Throw Mama From the Train: Blu-ray Review - Does This Classic Comedy Still Deliver?!

A dark comedy is the hardest kind of film to pull off. Some of the best dark comedies in history would have to be Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964), Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979), Fargo (1996) and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001). But for me, my favorite would have to be 1987's Throw Mama From the Train.

At the time of this review, we are just one year away from the 40th anniversary of the film Throw Mama From the Train. Kino Lorber Studio Classics is releasing this classic dark comedy on 4K and Blu-ray. Now, physical media fans can enjoy this film over and over again in HD and UltraHD.

Synopsis: Long-suffering momma’s boy Owen (Danny DeVito) has a mother (Anne Ramsey) who’s a cross between Quasimodo and the Wicked Witch of the West. Owen’s friend Larry (Billy Crystal) has female problems of his own: an ex-wife who stole his novel and made it a bestseller. Can these hapless males help “eliminate” each other’s problems?

The first time I ever watched this film I was probably 7 or 8 years old. I really shouldn't have watched this film at that age, but it stayed with me. Now, over the years I have watched it multiple times ever since that first viewing. I enjoy this film every time I watch it. It never gets old. Perhaps this is what makes a classic.

Danny DeVito not only stars in this film but also directs, and does a tremendous job. I must say that Billy Crystal (City Slickers) and Danny DeVito have great comedic chemistry. I am surprised this didn't lead to more films together. What can you say about Mama, played by Anne Ramsey (The Goonies)... perfect. No wonder she was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress!

Kino Lorber has transferred Throw Mama from the Train to 4k and Blu-ray, respectively and is presented in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. There are two audio track options: an English 5.1 Surround and an English Lossless 2.0 Audio. There is also the option for English Subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Kino Lorber has taken this brand new HD master from a 4K Scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative. What results is a crisp and clean and simply spectacular looking picture.I have watched this film for years on DVD, now to see it in HD. Is such a tremendous pleasure. But Kino Lorber just didn't put the film on the disc. No way! They added some nice bonus features. Take a look at the bonus features included on this disc.

Blu-ray Extras :
* NEW Audio Commentary by Hats Off Entertainment's Joe Ramoni
* Wide Angle Dark Humor: NEW Interview with Cinematographer Barry Sonnenfeld
* Crafting a Dark Comedy: Featurette
* Why Do You Hate Your Mother?: Featurette
* The Night Was…: Featurette
* 4 Deleted Scenes
* Theatrical Trailer

As you can see, the 
bonus features include classic and new bonuses. The audio commentary is a wonderful listen, giving the listener a lot of information about the film. The interviews with Billy Zane and David Newman shows their love for this film. 

While dark comedies may not be everyone's cup of tea! Throw Mama from the Train is a wonderful piece of cinema. If you would like to add this to your home video library, you can order a copy of this film on 4k/Blu-ray or the straight Blu-ray today. 

Amazon: 
4K UltraHD or Blu-ray
Kino Lorber: 4K UltraHD or Blu-ray



Out of 4 Film Reels (4 being the best) The Blu-ray of Throw Mama From the Train receives.....

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