Fletch: The “Jane Doe” Edition

Gregory Mcdonald's Edgar-winning, bestselling 1974 novel introduced mystery fans to rumpled reporter Irwin Fletcher, a counterculture journalist who stumbles into a complicated murder plot. It took Hollywood more than a decade to catch on to the story's cinematic potential, and director Michael Ritchie's 1985 film (adapted by Andrew Bergman) added even more of a comic patina to the original, thanks to the casting of deadpan comic Chevy Chase in the title role. Fletch the movie retains the basic plot situation—terminally ill millionaire Alan Stanwyk (Tim Matheson) hires the reporter to kill him, ostensibly so his wife (Dana Wheeler-Nicholson) can cash in on a massive insurance policy—but the film strains to accommodate the comedy stylings of its irrepressible star (Chase appears in numerous disguises while investigating Stanwyck, and the actor mugs outrageously throughout). Personally, I would have been happier with a straight adaptation of Mcdonald's novel, but Chase's Fletch has become something of a cult favorite (“Jane Doe,” incidentally, refers to the byline Fletch habitually uses). Presented with a newly remastered transfer, DVD extras include a “Just Charge It to the Underhills” retrospective featurette, another on the prosthetic disguises, and a “Favorite Fletch Moments” segment. A strong optional purchase. (E. Hulse)[Blu-ray Review—May 26, 2009—Universal, 98 min., PG, $29.98—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1985's Fletch features a decent transfer and includes DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 sound. Blu-ray extras are nearly identical to the standard DVD release, including a “Just Charge It to the Underhills: Making and Remembering Fletch” retrospective featurette (27 min.), a five-minute “From John Cocktoastin to Harry S. Truman: The Disguises” featurette on prosthetic disguises, a brief “Favorite Fletch Moments” segment, and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is the BD-Live function. Bottom line: a solid Blu-ray debut for a somewhat disappointing adaptation.]