Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a classic for a reason. It’s funny and even has its poignant moments, Matthew Broderick and Alan Ruck are pitch-perfect in their roles and Mia Sara for her part has a few nice moments, as does Jennifer Grey.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
(1986)
Genre(s): Comedy
Paramount | PG13 – 102 min. – $17.99 | June 5, 2021
Date Published: 06/25/2021 | Author: The Movieman
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Paramount provided me with a free copy of the Blu-ray I reviewed in this Blog Post.
The opinions I share are my own.
THE MOVIE — 4¼/5 |
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Plot Synopsis: Ferris Bueller (MATTHEW BRODERICK) has an uncanny skill at cutting classes and getting away with it. Intending to make one last duck-out before graduation, Ferris calls in sick, “borrows” a Ferrari, and embarks on a one-day journey through the streets of Chicago with best friend Cameron (ALAN RUCK) and girlfriend, Sloane (MIA SARA). On Ferris’ trail is high school principal Rooney (JEFFREY JONES), determined to catch him in the act. Quick Hit Review: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is of course a comedy classic, not just in terms of the 1980s but goes up against comedies in general. I’ve seen the movie several times over the years, in fact will even stop to watch the edited TV version as background “noise”. And it still makes me at the very least chuckle and the friendship between the three characters is so wonderful. The script from John Hughes, albeit not his best when up against The Breakfast Club but amongst the hijinks and suspension of disbelief (still amusing that there’s a family-oriented parade happening on a weekday during school hours) there is also some nice heart especially when Broderick’s Ferris broaches the subject of life after high school; it’s a relatable subject no matter the generation. All in all, this is a light-hearted fun film. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 3¼/5 |
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This 35th anniversary release comes housed in a Steelbook case. Inside is a redemption code for the Digital HD copy. Everything else is exactly the same from the John Hughes’s collection released a few months back. Getting the Class Together – The Cast of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (27:45) is a collection of, at the time, new interviews with Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Jennifer Grey, Jeffrey Jones and others (including an archive interview with John Hughes) recollecting working on the film. The Making of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (15:29) is another old featurette from 2006 with some more interview footage with the cast and crew. Who is Ferris Bueller? (9:12) — Profile on the most righteous dude, as well Broderick, as told by the cast and crew. Some interview footage is from on-set, others during the 2006 update. The World According to Ben Stein (10:51) — Interview with Stein himself (both from 1986 and 2005) on his teacher character and just making it up. Vintage Ferris Bueller: The Lost Tapes (10:16) — On-set/behind-the-scenes footage from 1986. Class Album — Photo Gallery of promotional pics. |
VIDEO – 4½/5 |
| Ferris Bueller’s Day Off comes to Blu-ray through Paramount presented in its original 2.35 widescreen aspect ratio and given a 1080p high-definition transfer. Can’t say this one looks incredible but a solid upgrade over any of the DVD releases. Detail is pretty good on close-ups but lose definition for the more distant shots. However, colors are bright and nicely balanced so it’s a fine HD transfer, though probably could be better. |
AUDIO – 4¼/5 |
| The disc includes a fine Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track which has clear dialogue coming out of the center channel and decent enough depth particularly with the soundtrack, most notably the parade/dance sequence. |
OVERALL – 4/5 |
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Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a classic for a reason. It’s funny and even has its poignant moments, Matthew Broderick and Alan Ruck are pitch-perfect in their roles and Mia Sara for her part has a few nice moments, as does Jennifer Grey. |
Check out some more 1080p screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.