Search - Planes, Trains and Automobiles on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Not For Children, Adult Humor, Profanity, Slapstick Violence Movie Release: 1987 DVD Release: 11/21/2000 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Edition: Special Collection Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 32 mins Studio: Paramount Members Wishing: 14 Genres: Comedy, Road Movie, Comedy of Errors, Odd Couple Film See Also: Planes, Trains and Automobiles [I Love the 80's Edition], Planes, Trains and Automobiles [Circuit City Exclusive] [Checkpoint], Planes, Trains and Automobiles [Those Aren't Pillows Edition]

Were it not for its profanity-laden opening scenes, John Hughes' Planes, Trains and Automobiles might have been suitable family entertainment: certainly it's heaps less violent and mean-spirited than Hughes' Home Alone. En route to Chicago to spend Thanksgiving with his family, easily annoyed businessman Neal Page (Steve Martin) finds his first-class plane ticket has been demoted to coach, and he must share his flight with obnoxious salesman Del Griffith (John Candy). A sudden snowstorm in Chicago forces the plane to land in Wichita. Unable to find a room in any of the four-star hotels, Neal is compelled to accept Del's invitation to share his accommodations in a cheapo-sleazo motel. Driven to distraction by Del's annoying personal habits, the ungrateful Neal lets forth with a stream of verbal abuse. That's when Del delivers the anticipated (but always welcome) "I don't judge, why should you?"-type speech so common to John Hughes flicks. The shamefaced Neal tries to make up to Del, but there's a bumpy time ahead as the mismatched pair make their way back to Chicago, first in a balky train, then by way of a refrigerator truck. We know from the outset that the oil-and-water Neal and Del will be bosom companions by the end of Planes, Trains and Automobiles, but it's still a fun ride. The best bit: a half-asleep Del thinking that he's got his hand tucked between two pillows -- until his bedmate, Neal, bellows "Those aren't pillows!" ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Steve Martin - Neal Page
John Candy - Del Griffith
Laila Robins - Susan Page
William Windom - Bryant (uncredited)
Michael McKean - State Trooper
Kevin Bacon - Taxi racer

Though Paramount didn't go out of its way with this DVD of John Hughes' Planes, Trains and Automobiles, what they did do has some merit. The 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer is the highlight of the disc. While it's certainly not, by any stretch of the imagination, reference quality, the picture still stands on its own. The earthy shades are captured pleasingly and skin tones always seem to be right on target. Black levels also look correct, as they are dense, but don't overtake the scene. It's not a film that's overly filled with color and the transfer reproduces that splendidly. The 5.1 Dolby Digital soundtrack, though expectedly centered more up front for the majority of the film, does have moments where the surrounds are used effectively. Specifically, Hughes use of music livens up the audio. What's disappointing is the lack of supplements. Even Ferris Bueller's Day Off had a commentary track from the director, but here, nothing -- not even the seemingly obligatory trailer. It's a shame, because even though the movie does stand on its own, so much more could be said about this film in one way or another. ~ Trent Fordham, All Movie Guide