This quirky cult favorite follows the comic misadventures of Bob (Allan Katz), a mysterious inhabitant of the UCLA campus clock tower. Bob’s been handed over to the university’s Psychology department for study. It’s up to Dr. Webster (Tom Skerritt, Alien), speech therapist Diane Girard (Cindy Williams, TV’s Laverne and Shirley) and Bob’s reluctant roommate Alex (Corey Parker, Biloxi Blues) to teach this primitive misfit the ways of the civilized world. Bob tackles it all, from frisbee to “nookie,” with one goal in mind: to win the affection of his true love, Cathy (Melora Hardin, TV’s Monk). The problem? Cathy is Alex’s girlfriend! Will the lumpy, tower-dwelling human hairball find love? Or will the miserable Dr. Fisk (Jessica Harper, Suspiria) have him put away as a menace to society? Find out, in this riotous campus comedy for every Tom, Dick, and Quasimodo who ever dreamed of being a Big Man on Campus! Directed by Jeremy Kagan (TV’s Columbo, The Sting II) and written by the Big Man himself, Allan Katz (TV’s M*A*S*H and Rhoda)!

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Video Quality

Big Man on Campus debuts on Blu-Ray with a digital AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.35:1 from a 2K scan of the 35mm Interpositive. For any fan who has been waiting for this one, the results are unbelievable. This transfer reveals no signs of digital tinkering as you revel in the rich natural film grain that is impeccably resolved. We did not notice any moments that appeared clumpy, swarming, or otherwise unappealing. The photography really shines in HD with crisp shots or barely any specks of damage.

Overall clarity and detail are in good shape as you take in so much texture in the clothing and production design. The rather grimy appearance of Bob is readily apparent with his matted hair and dirty clothes. Skin tones seem natural and consistent across the ensemble. Colors are a notable part of the presentation with favorable saturation in all locales. Black levels are strong with crush never becoming an issue even in the shadows. Kino Classics has treated this one much better than we ever could have hoped.

Audio Quality

The Blu-Ray disc comes with a DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track that delivers a pristine listening experience. Dialogue sounds crisp and clear with most exchanges coming through without a hitch. Environmental sounds such as murmuring crowds and animals in the tower are rendered admirably alongside various locales. The score and soundtrack maintain a righteous fidelity within the mix. There do not appear to be any egregious signs of age-related wear and tear to hinder the track, and we cannot be more impressed. The audio presentation is in as enviable of shape as the video side of things. There are English SDH subtitles provided.

Special Features

Audio Commentary: Director Jeremy Kagan and Film Historian Andrew Bentler provide a great commentary track in which they discuss the production of this film, the qualities of the cast members, the shooting locations, the development of the characters, how the script evolved, the release and audience reception to the film, and much more that is very enlightening.

What About Bob? Interview with Actor and Screenwriter Allan Katz: A new 16-minute interview with the creative in which he discusses developing the idea, why he wanted to play the title character, his drive to keep the character emotionally grounded, working with director Jeremy Kagan, the original unused ending, and more.

Alternate Ending: The original eight-minute unused ending is provided here with optional audio commentary by Jeremy Kagan.

Stills Gallery: A three-minute collection of behind-the-scenes photos is provided here.

Trailers: This disc provides the minute-and-a-half-long trailer for Big Man on Campus. There are also trailers provided for The Experts, Amazon Women on the Moon, Making Mr. Right, Haunted Honeymoon, The Monster Squad, The Wild Life, Date with An Angel, D.C. Cab, and The Sting II.

Final Thoughts

Big Man on Campus has a patently ‘80s premise that works well enough for the time but feels rather flat from a modern perspective. There are some chuckles along the way, yet the comedy falls flat for the majority of the runtime. Even with the performers doing what they can to impress, the material is simply not there to support them. Kino Classics has brought this one to Blu-Ray with a fantastic A/V presentation and a few worthwhile special features. You need to be a fiend for ‘80s comedies if you want a shot a loving this one.

Big Man on Campus is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Kino Classics has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.