Search - Planes, Trains and Automobiles

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

These movies have the touch and feel of Planes, Trains and Automobiles...
53	Major League (R)
7	Tin Men (R)
9	The Verdict (R)
5	Breaking In (R)
109	What About Bob? (PG)
3	Cheech and Chong's Next Movie (R)
4	Fresh (R)
70	Natural Born Killers [Director's Cut] (NR)
2	Runaway Father
2	White Dog
S	Coup De Torchon (NR)
These movies have the subject or theme of Planes, Trains and Automobiles...
1	End of the Line (PG)
23	Easy Rider [30th Anniversary Special Edition] (R)
2	Deadly Drifter (R)
5	The Sugarland Express (PG)
S	Scarecrow (R)
6	Five Easy Pieces (R)
2	The Wizard (PG)
2	Martin and Lewis Collection, Vol. 2 (NR)
1	Lena's Holiday (R)
5	Sullivan's Travels [Criterion Collection] (NR)
6	Moving/Greased Lightning
8	Where the Heart Is (R)
4	Lassie Come Home (G)
3	Lost in America (R)
5	The Last Detail (R)
These movies share cast/crew with Planes, Trains and Automobiles...
106	Ferris Bueller's Day Off (PG-13)
70	Uncle Buck (PG)
100	The Breakfast Club (R)
75	Home Alone (PG)
78	Sixteen Candles [Widescreen] (PG)
31	She's Having a Baby (PG-13)
22	Curly Sue (PG)
17	Dennis the Menace [Special Edition] (PG)
46	Weird Science [Widescreen] (PG-13)
74	Pretty in Pink (PG-13)
30	Some Kind of Wonderful (PG-13)
20	Miracle on 34th Street (PG)
80	National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (PG-13)
7	Only the Lonely (PG-13)
35	Mr. Mom (PG)
71	National Lampoon's Vacation (R)
38	The Great Outdoors (PG)
20	Summer Rental [Widescreen] (PG)
30	L.A. Story [Widescreen] (PG-13)
45	Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (PG)
2	The Big Picture (PG-13)
These movies are similar to Planes, Trains and Automobiles...
46	Adventures in Babysitting (PG-13)
2	Dutch (PG-13)
3	Lost in America (R)
40	National Lampoon's European Vacation (PG-13)
71	National Lampoon's Vacation (R)
16	The Odd Couple (G)
2	Carpool (PG)
20	Father's Day (PG-13)
5	The Odd Couple II (PG-13)
11	I'll Be Home for Christmas (PG)
73	Rat Race (PG-13)
7	The Out-of-Towners (G)
6	The Out of Towners (PG-13)
22	It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (G)
19	Midnight Run (R)
16	Johnson Family Vacation (PG-13)
54	Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (R)
91	You, Me and Dupree [Widescreen] (PG-13)
9	Baby Mama [Blu-ray] (PG-13)