Grumpy Old Men (Blu-ray)

By: The Dweeb

Blu-ray Features Video: 1.85:1 1080P Audio: Dolby Digital TrueHD Stereo,  Dolby Digital Stereo Theatircal Trailer Theatrical release: 8/15/1997 DVD released on 7/07/2009 by Warner Bros. Running time of 104 minutes Starring: Walter Matthau, Jack Lemmon,  Ann-Margaret Director: Donald Petrie Plot: Next door neighbors John Gustafson and Max Goldman are Grumpy Old Men. And since they’re played by Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, they’re also Funny Old Men. Pairing up again in this hilarious and heartwarming story of neighborhood curmudgeons whose long-running feud becomes an all-out rivalry when an attractive widow (Ann-Margret) moves into the house across the street

Who hasn’t seen this film? Grumpy Old Men is a great film, good enough for me to consider one of the best comedies to come out of the 90’s. Now its finally on Blu-ray, although an odd choice to release a film set in the frozen winter during July by Warner Bros. What’s not to love, two old geezers with a life long rivalry start to compete for the affections of the sexy new neighbor. Its hilarious, features a cast of legendary actors and the winning combination of Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon, the original Odd Couple. If you haven’t gotten around to seeing this film, now is your chance.

What makes this film so enjoyable to watch is the on screen chemistry between John Gustavson (Jack Lemmon) and Max (Walter Matthau) and their lifelong dispute, which apparently started when they were kids over a woman. The constant bickering, fighting , pranks, and name calling has gone on so long they might as well be an old married couple. Its been so long that it seems they don’t even know why they are still fighting. Of course, they live right next door to each other also, so that doesn’t help. But are they really fighting anymore? They won’t admit it, but they really are friends, until of course Ariel (Ann-Margaret) moves in next door.  Probably the best moments during the film are just the everyday insults and pranks. Then the wounds are reopened as they try and compete for the affections of this strange woman from California.

Of course, the film wouldn’t be as good as it is if it weren’t for the casting. Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau have worked so much together in the past that its a no brainer to have them star. As The Odd Couple previously, its as if they are reprising their roles but as old retired, cranky farts.  Although they both hate each others guts on the outside, they just can seem to be able to stay separated. Its probably the running joke of the town they live in, as everyone seems to know this. Only on Christmas Eve, does Max finally work up the guts to attempt to apologize (at the prodding of his son Jacob, played by Kevin Pollack) and even that isn’t successful. It just continues the fight.  Moron! Putz! It doesn’t seem to end. Also equally delightful is Grandpa Gustavson, played by the legendary Burgess Meredith. He is a friggin riot as the perverse father to John, the outtakes during the end credits are a laugh riot.  “Did you mount her?” “Looks like Chucks taking old one-eye to the optometrist.” Thats of course only a small sample of the many gems he spits out.

Now as far as a standard Blu-ray catalog release goes, this is I’m afraid a prime example. I know this is not the type of film to garner much of a remaster or major repackage, plus many of the cast have sadly passed on. But, at least have something new on it to differentiate it from the DVD release! The sound and picture quality are good, but I would say its on par with a DVD level transfer so its not that spectacular, but it is a clean image for the most part. The only other item included on this Blu-ray is the trailer, which is disappointing.  This movie is on DVD umpteen times over, its the cheaper alternative as at this price point it is not worth it.

Reviewer’s Opinion: BORROW IT!!