Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Blu Ray Review
May 6, 2009
Besides watching The Price is Right, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off might be the most perfect viewing when you are sick or pretending to be sick to stay home. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is just a fun movie to watch. I consider this movie to be one of the classic comedies of the 80s. Even after 20 years, the movie stays funny because the subject of the movie is still relevant. The movie portrays the school as this oppressive institution where students go through the motion.
Ferris Bueller, a high school senior, deciding to skip school and have a fun day. He starts off with deceiving his mother. He pretends to be really sick and fools his mother into thinking that he is very ill. He successfully fools his mother into thinking he is sick. But his sister knows better and tries to foil his entire day at every turn. With his best friend Cameron, he hatches plan to get his girlfriend, Sloan, out of the school to skip the day with them. They hatch a plan that involves telling the teacher that Sloan’s grandmother is dead. The Dean of students, Mr. Edward Rooney is suspicious and calls Sloan’s dad. Of course on the other end of the phone is Cameron impersonating Sloan’s dad. The plan works and the three of them go off on an adventure for the day.
The entire day involves wrecking Ferrari, being part of parade, and impersonating a sausage magnate. The day ends with him making it just in time for his mother and father to see that he is indeed sick. The writer/director John Hughes does great justice to the teenage movie genres. He gives us a great story that deal with school and students who ultimately want more freedom. Matthew Broderick plays a great wise ass student who out maneuvers everyone from his parents to the teachers. Ultimately, it’s a fun flick to watch on your “sick” day.
What do you think about this movie? Please leave your thoughts below.
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A classic film finally gets a Blu-Ray release
This review is for the Blu-Ray edition.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is directed by John Hughes. The film stars Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, Jeffrey Jones, Jennifer Grey, Charlie Sheen, Ben Stein, Richard Edson, and Edie McClurg. Contributors to the musical score include Ira Newborn, Arthur Baker, and John Robie.
Ferris Bueller is a Chicago high school student who, like so many others, is sick and tired of long, boring school days. So he comes up with the ultimate plan – fake an illness to get out of going to school, and use that day to get together with his friend s, and do everything fun the city has to offer. Once he is up and about, he teams up with his girlfriend and his reluctant, constantly depressed and nervous buddy. And borrowing the latter’s father’s priceless sports car, the trio heads downtown to partake of numerous activities. But what Ferris doesn’t know is that the school’s dean is aware of his less-than-stellar attendance habits, and is out to bust him by any means necessary.
The movie is a classic – one of those few eighties movies that really stands the test of time, and never manages to feel dated. Prior to shifting over to the world of family-friendly cinema, John Hughes was the master of teenage angst films. And perhaps no movie he ever participated in demonstrates that more than this one. There are laughs to be experienced around every corner, and yet the film is never raunchy or explicit. It’s a success on every level.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’s cast is one of the greatest assets the film has going for it. Matthew Broderick brilliantly portrays the title character. Always entertaining and always lovable, Brod erick’s performance here is arguably the finest of his career. The other stand-out is Alan Ruck as Cameron, Ferris’ always-fearful companion from a broken home. Other great performances include Jennifer Grey as the title-character’s uptight sister, Jeffrey Jones as the high school’s over-the-top dean who will stop at nothing to bring Ferris down, and Edie McClurg as the dean’s goofy secretary. Some brief (but no less memorable) performances include Ben Stein as the boring, monotone economics instructor, Charlie Sheen as a drug addict in a police station, and former Sonic Youth member Richard Edson as a crooked parking attendant. The movie is filled with excellent performances.
Alongside its cast, another great thing the film has going for it is the storyline, and the way the film explores it. It’s a simple, to-the-point storyline so many people can relate to – who among us all hasn’t wanted to ditch school for the sake of having a great day? The trio goes all across the city, and the comical scenes never stop. The tone of the film is perfect – always comical and entertaining, yet never raunchy or explicit.
