Paramount celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Good Burger with a great new Steelbook design, sure to please fans of the film. With nothing new added to the disc from prior releases, those who have yet to grab this one can do so today!
“Kenan & Kel are serving up laughs in GOOD BURGER – the beloved big-screen comedy inspired by the popular sketch from Nickelodeon’s ALL THAT. When Mono Burger’s high-tech hamburger haven opens across the street from the tiny Good Burger diner, fast-food counter dudes Ed (Kel Mitchell) and Dexter (Kenan Thompson) find themselves in a battle with big business. Co-starring Sinbad and featuring cameos by hoopster Shaquille O’Neal and funkster George Clinton, this tasty, limited-edition steelbook is a must-have celebration of the movie’s 25th Anniversary.”
Nickelodeon was a staple of my childhood, and as the network continued to grow and branch out into new genres, All That became one of their most unique venture, a Saturday Night Live for kids if you will, ironically giving Kenan Thompson, the now longest running cast member on SNL his breakout role that propelled him into the limelight.
While I remember the majority of the sketches from the show, Everyday French with Pierre Escargot and Earboy (admittedly I had to look up the names, because I just remember French Kenan in a bubble bath and a Pizza Face kid), Good Burger was the sketch that you didn’t forget, and couldn’t forget the name of, because it’s said so many times. While the majority of the kids had their go-to characters, this was Kel Mitchell’s, and he was excellent at it, playing the clueless fast-food worker, almost like a character from Bill & Ted, Ed (Mitchell) was brilliant at playing that role. What I remember thinking at the time of the film release was how were they making an entire film revolving around a fast-food worker who makes things difficult for all his customers? It took me 25 years to get my answer, because I never did see the film.
Good Burger has a super-simple plot: an evil burger place opens across the street trying to run them out of business, with Ed and Dexter (Kenan Thompson) being the only salvation. There’s a bit more to it than that, but that’s the general crux of the plot. With the Kenan and Kel duo joined on the big screen, a genuinely heartfelt friendship between the two characters forms, with Dexter doing some much needed character growth from the rebellious youth wanting to be lazy and party all summer vacation, to stepping up and helping people in need, and most of all, owning up to his mistakes. While the film is definitely goofy and lighthearted, this heart of the story is what keeps it endearing and gives it some substance. I honestly didn’t know how I’d react seeing these characters after 25 years being an adult, but from the opening sequence with Ed rollerblading to work and all the hijinks taking place on his way, I was on the floor laughing. Nostalgia no doubt plays a big part I’m sure, but this is the type of humor that made All That so popular with kids and I’m sure shaped my own sense of humor growing up. Good Burger isn’t a cinematic masterpiece, but it’s for sure entertaining, for kids and adults alike.
Video
Good Burger is presented in 1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.85:1. Paramount had released this a couple years previously, with this being the same disc, having no new transfers of any kind. Regardless the film looks great on Blu-ray, with natural, life-like and vibrant colors, consistent film grain, and a clear and detailed presentation.
Audio
The audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 with a surprisingly impressive track that makes full use of the surrounds in several sequences. Levels are good, balanced well with the surrounds, with an excellent soundtrack to accompany the film that stands out sounding very pleasing as well.
Special Features
The 25th Anniversary comes in a Steelbook packaging including a digital code. Fans of the film, which there are quite a few of, and Steelbook collectors will particularly enjoy adding this to their collection. Unfortunately, there is only one extra on the disc. While it’s fun to go back and see an old Good Burger sketch, there were so many more possibilities that could have made this a fantastic special edition.
- Original “Good Burger” Sketch from All That (1994)
I didn’t expect Good Burger to be as entertaining as I found it, and that was a very pleasant surprise. While nostalgia will drive many to pick up this release, I’m here to tell you that it’s not the only thing going for it. This is a perfect film to introduce to a new generation when films could be made about close to nothing and still be entertaining, and not have to create an entire multi-verse of characters in order to keep children invested. It’s far from perfect, but the heart of the story, as well as some very funny sequences, continue to serve up an entertaining film 25 years later. This one is out now on Blu-ray!
