Movie Reviews

‘Continental Divide’ Blu-Ray Review – John Belushi Shows His Range In Heartwarming Comedy

By Dillon Gonzales
May 24, 2021
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One of the big problems in Hollywood is the expectation that comes when you find major success. There is a tendency for both audiences and executives to only view a creative figure in one way despite what they might be capable of when given the opportunity. While it has gotten easier with people such as Bill Murray, Robin Williams and Jim Carrey achieving success in multiple genres, comedians have always found it hard to be taken seriously when they try something a little more dramatic. One of the most heartbreaking examples of this is John Belushi, a larger-than-life personality best known for raucous hits such as Animal House and The Blues Brothers but capable of so much more. One of the final roles before his untimely death at the age of 33 was the dramatic comedy Continental Divide, the first picture produced under Steven Speilberg’s Amblin Entertainment. This picture showed a range few people knew he was capable of tapping into, but audiences did not respond as rapturously as his more comedic roles. This is a shame, as the film is a delightful, heartfelt tale that further cements his passing as one of the great losses of the 80s.

Belushi plays one of his most well-rounded characters with his depiction of Chicago newspaper reporter Ernie Souchak. Ernie is the type of reporter who strikes fear in those involved in more dubious endeavors, as his investigative exposés are the stuff of legend. This earns him the respect of many, but also puts him in the crosshairs of some powerful figures. After ending up in the hospital because of his reporting, his editor decides to force him to go out of town on a different kind of assignment for his own safety. The city boy through and through is sent to the vast expanse of the Rocky Mountains in Wyoming to interview the elusive Dr. Nell Porter (Blair Brown, Fringe), a researcher who has devoted years to studying American bald eagles. His surprise intrusion does not sit well with the highly suspicious and protective Nell, but she shows mercy on Ernie when she realizes he would not be able to survive the trek back without his guide who will not return for two weeks. What starts as an unwanted roommate situation soon becomes something more meaningful as the two begin to bond.

One of the great strengths of the film is the heartfelt script from Lawrence Kasdan (The Empire Strikes Back) which thoughtfully develops the relationship between these two through gently escalating episodes. They each have their own reasons to be displeased with the scenario that has been forced upon them, but they soon learn they are better with one another than without. Ernie is skeptical of the work Nell has been doing, but there are moments of life-affirming grace when he gets to see first hand the majesty that comes with these creatures who are in such short supply. Likewise, Nell learns there is more to Ernie than the gruff reporter who crashed her idyllic lifestyle; he has a good heart underneath his chain-smoking, occasionally too-forward demeanor that he exposes once he feels more connected to her. These moments are brought to life beautifully thanks to our two performers. Brown has always been the perfect blend of erudite-yet-approachable with an endearing charm. It is Belushi who upends all expectations with a subdued, nuanced performance that exposes a thoughtful soul.

Continental Divide plays out very well under the watchful eye of director Michael Apted (Coal Miner’s Daughter). The script includes some more extraordinary situations, such as some unexpected injuries and animal interactions, but Apted never lets the execution betray the emotions of the moment. This may be a comedy, but dramatic stakes are not dismissed just for the sake of a cheap laugh. This is helped mightily thanks to the spirited score from Michael Small, which subtly accentuates the comedic and dramatic moments as needed. The film has its root firmly in the romantic comedy genre, but there are developments that happen near the conclusion of the film that keeps this one feeling timeless from a more modern perspective. Let’s just say there are a great number of films that have betrayed their female characters and their desire for a career, but this particular narrative delicately balances the romance with the realities of life in a special way. This film is not the first one that comes to mind when they think of John Belushi, but it is a special look at the depth he was capable of when given the chance.

Video Quality

Continental Divide makes its Blu-Ray debut courtesy of Kino Classics with a digital AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.85:1 that appears to be derived from a really solid older master that is in good shape. Instances of print damage such as nicks and scratches occasionally pop up, but overall clarity and detail is excellent. The presentation is enjoyable throughout most of the runtime with image stability and delineation being top notch. This transfer maintains the natural film grain of the presentation with only minor instances of it seeming a bit thick. The most troublesome instances of this are in the opening and closing moments of the film when credits come into play. The picture can run a bit soft in long shots, but colors are well saturated with the bright hues of nature coming through. Skin tones are natural and consistent with subtle facial features easily noticeable in closeup. Black levels hold up well with very little in the way of crush. This presentation is a really nice effort that should please fans.

Audio Quality

This new Blu-Ray comes with a lossless DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio mix that features all of the sounds of the film quite well. This is a film that utilizes music well, including an emotionally effective score from Michael Small. This and all of the other music is presented with great clarity and a pleasing fidelity as they come through the room. The dialogue holds up wonderfully, coming through clearly without being stepped on by the music or sound effects. The environmental effects are delineated nicely from the hustles and bustle of downtown Chicago to the nature sounds that come from the time in the Rockies. The track avoids most instances of age related wear and tear or distortion. This is a track that represents the film in a solid manner. Optional English subtitles are provided on this disc.

Special Features

Audio Commentary: Film Historian/Filmmaker Daniel Kremer and Film Historian/Biographer Nat Segaloff provide a pretty thoroughly entertaining commentary track in which they discuss the production of the film, the differences between the early drafts of the screenplay, the real-life inspirations for the characters, the place of the film in Belushi’s career, the casting of the film and much more that is worth digging into.

Trailers: The three-minute trailer for Continental Divide is provided here which gives away a bit too much of the film. There are also trailers provided for D.C. Cab, Bustin’ Loose, Amazon Women on the Moon, Mumford and Gorky Park.

Final Thoughts

Continental Divide is a lovely dramatic comedy that showcases the natural talents of John Belushi in a much different manner than fans might be accustomed to seeing. Unlikely love stories are nothing new, but this one offers up a healthy amount of heartfelt moments and warm chemistry between Belushi and Blair Brown. Go into this one with an open mind and you may find yourself delighted by what you find. Kino Classics has released a rock solid Blu-Ray with a pleasing A/V presentation and a cool audio commentary. In an alternate universe, Belushi would still be around having a career similar to Bill Murray. We did not get that lucky, but this is a great look at what could have been. Recommended

Continental Divide 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.