Actors: Steve Martin, John Candy, Laila Robins, Michael McKean, Kevin Bacon
Directors: John Hughes
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: November 6, 2012
Run Time: 93 minutes
Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars
This year “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Paramount is delivering this classic hilarious comedy to Blu-ray for the first time. John Hughes was one of the best writers/directors in the business. This film is a laugh-a-minute raunchy comedy that delivers something new every time you watch it. Steve Martin and John Candy delivered some of their best performances. I mean if you have never seen this, just watch the opening scene and you will be hooked. So, if you do not own this film, this might be the time to change that!
“Written and directed by the incomparable John Hughes and starring comedy greats Steve Martin and John Candy, the uproarious classic follows a businessman (Martin) who is struggling to get home for Thanksgiving, but burdened by one travel mishap after another, as well as the company of an annoying traveling salesman (Candy). Filled with outrageously funny situations and a generous helping of warmth, the film also features appearances by Michael McKean, Edie McClurg and Kevin Bacon.”
Alright let’s get to the 1080p high definition transfer, which is decent so to say but it actually looks its age and shows quite a bit of noise. Though it is still a major upgrade from the previous DVD and should be a must for any fan. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks works well with the dialogue but like with most comedies are not completely challenged. Blu-ray score: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
The special features are worth the purpose alone just for the new “John Hughes: Life Moves Pretty Fast” feature. It is presented in high-def 1080p and is a two-parter with “John Hughes: The Voice of a Generation” and “Heartbreak and Triumph: The Legacy of John Hughes”, totally around an hour. “Getting There is Half the Fun: The Story of Planes, Trains and Automobiles” is a fun vintage press chat with John Hughes, Steve Martin, and John Candy (def not for kiddies). “John Hughes for Adults” is a look into this mature film rather than his teen-aimed films. “A Tribute to John Candy” is a look into his work in the film, as an actor and a person. Lastly, there is a deleted scenes in HD called “Airplane Food”. Overall great features for a great movie.