Music for the film is composed by multiple composers. Amongst them is Ira Newborn, who would also compose the music for numerous other films/shows/artists/etc, including the Naked Gun films. The songs featured in the film come from a variety of sources and cover numerous genres – each one of which always suiting a certain scene in the film perfectly. Sadly though, John Hughes refused to release a soundtrack album, as he felt the songs wouldn’t work well together as an album. As such, many songs featured prominently in the film, including the Flowerpot Men classic Beat City, are now highly sought after. Great music…. I only wish there was a soundtrack that had it all together!
This is one of those movies where I’d been waiting for the Blu-Ray for a long time – after all, it’s one of the greatest films of the eighties. And let me be the first to tell you this Blu-Ray transfer does not disappoint. It’s not the best vintage film transfer I’ve seen in HD, but it’s certainly above average, given what I’ve seen for other films of the same era. Detail throughout the presentation is sharp, and there is an enhanced amount of detail I couldn’t see in any old DVD presentation of the film. The grain level is consistent, and never interferes with the viewing process. My only real complaint image-wise is that a few shots look too soft , and some facial textures lack depth. Still, a small complaint. A lossless audio track only sweetens the deal, bringing the dialogue and widely-diverse musical score to life like never before. All in all, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off on Blu-Ray shouldn’t disappoint.
Special Features: This is a straight-up port of the Bueller Bueller Edition DVD, so all of the same features are present here. There are various making-of and other vintage featurettes detailing the creation of this classic film, as well as a photo gallery. Disappointingly, everything is presented in standard definition. Still, it is a nice variety of bonus material and I’m grateful we got anything on the disc at all. I wasn’t expecting all the features from the previous DVD release, so this actually comes as a pleasant surprise.
One complaint I must make, however – like the Bueller Bueller edition DVD, this version of the movie DOES NOT include the John Hughes commentary from the original DVD release. I don’t see how hard it would have been to slap it on the Blu-Ray port.
All in all, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off stands the test of time, and this Blu-Ray is the new definitive version of the movie on the market. The movie itself doesn’t fail to please, and a great transfer makes this package all the more appealing. If you’ve got a Blu-Ray player, steal your dad’s prized Ferrari, rush to the nearest store, and pick up this disc.
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Blu-ray: A classic teen comedy finally on HD but still without the commentary track.
“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” was definitely a major hit from 1986. I can remember everyone from high school just in love with the film and many people praising the latest hit from Director (and also writer) John Hughes who has directed many of the top teen hits in the 80′s such as “The Breakfast Club”, “Pretty in Pink” and “Weird Science”.
Needless to say, a film in the 80′s that was attached to John Hughes was considered as golden and sure enough, “FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF” was as successful as his previous teen films (the film grossed over $70 million in the box office) and the film is considered (and voted) by many fans as one of the top comedy films of all time.
VIDEO & AUDIO:
“FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF” is presented for the first time on Blu-ray and with a 1080p High Definition transfer. The good news is that the picture quality is better than any previous release of the film. Colors are vibrant at times, but with the film nearly 25-years-old, for some reason I felt the video looked a bit soft.
Certain scenes show sign of ages with a few spotting and again, video was looking a bit soft. Having seen the two magnificently looking Paramount releases of “Saturday Night Fever” and “GREASE” on Blu-ray which comes out on the same day as “FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF”, those films are 30-years old and look incredible and definitely look gorgeous on Blu-ray. But for “FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF”, it was a good transfer, but not magnificent.
You do see a variety of cool colors such as the parade segment or even when the three are at the swimming pool, there is very good vibrancy of colors and part of the positive about this film is that a good chunk of the film is filmed outdoors. If anything, this transfer does look way better than its DVD counterpart.
As for audio, “FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF” is a John Hughes film, similar to his other big hits, music plays a big part of his films. And thus you can hear Yello’s “Oh, Yeah” and the Beatles “Twist and Shout” in Dolby TrueHD 5.1. The film is strong on the dialogue side and thus, the true usage of surround sound and when the film does come alive is during the scenes that showcase the music.
