In a highly tense social climate where humor is seemingly dead; it is hard to recall a time when a Comedy was just that. A relic of the past, 1980s Comedy was full of antics that would never fly today, and that is what made them so memorable. Sometimes over the top, other times obscene, it was an era dominated by films like 1981’s Porky’s and 1983’s National Lampoon’s Vacation, to name a few. Some more raunchy than others, the Sex Comedy was in high demand, and with that demand came an overwhelming supply of films like 1983’s Screwballs, 1984’s Hardbodies, 1985’s Private Resort, and Up the Creek.
Released in theaters on April 6, 1984, Up the Creek was one of several goofy Comedies at the time which included Revenge of the Nerds, Bachelor Party, the aforementioned Hardbodies, Joy of Sex, Hot Moves, Hot Dog, Police Academy, among many more. Knee-deep in competition, Up the Creek did surprisingly well; making over three million dollars in the opening weekend, on its way to grossing over eleven million dollars altogether. Not all too bad for a film about a bunch of underachieving college guys in a white water raft competition, it had a lot going for it, including a solid cast, impressive soundtrack, and well-written script.
For starters, you had some big Comedy names headlining; such as 1978 National Lampoon’s Animal House stars Tim Matheson and Stephen Furst, joined by Porky’s star Dan Monahan. Each bringing their own unique charm to the screen, there were many other familiar faces involved, including, but not limited to James B. Sikking (famously recalled as Dougie’s dad in Doogie Howser, M.D.), plus Jennifer Runyon (known for her role in Charles in Charge, as well as 1988’s 18 Again!). Beyond this Robert Butler (known for his work in television series such as Hill Street Blues) directed off a script from Jim Kouf (a prolific feature screenwriter who penned 1987’s Stakeout to 2004’s National Treasure). Then, on top of it all, you had the original Cheap Trick song “Up the Creek” leading the soundtrack.
All part of moments in an era of cinema that will probably never return, films like Up The Creek might be from the past, but they are not forgotten. As a matter of fact, on October 22, 2024, it made its way to Blu-ray thanks to Kino Lorber. The second Blu-ray release of Up the Creek from Kino Lorber, this new Special Edition is nearly identical to the now-out-of-print 2016 one. With that in mind, if you missed out on the now eight-year-old 2016 press, you can pick up this new one at a reasonable price.
Offering Up the Creek in 1080p (1.85:1 aspect ratio) from a 2K transfer, it is clean and crisp, just as you would hope. Furthermore, the bonus material includes a featurette called Without a Paddle )which features Stephen Furst and Sandy Helberg), plus the coveted Cheap Trick “Up the Creek” music video, along with the almost original theatrical art… but just cropped in with the film title covering the raft’s cleavage.
Overall, if you are looking to kick back, enjoy some popcorn, and have a few laughs, Up the Creek still deliveries all these years later. A testament to what good humor is all about, it is fitting Kino Lorber would roll out this new Blu-ray in honor right around the film’s fortieth anniversary. That is why Cryptic Rock recommends picking up a copy and giving the Special Edition Blu-ray of Up the Creek 4 out of 5 stars.
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