Excess Baggage (1997) {Retro VHS Style Blu-ray Review}

Reviewed By Jason Lockard

Two years after Alicia Silverstone starred as Cher Horowitz in Clueless! She played another spoiled rich girl in Excess Baggage. Only thing this was a whole different kind of film.

Mill Creek Entertainment has been releasing the second round of retro VHS style Blu-rays. This round has been based on 90's films and they included Jury Duty, Opportunity Knocks, Double Team and now Excess Baggage.

The film follows Emily Hope (Alicia Silverstone) is a spoiled young woman, desperate for attention from her millionaire father. So she fakes her own abduction to shift his focus her way. The so-called kidnapping turns real, however, when auto thief Vincent Roche (Benicio Del Toro) makes off with a car and discovers Emily, who had locked herself inside the trunk. As Vincent tries to figure out what to do with his unexpected guest, Emily begins to fall for the charming felon as they go on the run.

The story is okay, nothing extraordinary. The comedy can feel a little forced at times. But all in all it's not a bad film to spend an evening with.

Alicia Silverstone was very believable as the spoiled brat Hope. Benicio Del Toro was very good as Vincent. I really enjoyed his performance. Christopher Walken was the typical Christopher Walken as Hope's uncle. And Harry Conick Jr. memorable as Greg, Vincent's partner in crime.

Excess Baggage debuted poorly and ended as a box office failure. But over the years as with many films it has become somewhat of a cult favorite. So there are going to be many people who are ecstatic about this release!

As for this blu-ray release the film is presented in 1.85:1 widescreen format and the audio is Dolby digital 5.1 soundtrack. There is also an option for English subtitles for the deaf and hearing impaired.

The film transfer looks and sounds very good in HD. The colors are bright, there is very little sign of grain and the audio is crystal clear. Now there is no bonus features on this release, but for me that makes this more like going to the video store and renting the tape. There was no bonus features on those.  

The cool Retro VHS slipcover are what makes these a must own for me. They remind me of the fun I had going to the video stores and renting a movie! I enjoy these see thing releases on the shelf. They deserve a place of acclaim on the shelf. 

If you love these Retro VHS blu-rays. If your a fan of Alicia Silverstone, Excess Baggage is a must own release! Head over to www.Millcreekent.com today.


Moral Rating: violence, profanity
Audience: Teens and adults.
Genre: Comedy, Crime drama
Movie Length: 1 hour 41 minutes
Movie Rating: C
Blu-ray Value Rating: A