Blu-Ray Review: Big

This month, Director Penny Marshall’s “Big” was released on Blu-Ray. This 1988 film stars a young Tom Hanks. “Big” is about 13 year-old Josh Baskin who, after being embarrassed at a carnival ride, makes a wish on a Zoltar magician game: “I wish I was big.”

Overnight, Josh awakes to find his body has aged at least 15 years. “Big” also stars Elizabeth Perkins as Josh’s love interest Susan, Robert Loggia as Josh’s boss MacMillan, Jared Rushton as Josh’s best friend Billy, and David Moscow as young Josh.

Tom Hanks plays a 13 year-old stuck in a 30 year-old body. Hanks is amazing in this early role. No one else could play a 13 year-old and keep him that age throughout the film. From his job, to first love, to his relationship with his best friend, Hanks’ performance is flawless. This is a great film to own, as the humor and drama made it an instant classic. The story is timeless and the characters are endearing.

This Blu-Ray version offers both the theatrical version and an extended cut with several deleted scenes that I had never seen before. The crystal clear hi-def made Hanks look like he was playing the giant keyboard in my living room.

For fans of Tom Hanks and this timeless classic, I definitely recommend the Blu Ray. But without any real special effects, some may think it a bit of overkill. If you already own the previously released Extended Edition DVD, there are no new special features in this release other than picture quality.

Features:
Theatrical Version And Extended Cut
Big Brainstorming - An Audio Documentary by Gary Ross & Anne Spielberg
8 Deleted Scenes
Exclusive Featurettes:
- Big Beginnings
- Chemistry of a Classic
- The Workof Play
AMC Backstory: Big
Carnival Party Newswrap

About Angela aka The SciFiChick:
Angela is a life-long SciFi fan, portrait artist, avid reader of all genres. You can visit her regular blog at SciFiChick.com.