The ‘Burbs

“Tom Hanks stars in The ‘Burbs, a comedy about a suburbanite whose plans for a peaceful vacation at home are disturbed by a creepy new family on the block. Much to the disappointment of his wife (Carrie Fisher), Ray Peterson (Hanks) and his three neighbors set out to investigate the next-door residence after they begin to observe strange happenings. Set in an average neighborhood that is anything but ordinary, The ‘Burbs blends slapstick comedy and spine-thrilling mystery and is superbly directed by cult filmmaker Joe Dante (Piranha, Gremlins, Matinee, The Howling).”

When Ray Peterson takes off work looking for a week of peace and quiet in his small neighborhood in the suburbs, him and his neighbors begin to suspect their new neighbors are up to something strange. Paranoia sets in, theories are traded back and forth between neighbors, until one night they see one of them bringing out something suspicious to the garbage. As their suspicions grow stronger, the neighbors all hatch a plan to figure out once and for all what is happening.

Joe Dante is one of my favorite filmmakers, as he is one of the most diverse directors out there, making pure horror films like The Howling, kid-friendly iconic films such as Gremlins and Small Soldiers, as well as comedies such as this and Inner Space. His films always has some kind of mystique to them, but instead of monsters that multiply when you get them wet, in The ‘Burbs, it’s the wacky theories between neighbors of what may or may not be happening in their neighbor’s basement. It’s the lightheartedness of the entire film that is so endearing, as these people suspect the Klopeks of murder, there is still a hilarity and child-like nature to it, as each of them dares each other to ring the doorbell, or spy on them through telescopes.

Exactly what is going on in the Klopek’s basement is a bit unclear as the film unfolds, and whether or not that is entirely due to the fact there was a writers’ strike going on is something that Dante eludes to in some of his interviews, but thankfully the film doesn’t need to focus on that. Indeed, the film would work whether or not there is foul play or all in their heads. That isn’t what the film is about, as it pokes fun of the suburb mentality that everyone needs to fit in and conform to the expectations of everyone else in the community.

To say that the cast is what makes this film is an understatement. This may be one of my favorite Tom Hanks’ comedy roles, as he commits to his role entirely and bringing a physical element to the comedy that makes the film as memorable as it is. The rest of the supporting cast, Carrie Fisher, Bruce Dern, and Rick Ducommun are all hilarious in the film, perfectly rounding out the film and all giving great performances. Joe Dante also brings along his regulars: Wendy Schaal, Dick Miller and Robert Picardo, which is always great to find them among the smaller roles.

Video

The ‘Burbs is presented in 1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.85:1. The film boasts a new 2k scan of the interpositive, making this transfer look fantastic and the best it’s looked. Colors are vibrant, coinciding with the bright colorful look of the suburbs. Grain is consistent with the look of the film, and while it can be noticeable at times it is kept at a manageable level. Overall,  a great new transfer with no defects noticed, one of the best features of this new disc.

Audio

The audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio Stereo. As far as the technical side of things goes, this sounds fine, with the main source of audio the dialogue and soundtrack. Levels are good throughout, with a great score from Jerry Goldsmith, which is about as different as Dante films can be. You’ll hear some lighthearted music that includes dogs barking, a noticeable excerpt from Ennio Morricone, and some of his own music from Patton. While this may seem like it’s all over the place, it is, but it all has a place in the film and is one of the best parts of it.

Special Features

While there aren’t a whole lot of new extras on this disc, the new transfer is well worth the purchase price of this fantastic comedy.

Here’s what else you’re going to see:

• NEW 2017 2K Scan Of The Interpositive
• NEWInterviews With Director Joe Dante, Editor Marshall Harvey, And Director Of Photography (Additional Scenes) John Hora
• Audio Commentary With Writer Dana Olsen, Moderated By Author Calum Waddell
• There Goes The Neighborhood: The Making Of The ‘Burbs – Includes Interviews With Director Joe Dante, Actors Corey Feldman, Courtney Gaines, And Wendy Schaal, Director Of Photography Robert M. Stevens, And Production Designer James H. Spencer
• Alternate Ending
• Original Workprint From Joe Dante’s Archive (Includes Deleted And Extended Scenes)
• Behind-The-Scenes Still Gallery
• Stills And Posters Gallery
• Theatrical Trailer

The ‘Burbs is simple in premise, but brings so much more to the table with an all-star cast. Almost thirty years later, it still delivers some amazing laughs from iconic actors, and it is a worthy inclusion in the Shout Select Collector’s Editions.