Dragnet (Collector’s Edition): Blu-Ray Review
Arriving on Collector’s Edition Blu-ray this week is the 1987 follow-up to the long-running television series, “Dragnet”. Although Tom Mankiewicz’s directorial debut took place in the same universe at the series, the film is essentially a parody. Dan Aykroyd who co-wrote the feature also stars as Joe Friday (nephew of Jack Webb’s character). Harry Morgan also reprises his role as Bill Gannon from the original series.
Set about 20 years after the television show, straight-laced Detective Joe Friday (Aykroyd) and his new partner, the fast and loose, Sep Streebek (Tom Hanks) must uncover the mystery behind a cult called P.A.G.A.N. (People Against Goodness and Normalcy). Little do they know that it is the very public Reverend Whirley (Christopher Plummer) behind the evil organization. Between dealing with extra large henchman (Jack O’Halloran) and rescuing the virgin Connie Swail (Alexandra Paul) from certain death, the two detectives have their work cut out for them.
“Dragnet” is a film I watched quite a few times on cable in the late 80’s. Not the greatest of the buddy-cop comedies but it still manages to be a fun ride. Aykroyd was born for the role of Joe Friday. Granted I wish we had a little more Dabney Coleman in it and part of me thinks it would have worked better if Jim Belushi (who was the original choice) played Streebek. Fans OF “Dragnet” get a new interview with Alexandra Paul as part of the bonus features.
Bonus Features
- NEW “A Quiet Evening In The Company Of Connie Swail”: An Interview With Co-Star Alexandra Paul
- NEW Audio Commentary With Pop Culture Historian Russell Dyball
- “Just The Facts!”: A Promotional Look At Dragnet With Dan Aykroyd And Tom Hanks
- Original Theatrical Trailers & Promos
By: Marc Ferman