THE STORY: One of the most popular movie comedies of all time is also the film that made John Belushi a star. This raunchy, screwball comedy, directed with madcap zest by John Landis, offers a relentless spoof of 1960’s college life by following the hilarious adventures of the Delta fraternity. In addition to Belushi as “Bluto” Blutarsky, the outstanding cast includes Tim Matheson, Tom Hulce, Stephen “Flounder” Furst, Karen Allen, Donald Sutherland, Peter Riegert and Kevin Bacon, along with Otis Day and the Knights with their showstopping performance of “Shout.”
THE REVIEW: There is a reason that Animal House is still rated one of the funniest comedies of all time. Animal House isn’t a movie that was once a classic and now it’s merely a mildly amusing comedy. What made Animal House brilliantly funny nearly thirty years ago is still a formula that we laugh at today in movies such as American Pie, Old School, and Dumb and Dumber. Animal House might have been lost in obscurity were it not for the amazing John Belushi. He’s gross, disgusting, stupid, and we love him.
Even having seen the film half-a-dozen times, Animal House hasn’t lost its ability to make me laugh. Younger people than myself don’t even know that Belushi was on Saturday Night Live—but they know about Animal House. That speaks volumes about the popularity and influence of the film.
THE VIDEO: Animal House wasn’t shot with the budget of The Godfather so its amazing how much quality was squeezed out the original print of the film. You can’t compare Animal House to Serenity and the way colors pop or the depth of color and quality, but this is absolutely the best looking version to date!
THE EXTRAS: “Where Are They Now? A Delta Alumni Update” – John Landis narrates a look at where the cast are now and what they have been up to. The extras isn’t a must see considering Belushi was the star of the movie. “Did You Know That (Universal Animated Anecdotes)” is a fun and informational commentary that gives facts about the show. Finally, “The Yearbook: An Animal House Reunion” is a forty-plus minute featurette with interviews with the cast.
FRANKLY: If you haven’t seen Animal House there is no reason to buy the original DVD when you can have the HD-DVD and watch Belushi spew potatoes in high def. But you might want to hold off until someone figures out a standard high definition DVD.
+ Charlie Craine
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