Death to Smoochy (2002) [Blu-ray review]

Death to Smoochy is a biting satire on the world of children’s television, was met with polarized reactions upon its release. Its blend of black humor, eccentric characters, and scathing social commentary made it a unique entry in the early 2000s cinema landscape, but it was not an immediate hit with critics or audiences. Over time, however, Death to Smoochy has gained a cult following, appreciated for its bold satire and the performances of its leads. With the recent Blu-ray release of Death to Smoochy, fans of the film have the chance to revisit it in high definition, with improved picture and sound quality.

Danny DeVito really loved this movie

Randolph Smiley (Robin Williams), a once-beloved children’s television host falls from grace after being caught in a bribery scandal. His replacement is Sheldon Mopes (Edward Norton), a naive and idealistic performer who takes on the persona of “Smoochy the Rhino,” a character designed to be the epitome of wholesome, educational entertainment.

As Smoochy becomes a sensation, Randolph becomes increasingly unhinged, plotting to destroy Smoochy and reclaim his spot in the limelight. The film follows Sheldon as he navigates the cutthroat world of children’s television, dealing with corrupt executives, mobsters, and his own moral dilemmas. What unfolds is a darkly comedic tale of revenge, hypocrisy, and the price of integrity in a world driven by profit and fame.

Robin Williams cuts loose

At its core, Death to Smoochy is a satire of the entertainment industry, particularly the world of children’s television. The film explores themes of corruption, greed, and the loss of innocence, using the figure of Smoochy as a symbol of genuine goodness in a world that is anything but. The film’s humor is often dark and biting, taking aim at the hypocrisy and moral compromises that underpin the entertainment industry.

The character of Randolph Smiley represents the fallen hero, a man who once embodied the values of children’s programming but has since been consumed by bitterness and a desire for revenge. His descent into madness is both tragic and comedic, as he becomes increasingly unhinged in his efforts to destroy Smoochy.

Sheldon Mopes, on the other hand, is the idealistic newcomer who refuses to compromise his principles, even as he is surrounded by corruption and deceit. The film’s tension arises from the clash between Sheldon’s unwavering morality and the cynical reality of the industry he has entered.

The film also touches on the idea of authenticity versus artifice. Smoochy the Rhino is portrayed as a character who genuinely cares about his audience and wants to make a positive impact, in stark contrast to the other characters who are motivated by greed and self-interest. This theme is reinforced by the film’s visual style, which juxtaposes the bright, artificial world of Smoochy with the darker, grittier reality that lies beneath.

Barney was really falling out of the Zeitgeist in 2002

Spare me a moment to talk about Barney. While bigger in the 90s, the early 00s saw this final big push to get Barney out of kids entertainment. Now, children are want to love whatever they love. But, something about public television being filled with costumed adults singing about love and friendliness really did a number on Post 9/11 America. It would be a few more years before Barney fell out of favor with the kids. But, it fostered the right environment for Death to Smoochy to exist.

Kids watch anything

For the young ones that still read things online, Barney was the source of a lot of parental rage back in the early 00s. If you don’t have the time to head over to YouTube, here’s the best way to explain it. Imagine if Elmo was larger and talked with the conversational depth of an amusement park mascot getting their brain roasted in the hot Florida sun. But, the show gave Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato their starts. So, thanks…I guess?

While Death to Smoochy starts from the premise, it realizes that holds attention for all of 25 minutes and they expand into the motivations of Norton and Williams’ characters. There’s a lot to be said about the artistic process here and how individual personalities inform their characters. But, it’s also a movie about a giant purple rhino getting killed.

Adults watch anything

Death to Smoochy was met with mixed reviews upon its release in 2002. Critics were divided on the film’s dark humor and satirical approach, with some praising its boldness and others finding it too offbeat for mainstream audiences. The film’s satirical take on the entertainment industry and children’s television was seen by some as too cynical, while others appreciated its willingness to push boundaries.

Despite the mixed critical reception, Death to Smoochy found a niche audience that appreciated its unique blend of dark comedy and social commentary. Over time, the film has gained a cult following, with fans drawn to its irreverent humor, memorable performances, and the subversive take on a genre typically associated with light-hearted fare.

What’s on this Death to Smoochy Blu-ray from Shout Factory?

Shout Factory as part of its Shout Select does right by Death to Smoochy. Long relegated to its ancient DVD release from Warner Brothers, Shout gives it a 20 year overdue glow-up on Blu-ray. There is a new 2024 4K restoration that makes the film look better than ever. Now, I saw it in theaters back in 2002, but I can’t tell you any exact memories. Well, other than it opened up against the 20th anniversary re-release of E.T. with those CG walkie talkies. I also want to say Deuces Wild was playing in the theater next door, but not quite sure.

You get a ton of new interviews, featurettes, bloopers, and deleted scenes. But those latter parts felt ported over. A lot of the special features feel ported over. However, the 1080p transfer and DTS-HD 5.1 master audio track feel true to their time.

Death to Smoochy is a darkly comedic gem that continues to resonate with audiences more than two decades after its release. Its satirical exploration of the entertainment industry, combined with standout performances from Robin Williams and Edward Norton, make it a film worth revisiting. The recent Blu-ray release enhances the viewing experience with improved picture and sound quality, while the included special features provide valuable insights into the film’s production and legacy.

Death to Smoochy is now available on Blu-ray from Shout Factory

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