Also featured is French 2.0 Dolby Surround and Spanish mono. Subtitles include English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
“FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF” on Blu-ray is based on the special “Bueller…Bueller…Edition” DVD release and features the following in standard definition:
* Getting the Class Together – The Cast of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off – (27:45) Interviews with a few of the cast during the time the film was shot and also a few recent interviews as of 2005. The casting directors selected Matthew Broderick because he was one of the top young stars of the time with films such as “War Games”, Alan Ruck was supposed to be in the original “The Breakfast Club” but this time gave Ruck a chance in this film (which was turned down by Emilio Estevez). Also, interesting tidbits such as the real life relationship between the two actors that play Ferris’s parents.
* The Making of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off – (15:29) We learn about the filming of “FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF” from the various scouting locations, finding the right car (Ferrari) and how they were going to have it crash out from a window and more.
* Who is Ferris Bueller? – (9:12) Interviews with Matthew Broderick and the mindset of Ferris Bueller and playing the role.
* The World According to Ben Stein – (10:49) Ben Stein is interviewed in the past and the present. Stein talks about how he was discovered from writing speeches for President Nixon and how he will forever be remembered for the two words…”Bueller…Bueller…”.
* Vintage Ferris Bueller: The Lost Tapes – (10:51) Onset craziness with the three main talents.
* Class Album – This features the still photography used for publicity
Owners of the original DVD release may still want to keep it because the commentary by John Hughes from that version was never included in the “Bueller…Bueller…Edition”, nor is it on this Blu-ray.
JUDGMENT CALL:
Back in 1986, this film was so popular. I can remember everyone in high school watching this film many times and even today, hearing bands and people who were influenced by this film. And suffice to say, it has become a comedy classic as many magazines and various film polls have placed it in their top 100 comedy films.
Watching “FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF” as a teenager and watching it now as an adult, I have to admit that now, I find myself feeling differently about the film. And I have to thank these creators of various Internet theories for definitely giving me a second take on watching this film.
Most recently, the “Fight Club” theory has been offered on the Internet about the film revolving around a figment of Cameron’s own imagination. And for me, I know thinking things this way goes against what many people watching it at the time. But personally, I enjoy this theory because I realize, if a ten second scene was added at the end of the film showing Cameron lying down and while he was contemplating the negativity around his life and what if this whole experience was just a dream. Even with an ending like that, it would make the storyline much more plausible of how Ferris was able to accomplish the impossible.
I know, I know…this is a John Hughes film, not a David Fincher film. But it definitely made me think differently about the film.
Because if you think about it, It would make sense of how Ferris was able to pull the impossible off, Cameron in his mind contemplating the way he would retaliate against his father and also, his feelings towards Sloane. Everything is a figment of Cameron’s imagination and to me, I’m really digging that theory versus a teenager who is constantly pulling off the impossible.
But of course, purists who are reading this are probably saying, “well, that’s not how John Hughes would have wanted” and yes, I know. This is a film that came out in the mid-80′s and when you think of past-John Hughes classics, situations that possibly wouldn’t happen in reality, do happen in his films and you always get the “happy ending”.
From the rags-to-riches story of “Pretty in Pink”, two boys who are able to generate a hot woman from a Barbie Doll of “Weird Science” and how people of different backgrounds in high school are all able to become good friends in “The Breakfast Club”. “FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF” was an adventure of three friends having the best day of their lives courtesy of Mr. Bueller.
I suppose it shows you how overworking minds are able to come up with multiple theories for many films and TV shows and a fun, enjoyable and popular comedy classic such as “FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF” can definitely be analyzed (or over analyzed).
But nevertheless, it seems the theory has given some new life and interest in the film and what better timing than to have the release of “FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF” on Blu-ray.
As for the Blu-ray, it’s pretty much what was offered on the “Bueller…Bueller” DVD edition but I figured that perhaps when the film reaches its 25th Anniversary, we may get something new or different. But if not, for those who have never owned the DVD release, this Blu-ray is quite solid. And of course, the picture and audio quality is much, much better than the DVD.
“FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF” is a hilarious comedy that continues to shine now as it did nearly 25-years ago. Definitely recommended!
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Horrible Blu-Ray, always fun to watch the film though
2 stars for the classic itself, but a horrendous Blu-Ray.
