Studio: Paramount
Release Date: September 26, 2023
Rating: PG-13
Film: 4.5/5
PlotKicked out of his band and desperate for work, Dewey Finn intercepts a call meant for his roommate and lands an extended gig as a substitute teacher at Horace Green Elementary, a $15,000-per-year private school in the Northeast. The school's uptight principal suspects something is amiss when the new teacher is less concerned about the students and is more interested in when the school day ends, but he gets the gig anyway. His attitude changes when he hears the kids in their music class and realizes they have some serious potential if they are taken under his wing. He forms his own "classroom band" and involves the entire class with a costume designer, backup vocals, security, and even a band manager with two goals in mind—to not get caught by the principal and to win the local "Battle of the Bands" contest.
My ThoughtsJack Black already had a solid Hollywood career under his belt as a supporting actor in many TV and movie productions, but his casting as Dewey Finn put him on the map as an A-list actor who could carry a film. Screenwriter Mike White wrote the screenplay specifically for Black after witnessing the funny man running through the halls of an apartment complex the two both lived in while singing many of the songs featured in the film.
I’ve owned the film on both Blu-ray and DVD throughout the years and for its 20
th Anniversary edition, the film is getting a spiffy Steelbook package, although I would have preferred to see a 4K transfer over the improved packaging, but I’m sure a 4K will probably come along in a year or two.
This looks to be the exact same transfer from the Blu-ray release from 10 years ago, which isn’t necessarily bad, but it isn’t a reference presentation. Detail is apparent in both close-ups and longer shots that highlight the sweeping landscapes of the swanky prep school. There is the occasional soft look due to the principal photography, but the color palette passes muster. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track features a robust mid-range, tight bass, and intelligible dialog throughout, so no complaints in that department.
Video 4/5
Audio 4/5 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)
Special Features: - Commentary by actor Jack Black and director Richard Linklater
- Kids’ Kommentary
- Lessons Learned on School of Rock
- Jack Black’s Pitch to Led Zeppelin
- School of Rock Music Video
- Kids’ Video Diary: Toronto Film Festival
- MTV’s Diary of Jack Black
- Dewey Finn’s History of Rock
- Theatrical Trailer
- Digital Copy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TExoc0MG4I4&ab_channel=RottenTomatoesClassicTrailersConclusionThis is one of those films that I’ll stop and watch when I come across it on cable, but its been years since I sat through it from beginning to end. When I originally reviewed it on DVD, I gave it 4/5, but given how entertaining it is 20 years after the fact, it’s been bumped up a half a point because it’s falling into the “classic” genre in my mind. If you don’t own the original Blu-ray release, then definitely pick up this Steelbook. The movies great and the packaging is mighty impressive as well.
Reference Review System:JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Kaleidescape Strato + Server
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
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