DVD Review : Tommy Boy - Holy Schnike Edition

Tommy Boy is back, bigger and better than ever. With the release of Paramount Pictures two disc set, Tommy Boy: Holy Schnike Edition, we are reminded of one of the funniest films of the past decade. The concept of the film is fairly simple. It’s pretty much a road movie, like the ones Crosby and Hope would make years ago. After the death of Tommy’s father, Tommy has to go on the road with to save the family business and stop his evil step family from taking control. Farley was a master at physical comedy and there are countless scenes that show off his brilliance. David Spade provides the perfect counterpoint for Tommy, playing Richard, a dry, sarcastic snob who is constantly annoyed by being Tommy’s babysitter.

With the death of Chris Farley in 1997, we lost a comic legend in the making, as Farley just starting to find his footing on screen. It’s difficult not to wonder how many laughs died with him. Tommy Boy was Farley’s best work on screen and should be remembered as such. Anyone who appreciates a good laugh, doesn’t mind a little toilet humor, and wants an easy going movie experience should look no further than this film. It’s comic escapism in the purest form. Put your cares and worries away and enjoy yourself. After watching the film, put the second disc into your DVD player and watch one of the best collections of bonus materials ever assembled.

The bonus features are so vast they take up an entire disc. Four featurettes are included, starting with Tommy Boy: Behind the Laughter. This mini film tells the story of the struggles making the film, includes classic Saturday Night Live footage, and interviews all the principles. Stories from the Side of the Road gives us a behind the scenes look at how director Peter Segal and writer Fred Wolf would create some of the most memorable scenes in the film. A third feature, titled Just the Two of Us, explores the chemistry that Chris Farley and David Spade shared. Cast members Julie Warner, Bo Derek, Dan Ackroyd, and Rob Lowe all describe the duo like an old married couple. Growing Up Farley is a sit down interview with Chris’ brothers, Kevin and John. As they remember tales from childhood, one gets the sense that the Chris Farley we loved on screen was not much different from the real Chris Farley.

The most fascinating of the special features are the seven storyboard comparisons. For anyone interested in the filmmaking process, this feature is akin to actually going to film school. Watching simple black and white sketch storyboards turn into actual sequences of the film is worth the price of the DVD alone. Wait, there’s more. Six deleted scenes with explanations from director Segal as to why they didn’t make the final cut, six alternate takes, and a staggering fifteen extended scenes from the film. Be sure to watch the clipboard, as a couple of Easter Eggs will appear in the form of a smiley face.

A gag reel is also included which shows that Farley was always the one laughing and causing trouble. He always seemed to have a smile on his face, and be sure to stay tuned until the end for a very funny gag involving Farley and a fake cow. If that wasn’t enough, the second disc also includes the theatrical trailer, nineteen television commercials, and a photo gallery, offering production stills and shots from the set.

For all things Tommy, be sure and visit www.tommyboyondvd.com