My Stepmother is an Alien (1988) {Arrow Video Blu-ray Review}

Reviewed by Jason Lockard

In the 80s Saturday Night Live actors were stars on the small screen, but they were getting their chance to shine on the big screen. After the success of The Blues Brothers and The Ghostbusters Dan Aykroyd got a chance to be the lead in a comedy with 1988's My Stepmother is An Alien.

This film was not a box office success to say the least. But over the years it has become a cult classic. Now Arrow Video is known for giving cult films deluxe Blu-ray release  it's time for My Stepmother is an Alien to shine. 

The film follows Celeste (Kim Basinger), a beautiful extraterrestrial who arrives on Earth to do scientific research all in hopes to rescue her home planet from destruction. She finds and seduces a scientist Dr. Steve Mills (Dan Aykroyd) all in order to gain his research. But what she didn't expect was that she would fall in love with him and they almost instantly get married. The only thing is Jessie (Alyson Hannigan), Steve's daughter realizes something juts doesn't seem right with Celeste. Will anyone listen to her? Will it even matter? Can they live together as a family? You'll have to watch the film to find out!

This film is a time capsule of the 80s and it is great! Kim Basinger and Dan Aykroyd are a perfect comedy couple. Alyson Hannigan is a perfect addition to the couple and to me seeing Jon Lovitz in this film is a huge plus. For some reason I enjoy his obnoxious character. Also keep your eyes open for an appearance of a very, very young Seth Green.

My Stepmother is An Alien is a fast-paced comedy tour de force. The special effect while 80s still look pretty good ever now in 2021. Now the story is totally absurd as it sounds, but that is what the charm of this film is.

Arrow Video have transferred this film in 1080p from a brand new 2K restoration of the original camera negative. The audio is the original lossless 2.0 stereo audio. When I watched this new 2K version in comparison to the DVD release. There is no comparison. This new restoration give this film new life, it is that good. 

Arrow Video is known for giving their Blu-ray releases awesome bonus features, so let's take a look at what in included on this Blu-ray.

* Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing

* Brand new audio commentary by critic Bryan Reesman

* Cosmetic Encounters: Directing My Stepmother is An Alien, a brand new interview with director Richard Benjamin

* Original trailer

* Image gallery

* Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Colin Murdoch

While I was just a small child in the 80s I have a real love for 80s cinema. I am so glad to see one of these amazing 80s cult classics get a Blu-ray release it so richly deserves. I am glad Arrow Video was the company to restore this film. You can tell they love the film as much as the fans do. 

If you are a fan of Dan Aykroyd, Kim Basinger or 80s comedy films My Stepmother Is An Alien is going to be one for your collection. And this Arrow Video Blu-ray is the perfect way to experience it. Head over to Amazon.com and get your copy today.


Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) Arrow Video's Blu-ray My Stepmother Is An Alien receives...