The Corsican Brothers (1984) [Blu-ray review]

The 1984 film The Corsican Brothers is a comedic retelling of Alexandre Dumas’ classic story, brought to life by the iconic duo, Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong. Known primarily for their brand of stoner humor and cultural parody, Cheech and Chong took a significant departure from their usual contemporary antics to create a period comedy based on this historic French tale of vengeance and brotherly connection. In this review, we’ll explore the original narrative’s twist through the comedic lens of the 1980s, examine the performances, the overall production, and finally delve into the technical and nostalgic aspects of the film’s recent Blu-ray release.

Cheech and Chong wrap it up with something different

The Corsican Brothers follows the tale of two twins, separated at birth, who eventually reunite to avenge their family. The 1984 version, however, offers a distinct comedic spin, deviating significantly from the seriousness of Dumas’ original novel. Instead of being a straightforward tale of revenge, Cheech and Chong’s adaptation transforms it into a vehicle for slapstick humor, anachronistic jokes, and the classic brand of absurdity their fans adore.

The plot centers around Louis and Lucien, played respectively by Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong. The two brothers, despite their separation, share a unique bond—they can feel each other’s pain. This psychic connection, presented as a comedic device throughout the film, is utilized for humorous gags more often than for deep storytelling. The film revels in its absurdities, using the brothers’ shared sensations to generate slapstick moments, like one brother accidentally being hurt while the other unwittingly feels the pain from a distance.

The Corsican Brothers is almost entirely unconcerned with being historically accurate. Instead, it delights in poking fun at both the time period and its many tropes. The brothers, after reuniting, begin plotting revenge against Henri, a tyrant whose actions led to the death of their parents and the split of their family. But the duo spends more time getting into trouble than actually carrying out their mission. This loose and often episodic plot keeps the film light and emphasizes situational comedy over dramatic tension.

Where the adaptation strays most notably from Dumas is in its treatment of heroism. Instead of presenting Louis and Lucien as classical heroes, Cheech and Chong embody versions of themselves—laid-back, irreverent, and often incompetent. Their humor is self-referential, often breaking the fourth wall or throwing in modern-day cultural references that have no place in 19th-century Corsica. This comedic style has aged in varied ways, with some jokes still landing well, while others feel dated.

When is a duo not a duo?

Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong bring their iconic chemistry to The Corsican Brothers, providing the kind of comedic partnership their fans came to expect during their heyday. Their performances are full of charm but lack the nuance typically seen in a traditional revenge story. This is intentional; the film’s purpose is to be a parody, not an emotionally gripping drama.

Cheech Marin plays Louis with a more direct, forward personality, often getting into awkward situations, either romantic or combat-related, that fuel the comedy. Marin’s delivery carries much of The Corsican Brothers’ energy, particularly in scenes that call for a confident blundering through impossible circumstances. Tommy Chong, in contrast, gives Lucien a laid-back demeanor, often seeming confused or oblivious—a nod to the stoner persona he and Marin were famous for. This dynamic helps sell the idea of two brothers who might be connected by fate but are hilariously out of sync in everything else.

Supporting characters, such as Henri (the antagonist), are presented in an exaggerated, almost pantomime villain style, which suits the tone of the film. There are also plenty of side characters with one-off appearances that play into various comedic skits, much like a sketch show rather than a cohesive storyline.

The performances may not be conventionally great, but they perfectly fit the movie’s goal of lighthearted comedy. They also highlight Cheech and Chong’s strength as performers: the ability to poke fun at themselves and present even the most absurd situations with a relaxed, confident delivery.

A Cheech and Chong movie that looks amazing

The Corsican Brothers features cinematography that leans into parody. Rather than delivering sweeping, picturesque visuals that honor Corsica’s natural beauty, it uses a blend of over-the-top, almost cartoonish camera movements and low-budget set pieces to complement the comedic beats of the movie. The production value, while not exceptionally high, adds a layer of charm to the movie. The locations, costumes, and overall aesthetic feel intentionally cheap—contributing to the movie’s spoof-like nature.

The Corsican Brothers is full of comedic anachronisms, with nods to the contemporary 1980s in language, clothing, and props. This is most noticeable in some of the costumes, which seem more like something found at a party store than anything historical. These stylistic choices are deliberate, showcasing the filmmakers’ aim to take the audience out of any serious immersion and constantly remind them that they’re watching something silly.

There are also several absurd action scenes, filled with exaggerated stunt work and classic 1980s humor, like falling off roofs or getting comically slapped by random objects. The physical comedy relies heavily on the brothers’ shared-pain gimmick, turning every fight scene into an opportunity for sight gags, with one brother receiving blows and the other reacting to them in increasingly ridiculous ways.

The production as a whole feels rushed and campy, which suits Cheech and Chong’s brand. Their signature sense of humor thrives on chaotic, slapdash presentation, making the production’s lack of polish a feature rather than a flaw.

