Review of Ferris Bueller`s Day Off

Introduction

Ferris Bueller`s Day Off is, to my mind at least, the definitive `80s teen movie and comes from the master of the genre, John Hughes. When I was at university in the mid eighties, this was one of my favourite films and 15 years on it still is. With deft characterisation, fabulously witty script, excellent acting and a great soundtrack the film repays repeated viewings. However, for whatever reason, I never got around to buying it on VHS. When the DVD (with director`s commentary) was released, I wasted no time in getting a copy and watching it again. Yep, it`s still a superb film.

The plot revolves around a day in the life of Ferris Bueller who, despite being adored by everybody except his sister and headmaster, is a scheming, manipulative, self serving git. (Note that Ferris isn`t a nice guy; there is no reason for you to like him. But, you probably will.)

Ferris decides to bunk off school for the day and fakes a non-specific illness. He coerces his girlfriend and his best friend to come with him and they spend a day experiencing the best that Chicago has to offer. The headmaster, Ed Rooney, knows that something is up and spends the movie trying to catch Ferris out. Before the end of the film most of the major characters (except Ferris of course) experience a life defining moment and (hopefully) come away better people (except Ferris, of course).

Video

We have been given an excellent Anamorphic transfer of the film. While not totally perfect (there are some subtle digital artifacts), it is as good as you could really expect. And this is a film that benefits from a good transfer since there are many visually striking scenes to enjoy.

As well as being a film about a collection of teens, this seems to me to be Hughes tribute to Chicago (he obviously loves the city) and he shows us just how varied and beautiful the city is. Some of the exterior shots of Wrigley Field, the Loop, Michigan Avenue and Lake Shore Drive are striking, as are the gorgeous scenes inside the Art Institute. Ditto, the scene at the top of the Sears Tower (Tip: If you go to Chicago, I recommend the Hancock Tower instead of the Sears - it is less crowded, you can go outside and you get a great view of the Sears Tower.)

All in all, excellent visuals, excellently reproduced.

Audio

The soundtrack as been digitally remastered to 5.1. It is fine but doesn`t really make much use of the rear channels. They occasionally kick in during the music but that`s about it. Dialogue is crisp and clear.

The music itself is excellent. We get some great `80s tracks like Yello`s "Oh Yeah" and the Dream Academy`s "The Edge of Forever". Of course, you also get The Beatles "Twist and Shout" during the German Festival scene.

Each song is perfectly chosen and we end up with a masterful soundtrack.

Features

All you get is a scene-by-scene commentary by director John Hughes. Hughes speaks in a fairly boring monotone and is quite hard to listen to but, if you enjoy the film, it is worth persevering. Once you get used to his voice, he is very interesting and you learn a lot about the the process around the making of the movie.

That`s it.

Conclusion

Overall, Ferris Bueller`s Day Off is a superb comedy that rewards repeat viewing. No matter how often I see it, there are still scenes that have me rolling with laughter. The funniest scenes are definitely those featuring Jeffrey Jones as the Headmaster Ed Rooney. To my mind, he steals the show from Matthew Broderick, who is also very good. The supporting cast of Alan Ruck, Jennifer Grey and Mia Sara (whatever happened to her?) all have standout scenes and (I believe) give career best performances.

So, funny movie with great visuals and a super soundtrack. You also get a good introduction to Chicago which is a fabulous city. If you have the means, I highly recommend you check it out. Both, the movie and Chicago.

That`s it. Review`s over. Go home.