BLU-RAY REVIEW: Say Anything...20th Anniversary Edition

[JessHorsley]

"I gave her my heart, she game me a pen."

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There's something cool about seeing classic 1980s films released on Blu-ray. It not only brings back memories of an era gone by, but it helps us remember when films were simpler, smarter, and often more heart-felt. Take Say Anything... for example.

This 1989 romantic comedy helped solidify actor John Cusack as one of fandom's favorites in the early 1990s. Likewise, Say Anything... introduced the world to not only the writer, but the director Cameron Crowe, whose later works would help renewed interest in the romantic comedy/drama genre and win him an Oscar.

Now, 20 years later, it's amazing - and hilarious - to pick up re-released films - like Say Anything... - and remember life back in the late 1980s. The clothes, the music, the attitude...it's all here and finally available in hi-def for every guy who wanted to be Lloyd Dobler (there were a few) and every lady that wanted Lloyd Dobler (there were many).

This 20th anniversary edition includes a solid 1080p video in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The colors are all bright and clear and there's little to make me believe this was shot 20 years ago. Likewise, the DTS-HD 5.1 surround sound master audio presents all of the memorable lines and music. Nothing too fancy, the audio is crisp, clear and well done.

For most die-hard fans of this film, the special features on this 20th Anniversary Edition of Say Anything... will hold a few valuable pieces, including commentary with director Crowe and actors Cusack and Skye. The commentary actually lasts for a full 20 minutes before the film even begins and covers darn near everything a fan of this cult classic could wish to know. Likewise, a 20 minute featurette entitled "An Iconic Film Revisited: Say Anything...20 Years Later" features interviews with Crowe, Cusack, Skye, and others and helps flesh out the inspiration for the film as well as the actors feelings about it now, two decades later. A near 10-minute chat with Crowe is also included and fans of this brilliant writer/director will appreciate his insight into being a first-time director on Say Anything... as well as his feelings about the film's actors and more.

Other special features include a 7 minute short entitled "I Love Say Anything..." featuring a variety of comedians expressing their passion for the classic, a pop-up video trivia track for those looking to gain random insight into the film, a number of alternate, extended, and deleted scenes which will probably interest only die-hard fans of the film, an Electronic Press Kit which runs about 7 minutes, a photo gallery, TV spots, and the film's trailers.

Overall, fans of John Cusack and/or Cameron Crowe won't want to miss this now cult classic teenage romantic comedy about a young man willing to try anything, do anything, and say anything in order to win back the love of his life. While we can't all be Lloyd Dobler, at one time, no doubt we wanted to and re-watching Say Anything... 20th Anniversary Edition will bring back those memories.

Say Anything... 20th Anniversary Edition is available now on DVD and Blu-ray wherever fine home video is sold.

- Jess C. Horsley