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Stay Tuned

Stay Tuned (1992)

Aug 14, 1992 1h 27m Comedy Fantasy

Salesman Roy Knable spends all his free time watching television, to the exasperation of his wife, Helen. One day, TV salesman Spike convinces Roy to buy a satellite dish offering 666 channels. The new addition to Roy's home entertainment system sucks him and Helen into Hellvision, a realm run by Spike, who is an emissary of Satan. For 24 hours, the couple must survive devilish parodies of TV programs if they want to return to reality alive.

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Directed by Peter Hyams

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Peter Hyams
Producer
  • James G. Robinson

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Thematic Analysis

Stay Tuned represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Fantasy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Peter Hyams brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1992, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Stay Tuned took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $25.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 108 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
  • The musical score contains over 50 unique compositions.
  • The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 1992, when this film was released:
  • The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
  • The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While Stay Tuned shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Princess Bride, which focuses more on action than character development, Stay Tuned offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Airplane II: The Sequel and Young Frankenstein explore similar territory, Stay Tuned stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: August 14, 1992
  • Runtime: 1h 27m
  • Budget: $25,000,000
  • Revenue: $10,736,401