The jokes land

The script for The Corsican Brothers is filled with one-liners, puns, and anachronisms. Much of the humor revolves around out-of-place language, as the characters frequently slip in contemporary slang, breaking the fourth wall. These comedic techniques are a double-edged sword—while the humor is quintessentially Cheech and Chong, it can also take you out of the story if you’re expecting a classic narrative.

Dialogue between Cheech and Chong is where the script shines brightest. Their effortless banter feels spontaneous, almost as if much of it was ad-libbed during filming. This improvisational style gives the movie a natural flow, even if the jokes don’t always land. They poke fun at the absurdity of the plot and their circumstances, reminding the audience that nothing about this film should be taken seriously.

However, not all humor has aged gracefully. The Corsican Brothers’ anachronisms are sometimes amusing, but the reliance on cultural references of the time can feel dated now. The script also contains some humor that might not sit well with modern audiences—a reminder of how comedic sensibilities have evolved since the 1980s.

Let’s talk about the A/V Quality for the Blu-ray

Now, turning to the recent Blu-ray release, the new format gives The Corsican Brothers a much-needed restoration that brings its quirky visuals to life in surprising ways. Released as part of a nostalgia-driven wave of home media reissues, this Blu-ray edition provides a chance for fans and collectors to experience Cheech and Chong’s historical parody in higher quality than ever before.

Video Quality

The Blu-ray presentation of The Corsican Brothers has received a noticeable upgrade compared to older VHS and DVD versions. The film’s visuals, originally somewhat murky due to budgetary limitations, benefit from the remastering process, which enhances clarity without compromising the campy, low-budget charm. Colors are more vibrant, particularly during outdoor scenes, which helps emphasize the comedic absurdity of the locations and costumes. While it’s not an ultra-high-definition transformation, the picture is clean and consistent, removing some of the visual artifacts present in older releases.

The enhanced video quality also highlights some of the film’s more deliberate visual gags, making the silly costumes and cheap-looking props all the more noticeable. For fans, this only adds to the charm—a reminder that the movie was always supposed to be light, fun, and never too serious about its production values.

Audio Quality

The audio restoration provides a mixed experience. The new Blu-ray offers a cleaned-up version of the original audio, meaning that dialogue, music, and sound effects are all better balanced compared to the muffled quality of past releases. However, the sound design itself is a product of its time, and while it’s clearer, it still carries the limitations of an early 1980s comedy. The music, composed by GEO, benefits particularly from the improved audio track, with its quirky, melodramatic cues playing more crisply.

Fans of Cheech and Chong’s humor will appreciate how much more clearly the dialogue comes through, which allows their fast-paced comedic banter to be fully appreciated. Some of the jokes that might have been lost in poor-quality recordings are now easier to catch.

Why don’t more people still talk about The Corsican Brothers?

The Corsican Brothers occupies an interesting space in the filmography of Cheech and Chong. Departing from their usual pot-centric comedies, this film was an attempt to take their brand of humor into a new direction by melding it with a classic tale. Though it wasn’t particularly well-received by critics upon its release, the film has gained a sort of cult status, particularly among die-hard fans of the duo.

The movie’s legacy is tied closely to its stars, with most people remembering it as the oddball period piece where Cheech and Chong did Dumas. Its humor, while not universally appealing, is quintessentially 1980s, capturing an era when low-budget comedies were unafraid to be goofy and experimental. For some, the film represents the waning years of Cheech and Chong’s peak popularity, and its Blu-ray release offers a reminder of their effort to expand beyond their comfort zone, even if they did so with mixed results.

The Corsican Brothers Blu-ray re-release has also rekindled interest in the movie, prompting a re-evaluation of its place in the broader context of 1980s comedies. In an era where many comedies are finely tuned, focus-grouped products, The Corsican Brothers feels refreshingly raw. Its reappearance in home media is a testament to the ongoing love for this iconic comedy duo and their willingness to experiment with different genres.

Before we part ways to talk about other movies

The Corsican Brothers is a bizarre and lighthearted romp through history as only Cheech and Chong could envision it. The film’s humor is inconsistent—at times laugh-out-loud funny, at others awkwardly outdated—but its charm lies in its carefree approach to adaptation. It’s less concerned with doing justice to Dumas’ original story and more interested in providing a unique platform for its stars to riff, joke, and entertain their audience.

The recent Blu-ray release revitalizes the movie with improved visuals and audio, along with nostalgic bonus features that make it worth exploring for fans of the duo. While it may not convert new fans unfamiliar with Cheech and Chong’s style, it provides a loving tribute to their comedy for those who appreciate it.

For those seeking a faithful adaptation of Dumas, this isn’t the movie for you. But if you’re in the mood for a silly, irreverent comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and if you’re nostalgic for the type of offbeat humor that defined Cheech and Chong in the 1980s, The Corsican Brothers is a fun, albeit imperfect, trip down memory lane.

The Corsican Brothers is now available for purchase at MovieZyng