Göta Kanal eller vem drog ur proppen? (Göta Canal or Who Pulled the Plug?) centers on two rival boatyards vying for a significant order of 1000 boats. To determine the superior motorboat, a competition is announced: the first to reach Gothenburg from Stockholm via the Göta Canal wins. With few restrictions, the event evolves into an unparalleled contest.
Göta Kanal eller vem drog ur proppen? (Göta Canal or Who Pulled the Plug?) remains a personal favorite. While nostalgia certainly plays a role, stemming from an early viewing, the opportunity to experience this Bluray edition—featuring a newly remastered picture and updated sound—felt like rediscovering the film.
The script, while relatively simple and episodic, lends itself to a film possessing undeniable warmth and charm. Furthermore, the film showcases several exceptional stunt sequences. The scene involving the boat’s rooftop excursion atop a parked car is particularly memorable, alongside the well-executed canal chase. Notably, Svante Grundberg, portraying the mute canoeist, performs a genuinely perilous stunt when his canoe becomes trapped and crushed between two dam gates.
The film’s humor, while potentially perceived as dated by contemporary audiences, generally remains appropriate, even when bordering on potentially sensitive topics.
Göta Kanal eller vem drog ur proppen? (Göta Canal or Who Pulled the Plug?), initially met with critical disdain yet embraced by audiences, mirrors the reception of the recent cinematic success, Ett Sista Race (One Last Race). With 1.2 million admissions in 1981, Göta Kanal eller vem drog ur proppen? boasts attendance figures exceeding one-eighth of the entire Swedish population (Population in 1980 – 8,310,470). This benchmark proves difficult to surpass in today’s market; even 2023’s highest-grossing film, Barbie, only achieved approximately 700,000 admissions.
The Bluray release of Göta Kanal eller vem drog ur proppen? (Göta Canal or Who Pulled the Plug?) offers impressive picture quality, arguably the best the film has ever looked. The sharpness is remarkable, and the image exhibits reduced grain. Restored colors reveal previously unnoticed details, such as the “Anderssons Varv” (Andersson’s Shipyard) sign visible at the beginning when Kim Anderzon’s character takes the taxi boat to Stockholm. This detail was previously obscured due to image blurriness. The audio has been updated to 5.1 surround sound, available in both DTS and Dolby formats. The DTS mix seemed slightly quiet, prompting a preference for the Dolby Digital 5.1 track.
Studio S Entertainment demonstrates an understanding of the importance of supplemental content, mirroring their approach with other reviewed films (e.g., Besökarna (The Visitors), Flash Gordon etc.). Göta Kanal eller vem drog ur proppen? (Göta Canal or Who Pulled the Plug?) includes compelling extras, such as behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and archival material from the film’s production.
In conclusion, this exceptional Bluray edition of Göta Kanal eller vem drog ur proppen? (Göta Canal or Who Pulled the Plug?) earns a definitive must-have recommendation. It fulfills, and even surpasses, the expectations of dedicated fans.
It’s important to acknowledge that Göta Kanal eller vem drog ur proppen? (Göta Canal or Who Pulled the Plug?) is not a technically flawless film; minor editing inconsistencies and other imperfections exist. However, these do not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience. Regardless, this film remains significantly superior to its less successful sequels.
Studio S Entertainment provided review copies for this evaluation. Provision of materials does not influence our editorial process; we maintain independence, prioritizing our readership and consumers.