The picture quality was right up there with the worst transfer I have seen. Large volumes of grain, hair, spots on the lens, blur, etc. Every once in awhile the alternative camera provided some nice clarity (the aerial city shots and one road sequence with the red car). I panicked one time thinking a pixel had failed on my plasma, but upon inspection it was a dot on the lens. There was absolutely no effort put into the preservation here.
The sound was standard, and typically the only clear mixture was the “Oh Yeah” end title sequence and one or two other music montages. There was no time spent on cleaning up the monotone 2.0 either.
Extras: All the same ones (word for word) as on the special edition, nothing new.
This has been 0/2 on new BDs this week…frustrating.
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“We’re pinched for sure.” “No way, Cameron.”… “Let’s surrender.” “Never!”
How anyone could not like this movie is beyond me. I hate to wax nostalgic, but it’s very hard for me to believe it’s been 23 years since this movie’s release. While I cringe at those 80′s clothes and hairdos, I’m fully aware that the comedy here remains timeless and the angst of the wasteland known as high school remains equally pertinent.
Although Matthew Broderick is more renowned these days for being Sarah Jessica Parker’s husband and for his role in the Broadway version of Mel Brook’s “The Producers,” I’ll forever fondly remember him for his work as the cunning, school-cutting, school clown Bueller. It sucks to typecast an actor, but it’s pretty hard to beat his performance here.
This movie is loaded with so many goodie quotes that an entire review can be composed solely on that subject. It also features a few people who got noticed here and got bigger roles: Jennifer Grey one year before “Dirty Dancing” and Jeffrey Jones, as Dean of Students Edward R. Rooney, two years prior to “Beetlejuice,” to name but two of this great cast. For me, it’s always pleasantly shocking to see previously unknown actors and actresses in older movies and wonder how you could have glanced over them in the first place (even though you can never tell who’s going to be famous).
I can’t help but watch this from beginning to end every time – and I don’t mind a single second spent watching this – even if it’s the one-thousandth and first time I’ve watched it. To be cliche, it gets better and better each time.
From Rooney getting his to Bueller’s charmingly fooling everyone (except the sister) with his fake illness to the parking attendants riding Cameron’s father’s Ferrari at 100-plus mph and jacking up the miles to the stuffy atmosphere of the fancy downtown Chicago restaurant Bueller smooth talks his way into to the famous scene where the impromptu rendition of The Beatles’ version of “Twist and Shout” livens up the downtown parade (complete with the zombie walk from Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video from a segment of the crowd), “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” just screams classic from beginning to end. The folks at “Family Guy” can parody more scenes than they already have and I would love it. – Donna Di Giacomo
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Movie review
This movie is an 80′s classic and a real must-see for all teenagers currently in high school! This movie gives you a real sense of how siblings, parents, administrators and high school can really make you life hell! “Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you might miss it.”
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Funny!
A gift for my granddaughter — she likes this movie; so, knew she would enjoy receiving it. The movie portrays a long day with Ferris Bueller — he thought of everything! Was Funny!
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“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”
Classic comedy and even though it was released in 1991 “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” is still a favorite to many.
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Ben Stein, the smartest man…. in the world!
In this Bueller…Bueller… Edition, you get the great Ferris Bueller movie, plus great extras including an interview with Ben Stein with clips from the time the movie was made and how he feels about it today and how it has changed his life for the better.
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The Amazon review is crap!!
I couldn’t believe what the guy on Amazon said about this movie? I’m not even 16 yet and I loved this movie!! The “Oh Yeah” song is my freaking RINGTONE!! Like this movie is just for my parents! Rediculous.
This movie is absolutely histerical, and the scene in the art museum is BEAUTIFUL! Despite what the Amazon guy said, this is a film for everybody. Adults love it because they have always loved it, and kids will love it because they’ve wanted to get out of school and do something crazy fun! Sure, there are a couple of lewd scenes, but it’s nothing that you can’t close your kids ears during!
Seriously.
Get it.
