The Film
Steve Martin has had varying degrees of success with film remakes. Martin made a boatload for studios with The Pink Panther and Cheaper By the Dozen, as well as sequels for both films. It was less successful and didn't have a sequel, but you can add The Out-of-Towners in with that crop. That said, all of the above pales in comparison to Martin's first in a long line of remakes, Father Of The Bride.
Disney is about a year late, but they're celebrating the comedy's 20th anniversary by packing the film and its sequel on a single Blu-ray. Maybe they are splitting the difference on the two releases?
Either way, Father Of The Bride is still funny -- and certainly funnier than its sequel. The film wisely focuses on Martin as George Banks, who is slowly losing his mind, his bank account, and his little girl Annie (Kimberly Williams), all to her impending nuptials. It's a sweet movie and it's fun to watch George slowly unravel throughout the film.
The entire cast returns for Father Of The Bride II, which finds (surprise!) Annie pregnant. However, George can't really focus on becoming a grandfather because (bigger surprise!) he's about to become a daddy for the third time with wife Nina (Diane Keaton).
Both Father Of The Bride and Father Of The Bride II are featured on the same Blu-ray, each with its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Considering the themes of weddings and babies, both films are a little drab and have a dated look. Color doesn't pop how you'd expect and the black levels are a little blah. It's not horrible, except for the skintones. Those are pretty bad in both films, with the first leaving everyone looking especially red.
The Sound
Disney has given each of the Father Of The Bride flicks a DTS-HD Master Audio track. However, it should come as no surprise that there are very few atmospheric noises going on. These are mid-'90s comedies, and most of the action is up front. That said, the dialogue is crystal-clear and sounds great.
The Extras
It's surprising that Disney would skimp so much on the extras for this "anniversary" edition. There's one commentary with Charles Shyer and two shorts. Not much cause for celebrating, but fans will probably get a few chuckles out of "Martin & Short Interview Each Other."
Final Thoughts
Father Of The Bride is still a funny movie. The sequel? Not so much. Don't worry; you'll get your chuckles -- and you'll get both films for the price of one. It's nice that Disney has put both on this one release. It's not stellar, but it's funny enough to make this one worth the purchase price.
Product Details
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