Believe it or not, we are approaching the 50th anniversary of one of TV’s biggest achievements in the world of comedy. That’s right, “SNL,” originally titled Saturday Night, the legendary variety show that launched the careers of such comedic geniuses as John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Mike Meyers, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler has been continuously airing on Saturday nights for nearly a half a century.

But what about the show’s very first Saturday night back on October 11th in 1975 when a young Lorne Michaels set out to break the mold of television with his groundbreaking sketch comedy show? That night becomes the subject of Jason Reitman’s new pressure-cooker comedy called Saturday Night in which he masterfully takes us on a thrilling ride through the tumultuous beginnings of the iconic NBC comedy show.

While the film might not be a by-the-book historical recounting, it perfectly captures the essence and spirit of what was happening behind the scenes—sheer chaos mixed with creative genius.

The film plays out almost in real time as it opens with just 90 minutes remaining until the first Saturday Night episode is to go live over the air. The action is punctuated by title cards throughout that update us with the amount of time left before going live. It is a fabulously thrilling satire with a ticking clock as the villain. Who knew comedy could be so nerve-racking?

Reitman's approach to the subject matter is both refreshing and exhilarating, providing comedy lovers and "SNL" fans with a highly fictionalized, yet hilariously immersive experience. In fact, this might very well be Reitman’s funniest film to date. His film doesn't concern itself with the granular details of history; instead, it plunges us into the frenzy of that first episode's production—an anarchy that still defines the show.

The film's stellar cast, featuring Gabriel LaBelle as Michaels, Cory Michael Smith as Chevy Chase, Ellen Hunt as Gilda Radner, Dylan O’Brien as Dan Aykroyd, Emily Fair as Laraine Newman, Matt Wood as John Belushi, Lamorne Morris as Garrett Morris, and Kim Matula as Jane Curtin, is the film’s biggest highlight, as the actors bring the early SNL crew to life without resorting to mere impersonations.

Instead, they offer nuanced portrayals that capture the essence of these comedic icons. Their performances pay homage to the legends of comedy while allowing the audience to see their human sides—the doubts, the fears, the shenanigans, and the unyielding drive to make the show a success.

While the cast largely excels, Wood’s portrayal of Belushi doesn't quite hit the mark. Belushi’s notorious refusal to sign his contract until the last minute creates appropriate tension, but the depth of the character's complex personality feels somewhat under-cooked and one dimensional. Despite this minor shortfall, the film maintains its momentum and charm.

Pay attention and you might notice Jon Batiste – who also developed the film’s score – as that first show’s musical guest, Billy Preston. He’s hilarious!

Becoming a character itself is the incredible cinematography by Eric Steelberg who shot on 16mm film to represent the gritty look of 70s TV. His camera work is impeccable, as it weaves through the crowded backstage madness with a fluidity that makes us feel a part of the crew. Individual conversations and hallway sketch rehearsals fly by in a rat-a-tat-tat instant. A second viewing might be required to catch it all. This first-person perspective is a thrilling way to experience the high stakes and frantic energy that nearly cost the show its debut.

Saturday Night is a love letter to the comedy world and a powerful reminder of the chaos that often precedes art. Reitman's film celebrates the messiness of creativity and the passion required to turn madness into brilliance. For anyone who appreciates the art of comedy in general and the legacy of SNL in particular, this film is a must-watch.

Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the world of sketch comedy, Saturday Night offers an engaging glimpse into the whirlwind that is live television, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the laughter it brings to our screens.

Blu-ray + Digital Edition

Home Video Distributor: Sony Pictures
Available on Blu-ray - January 7, 2025
Screen Formats: 1.85:1
Subtitles: English; English SDH; French; Spanish
Audio: English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1; French: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1; Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1; Audio descriptive
Discs: Blu-ray Disc; single disc
Region Encoding: Locked to Region A

Video

Saturday Night makes its grand debut on Blu-Ray, boasting an impressive 1080p presentation in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio that truly honors the film’s classic aesthetic. This transfer captures every ounce of its nostalgic charm with a natural color palette that remains vibrant yet authentic. The attention to detail and clarity is remarkable, allowing the intricate textures of the costumes and the artistry of the production design to shine. The hues on display—whether it’s the warm tones of a bustling party scene or the muted, reflective moments—are rich and saturated without feeling artificial.

Even in the studio's dark and shadowy back rooms where lesser transfers might falter, this presentation excels, maintaining depth and sharpness without sacrificing mood.

The balance of contrast is exceptional—highlights are luminous but restrained, skillfully avoiding any clipping, while deep blacks create an atmosphere of intimacy without even a whisper of crush. Every frame adheres to a sense of visual precision, drawing the viewer further into the world crafted by the filmmakers.

Fans of Saturday Night can look forward to enjoying the film as it was meant to be seen—beautifully textured, richly colorful, and visually striking. This Blu-Ray is a perfect example of how to transfer a beloved title for home viewing while retaining the cinematic magic that makes it special. Bravo, Sony.

Audio

The Blu-ray release boasts an exceptionally robust DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track that elevates this hard-hitting potboiler into an immersive audio experience. Dialogue and sound effects are meticulously balanced, allowing every line of sharply written dialogue to shine while the film’s buoyant score dances across the track with remarkable clarity. There's an unmistakable harmony here where no element feels sidelined or overshadowed.

While the film leans heavily on dialogue-driven moments, the audio track knows exactly when to flex its muscle. During key sequences, the low end springs to life with impressive depth, injecting energy and intensity without overreaching or losing finesse. Sony deserves recognition for the care and respect poured into this release—it’s evident throughout the audio presentation.

Additional accessibility options include optional subtitles in English, English SDH, French, Spanish, and a wide selection of other languages.

Overall, this isn't just a soundtrack; it's an essential storytelling component that enhances the narrative and breathes life into every scene. For audiophiles and cinephiles alike, this is a Blu-ray audio experience to savor.

Supplements:

Commentary:

• With director/co-writer Jason Reitman

Special Features:

• The Making of the Movie of the Show that Almost Never Made It (16:00)
• The Look of Saturday Night (02:00)
• Super 8 from Studio 8h (05:00)
• Creating Comedy Icons (11:00)
• John Batiste: Scoring Live (01:00)
• Sony Previews

	Movie
	Video
	Audio
	Extras
Composite Blu-ray Grade

MPAA Rating: R.
Runtime: 109 mins
Director: Jason Reitman
Writer: Gil Kenan; Jason Reitman
Cast: Gabriel LaBelle; Rachel Sennott; Cory Michael Smith
Genre: Comedy
Tagline: The Revolution Begins at 11:30.
Memorable Movie Quote: "The writers on the seventeenth floor tied a belt around Big Bird's neck and hung him from my dressing room door."
Theatrical Distributor: Sony Pictures
Official Site:
Release Date: October 11, 2024
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date: January 7, 2025
Synopsis: At 11:30pm on October 11th, 1975, a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television forever. Find out what happened behind the scenes in the 90 minutes leading up to the first broadcast of Saturday Night Live.