Plot: What’s it about?
Phil Conners (Bill Murray) is a big time weatherman on a small time channel, just waiting for his chance at network fame. One of the things he hates about his nickel and dime job is his yearly trip to Gobbler’s Knob to see the legendary groundhog predict the weather. While in the small town, he runs into an old high school aquaintance he hates, and has problems with his producer (Andie MacDowell) and camerman (Chris Elliot). After a huge blizzard, which he told his viewers was not coming, the town is buried, and Phil is stranded there. When he wakes up however, he realizes he is re-living the last day, and re-lives it over and over again. He tries to kill himself, seduces a woman, but finally sees that he should use it for good, and tries to get to know his producer better.
This movie is very cool, directed by Harold Ramis and starring Bill Murray, who make an incredible comedy team. Groundhog Day is extremly funny, but has a few darker stretches as well. Phil gets desperate at times, and will do anything to end his constant re-living of Groundhog Day. He drives off a cliff, drops a toaster into the bath with him, even takes advantage of woman. It makes Phil seem human however, not too goody-goody, believable. This makes the film seem more likeable, because Phil is just a regular guy who does many of the things we would do ourselves. The scenes where he gets to know his producer better are very humorous, with many takes and re-takes of the exact same scene over and over, with hilarious outcomes.
Of course the story is ridiculous, but the movie does not worry about serious very much. It’s billed as a romantic comedy, but I don’t buy that at all. It’s more of a regular comedy with some darker elements mixed in for laughs. Bill Murray’s performance is worthy of the purchase, let alone the other supporting actors. While you may not cry, sob or weep, you will giggle, chuckle, and guffaw, because this disc is fantastic. If you need to sit back and enjoy an hour and a half of relaxing fun, pop this one in, you’ll wish every day was Groundhog Day.
Video: How does it look?
A lack-luster transfer, but still leaps and bounds above the VHS releases. The disc offers both widescreen and pan and scan, so the best of both worlds are found. Not too much grain, but there is some hiding here and there.
Audio: How does it sound?
The soundtrack stays away from the dialogue, so you will pick-up every line Murray delivers, which is pivotal to the movie’s enjoyment. Not many effects lurking around, but lots of upbeat tunes and great speaking, so the audio does a decent enough job.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Theatrical Trailer. That’s it, guys.
