to seek out the r1 version instead. An “Umbrella Propaganda” feature offers brief previews for two other sketch movies released by the distributor – two of the popular UK Secret Policeman’s Ball movies – and for Woody Allen’s What’s Up Tiger Lily? Despite the lack of a commentary track, the region 4 DVD of Kentucky Fried Movie is a valuable record of a cult success which is unavoidably and even unashamedly bound to a 1970s mentality and which thus today has an aspect of pop-nostalgia associated with it.
Wider Screenings Star Rating
The Movie: 3 ½ stars
Picture: 3 stars
Sound: 2 ½ stars
Extras: 2 ½ stars
WS DVD rating: 3 stars
Wider Screenings DVD Attractions Trailer
(courtesy of YouTube embedded video)