Reviewed by Johnny McNair

 

Fox Home Entertainment – 103 minutes – 1990 – Rated PG – 1080p Widescreen 1.85:1 – DTS-HD Lossless 5.1 Audio Mix

 

 

 

In 1990 a small film was released during the Holiday season and became an instant phenomenon that made Macaulay Culkin an international child sensation. Home Alone has been seen by millions around the world and spawned a few bad sequels, but it’s the innocence and charm of this Christmas tale that makes it still one of the most watched films today. Home Alone makes its debut on Blu-ray from Fox Home Entertainment for a whole new generation of kids to live the adventure.

 

THE MOVIE

 

By now we all know the story of Home Alone, the tale of an eight-year boy, Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), who is accidentally left behind at home when his parents rush off on their Holiday vacation. Kevin thinks he’s being punished and decides to make the best of it, by hanging out at home. His quiet time is turned around when he discovers to bumbling burglars (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern), trying to rob his house.

 

Kevin decides to show these bad guys what he’s made of by defending his home, and teaching these clowns a lesson. What ensues is a serious of outlandish antics that are right out of an episode of The Itchy & Scratchy show, involving cartoon-ish violence that go for as many low-blow laughs as possible, all in the spirit of Christmas.

 

Directed by Chris Columbus, Home Alone is in no way a great film, it just came along at the right time and won an audience that no Christmas themed film since has matched, taking in over $475 million worldwide. Eighteen years later it’s odd to watch this film, because maybe you have to be a child filled up on sugar-coated cereal to truly enjoy it.

Home Alone is a live action cartoon where you’re almost waiting for the Road Runner to zip through the scene.

 

If you’re a youngster, you will love this film and you’ll adore Macaulay Culkin, (until you realize that he’s now a twenty-eight year old man who doesn’t have the same Hollywood clout he had in the 90’s). Though this is not your traditional Christmas film, because of its violent tone, Home Alone will always be remembered and shown on TV repeatedly through the Holidays. Your kids will love it and demand that you add it to your Blu-ray collection.

 

VIDEO

 

Home Alone is presented in full 1080p, housed in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio and it looks good, but not as great as another Fox family fun edition Blu-ray, Jingle All The Way. The colors are bright, but there are times when the image itself appears fuzzy. Skin tones are also not as sharp as they should be, but overall this Blu-ray is definitely a step up from the standard DVD.

 

AUDIO

 

Offering a DTS-HD Lossless 5.1 audio mix, Home Alone sounds a lot better than it looks, so you’ll be able to hear Kevin’s famous scream in crystal clarity. The sound effects are over the top to tame the violent moments, and it’s very effective how the mix works. You wouldn’t think of cranking up the speakers to watch a flick like Home Alone, but you may be pleasantly surprised by what you hear.

 

EXTRAS

 

Home Alone offers quite a big buffet of bonus features that will keep all of the fans happy, but the one thing missing is a Digital Copy, because this would be the perfect film to keep your kids quiet during a long family trip.

 

Director Chris Columbus and the film’s star Macaulay Culkin sit down for an audio commentary.

 

The Making of Home Alone goes behind the scenes of the film, talking with the cast and crew.

 

The 1990 Press Featurette takes a glimpse back to when the film ruled Hollywood.

 

Mac-Cam has the Macster himself talking about acting in the film.

 

How to Burglar Proof your Home looks at the stunts of Home Alone.

 

Home Alone Around the World shows various scenes from the film dubbed in multiple languages.

 

Angels With Filthy Souls looks at the fictional movie that plays within this movie.

 

Where’s the Buzz Now? Tries to answer the question whatever happened to the character Buzz.

 

Rounding things out are some deleted scenes and a blooper reel.

 

BOTTOM LINE

 

Home Alone may not have stood the test of time, but it’s nostalgic for those of us who are all grown up now, and the kids will dig it. The Blu-ray offers good picture quality and excellent sound, and the selection of bonus material makes it worth owning. Just avoid the horrible sequels.

 

SCORES (out of 5):

 

The Movie: 3.5

Video: 3.0

Sound: 4.0

Extras: 4.0

Bottom Line: 3.5