Blu-ray Review: Disney Releases Some Modern Classics in Latest Wave

Submitted by BrianTT on August 10, 2012 - 2:04pm

CHICAGO – Through their ownership of Touchstone and Hollywood Pictures, Disney has released a stellar wave of catalog titles this week, including at least three comedies that I would call great, two of John Cusack’s best performances, and an ’80s comedy that many people point to as one of the faves of their childhood. Pick your favorite.

Sadly, none of the films come with new special features although the ones that had bonus material on DVD editions have been imported. Personally, I highly recommend the top three films, especially the two Cusack gems, a pair of movies that have held up remarkably well in the decade-plus since they were released. Ranked in order of quality (and click the title for a chance to buy each one of these releases) and all five titles were released on August 7, 2012:

High Fidelity
Photo credit: Disney

“High Fidelity”

Blu-ray Rating: 5.0/5.0

Synopsis:
Join John Cusack and Jack in a comedy sure to make your all-time Top-Five List. Experience all the laughter and drama of High Fidelity on Blu-ray for the first time, complete with a new digital restoration.

Rob Gordon’s (Cusack) semi-failing record store isn’t the only thing in his life that’s floundering. When his longtime girlfriend walks out on him, Rob’s needle skips the love groove, and he is forced to examine his past romantic failures in his own unique way. Give High Fidelity a spin it rocks on Blu-ray!

Special Features:
o Conversations With Writer/Co-Producer John Cusack and Director Stephen Frears
o Deleted Scenes

Grosse Pointe Blank
Photo credit: Disney

“Grosse Pointe Blank”

Blu-ray Rating: 4.0/5.0

Synopsis:
Celebrate the 15th anniversary of a killer comedy hit - now available on Blu-ray for the first time with a sensational new digital restoration.

John Cusack (Hot Tub Time Machine) and Academy Award nominees Minnie Driver (Best Supporting Actress, 1997, Good Will Hunting) and Dan Akyroyd (Best Supporting Actor, 1989, Driving Miss Daisy) are hilarious in this surefire knockout, loaded with action and laughs.

Martin Blank is a hit man stuck in a career rut when his 10-year high school reunion gives him the chance to rekindle an old flame and pull off one final job. Things are looking up until his archrival joins the party, aiming to blow the competition away. Pull the trigger on big fun with Grosse Pointe Blank on Blu-ray!

Special Features:
None…boo…the movie deserve a 5/5 but the lack of bonus material drops it a point.

Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion
Photo credit: Disney

“Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion”

Blu-ray Rating: 4.0/5.0

Synopsis:
It’s time to kick up your heels and celebrate the 15th anniversary of a hilarious comedy hit starring Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino (Best Supporting Actress, 1995, Mighty Aphrodite) and Emmy Award winner Lisa Kudrow (Outstanding Supporting Actress, Comedy, 1998, Friends). Experience the fun, the laughs and the sizzling soundtrack like never before on Blu-ray with an all-new digital restoration!

Romy and Michele are carefree party girls who reinvent themselves for their 10-year high school reunion. Their plan is working perfectly until a former classmate (Janeane Garofalo) blabs their real story to everyone. But Romy and Michele have one more big surprise up their sleeves. This is one reunion you won’t want to miss. Join the party on Blu-ray!

Special Features:
o Production Featurette

Adventures in Babysitting
Photo credit: Disney

“Adventures in Babysitting”

Blu-ray Rating: 3.5/5.0

Synopsis:
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime with the 25th Anniversary Edition of Adventures In Babysitting, starring Academy Award nominee Elisabeth Shue (Best Actress, 1995, Leaving Las Vegas). Experience all the laughter and excitement in a whole new way on Blu-ray with a sensational new digital restoration!

When Chris Parker (Shue) agrees to babysit, she expects a night of TV… and boredom. But when her frantic friend calls and pleads to be rescued from a downtown Chicago bus station, Chris and the kids pack up and leave their safe suburban surrounding for the heart of the big city. It’s a frighteningly funny expedition no one will forget!

Special Features:
None

The Preacher’s Wife
Photo credit: Disney

“The Preacher’s Wife”

Blu-ray Rating: 2.5/5.0

Synopsis:
Send your spirits soaring with The Preacher’s Wife, available for the first time on Blu-ray with a new digital restoration and enhanced picture and sound. Academy Award winner Denzel Washington (Best Actor, 2001, Training Day) and world-renowned artist Whitney Houston star in this uplifting film, brimming with laughter, romance and an inspiring soundtrack.

When a charming angel named Dudley is sent to Earth to help a young minister and his beautiful wife revive their marriage, the last thing anyone expects is for Dudley to fall in love with the preacher’s wife! Enjoy every magical twist in this delightful romantic comedy, featuring 9 songs by Grammy Award winner Whitney Houston, including Billboard’s Top 10 hit “I Believe In You And Me.” It’s divine on Blu-ray!

Special Features:
o Production Featurette