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Bueller Bueller Bueller
Movie was in great condition! I’ve loved this movie forever and could never find it anywhere. Thanks Amazon for your website so people can find things that are really still out there! My 2 month old grand-daughter enjoyed it as well (until she got hungry)
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Ferris Bueler family friendly?
Though the item came in perfect condition, I don’t think this title is family friendly. Sure, it’s a hilarious movie but foul language is continuously uttered throughout. The movie would be just as funny and entertaining without all the swearing and would be appropriate to a larger audience.
It’s so frustrating when film makers/writers continuously show that they have no knowledge of the many thousands of words available for use in the English language, and limit themselves (and the viewer) to the same mundane use of the “famous 7″.
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Now THIS is the definitive `teen’ movie of the eighties…
In 1985 (the year I was born people!) a certain movie was released that ultimately became a phenomenon. It has been labeled the movie of the 80′s; the poster child for teen films everywhere. It is lauded by many and sparked a generation of look-alikes that are still being churned out even today. That movie is `The Breakfast Club’.
I hate that movie.
The following year the same writer/director behind the overrated slosh known as `The Breakfast Club’ wrote and directed `Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’, yet another film that has been labeled a film of a decade. This time though, John Hughes hit it out of the park. There is no `corn’ factor that was so prevalent in `The Breakfast Club’. Sure, there is dancing and obvious 80′s flare, but this is a teen movie that can still hold up today alongside modern teen movies. I don’t quite understand all of the reviewers stating that it won’t appeal or relate to kids today, because to me it most certainly does, and I’m a 90′s child when you think about it.
The film revolves around Ferris, a typical high school kid who just wants to have a good time. He fakes sick so that he can stay home from school. They he convinces his best friend Cameron (who is actually sick) to help him break his girlfriend Sloane out of school so that they can spend the day joyriding in Cameron’s father’s sports car.
The film is just a whole lot of fun.
More than mere fun though, `Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ broaches some of the same object lessons promoted in `The Breakfast Club’ (such as parental failings) with a little more subtlety and a lot more character. A scene where they mimic `The Graduate’ is a splendid example of them tapping into the root message of the film without overdoing it.
The point being that this film is deep yet still manages to hold onto the fun.
Now, to be honest, I am not a fan of Matthew Broderick. I find him rather dull and boring. That said, he is Oscar worthy here. He gives what may be the definitive `teen’ performance. He grapples the humor as well as the dramatic importance of his character and he possesses a flare and natural charisma that I never knew he ever possessed. As great as he is, Jennifer Grey is even better as his devilishly jealous sister Jeanie. Jeffrey Jones is quite good as the principle set out on disciplining Ferris and both Alan Ruck and the beautiful Mia Sara splendidly complement Broderick’s every move.
In the end I highly recommend this film, for it is a little slice of cinematic heaven. It is funny, witty, charming and smart; all around creating a genuinely enjoyable and memorable movie experience. Not to mention the fact that the soundtrack is beyond awesome.
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even young one’s will love
i disagree with others who have said that this movie is only enjoyed by those who were “teenagers” in the 80′s. i was born in the 80′s and have LOVED Ferris’s antics ever since i first saw them. i also know many of my younger friends who love this movie, and it is my boyfriend’s FAVORITE movie. anyone who has wanted to skip school for a day of fun and adventure will enjoy this movie!!!
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How I love the 80s!
This movie has always been one of my faves, and I was very happy to finally purchase it to watch whenever I’m in need of a good laugh! From the opening scene to the credits, this movie is extremely entertaining and full of craziness and witty humor!
“It’s a little childish and stupid, but then again, so is high school.”
Save Ferris!
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Memorable Movies
I’ve loved it since I first saw it in a hotel room. Ironically,I was quite sick at that time.
Ferris Buller has the day off, claiming he is ill, using his wits. Decade, or year doesn’t mater because there will forever be those kids who would love a day on the run with no classes! Kids can easily relate, and if not there has to be something very wrong! No, I KID, REALLY!
There’s a lot of goodness in here, and the brother sister jealousy is spot on.
Great fun, and laughs for everyone!
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