Ferris Bueller's Day Off A DVD review by: Blake Kunisch Directed by: John Hughes DVD Released: 1999/10/19 - US Posted: 1999/11/23 The Movie: The classic movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off has finally made it to DVD and boy am I happy. I have yet to meet a person who didn't like this tale about a high-school senior who decides to take a day off from school with his long time friend (since 5th grade) and his girlfriend and have a day out on the town. Matthew Broderick is great in his lead role as Ferris Bueller, the leader of the gang who talks his best friend Cameron into taking his dad's prize possession (a $200,000 Ferrari) out for the first time. After picking up his girlfriend, Sloan, from school - using the old dead grandmother excuse - they set out for a day of sightseeing, fun, and adventure.
The Picture: The picture is clear and there were few noticeable spots. Overall, it's pretty crisp and the widescreen format along with anamorphic transfer are definitely appreciated. The Sound: The sound is superb. It's great to hear all of the little sounds in the background mixed with Hughes' eclectic soundtrack (hence the reason it was never 'officially' released). Every little feature is heard, from the fly in the kitchen to the group hitting their heads on the Sears Tower while looking down. Special Features: Dolby Digital 5.1, 16x9, Commentary with writer/director John Hughes. The Extras: The extras were quite slim. No trailers, just a commentary by writer/director John Hughes. Even at the opening menu rather than having a menu for "Special Features," it just lists "Special Feature." The commentary however, was very good. John Hughes commented throughout the disc on almost every little item and sound. He was informative and gave great insight into the film and deleted scenes - find out about the Space Shuttle scene that was cut due to the disaster prior to release of the movie. The Insert: The insert, like the extras is very bland. Just a picture of Ferris on one side (same as the cover of the DVD) with a listing of the chapters - all 14 of them - on the other side. Nothing special. Conclusion: Although lacking in special features, the movie more than makes up for it. Ferris Bueller's Day Off is a great, classic movie which can be watched again and again. Who gets tired of Bueller...Bueller...Bueller? The commentary is a great addition, but some trailers would be nice (especially the original one that had to be pulled at the last minute). There are also deleted scenes that it would have been nice to see (maybe a special edition later?). Overall though, this is a good disc with a great movie - I recommend it. Genres: Comedy, Cult Classic Rated: PG-13 | 102 minutes Talk back in the discussion boards! Catalog #: 01890 | ISBN: 0-7921-5884-9 |