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Fried Green Tomatoes - Anniversary Edition  Hot
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Written by Dave Anderson   
Wednesday, 21 June 2006


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Fried Green Tomatoes - Anniversary Edition

Grade

Content Grade: A-
Sound Grade: A
Extras Grade: B+
Picture Grade: A

Specs

Universal 1.85:1 Widescreen English 5.1 Dolby Digital English, French & Spanish Subtitles 137 min., color, 1991 Rated PG-13

Review

Chick flicks...God, I hate 'em. Especially the kind that suck you into their story despite all you do to resist them. "Fried Green Tomatoes" is a movie like that, the kind that no self-respecting guy will ever admit enjoying, while your wife or girlfriend sits across the living room, boo-hoo-hooing at all the appropriate times, and while you tell yourself you're a man, and REAL mean don't cry at a movie unless Kevin Costner's finally getting a chance to play catch with his dad. Of course, "Fried Green Tomatoes" is the sort of flick , right along with "Waiting to Exhale" & "Steel Magnolias," the Lifetime network used to show ad nauseam (before they decided to make their own 'all-men-are-bastards-or-rapists' epics). Funny thing is, like the aforementioned "Field of Dreams" transcended sports movies, this one transcends what one might call the typical 'chick flick,' which is why it's sort of a modern classic...or at least enough for Universal to justify a 15th anniversary DVD.
Chances are, the fact you're reading this right now probably means you're already familiar with the film, making it redundant to summarize the story (or, in this case, stories). But I will, for the uninitiated, briefly list why "Fried Green Tomatoes" is worthy of merit for both guys & gals... Reasons it is the quintessential 'Chick Flick': 1. The main characters are all women. 2. Most of the leading males are either wife-beating bastards or lazy slobs. 3. The crux of both concurrent storylines is the unshakable bond between female friends, whose loyal to each other is seemingly boundless. 4. One of the leads is inevitably going to die, while the other draws strength from the impact her lost friend has on her own life. Reasons why this movie will appeal to guys forced to watch 'Chick Flicks': 1. It's actually really funny at times. 2. The scene where Kathy Bates takes revenge on a couple of snobby teens in a grocery store parking lot is something we've all fantasized about. 3. There's a pretty cool murder-mystery sub-plot that develops half-way through the movie. 4. Part of the resolution of the movie involves inadvertent cannibalism. 5. Mary Stuart Masterson & Mary-Louise Parker are sort of hot. Those interested should also note that this is an extended version of the original film, with nearly 17 minutes of restored footage. While the additional footage isn't what you'd call vital to the plot, it is seamlessly re-woven back into the story, and actually enhances some of the characters.

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Picture and Sound

The movie is presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, and the picture looks pretty good, with terrific color, accurate black tones and no blemishes. The soundtrack is equally fine, rendered in 5.1 Dolby Digital. There's great balance, and no distortion or hissing.

Extras

The best feature is "Moments of Discovery: The Making of 'Fried Green Tomatoes'", a great 50 minute behind-the-scenes feature that includes comments by several cast & crew members, as well as the original author of the book, Fannie Flagg (whom I most remember for being one of the celebrity contestants on "Match Game"). Also included is a feature-length commentary by director Jon Avnet, as well as some deleted scenes, outtakes, a promo poster feature, production photos, a pretty lengthy selection of recipes (I guess to coincide with the diner setting of the movie) and director's notes.

Summary

"Fried Green Tomatoes" is obviously worth owning, but is it worth replacing your old DVD for? I dunno. I've never checked out the original disc, so I can't do any picture or sound comparisons, but I can say the extras here are pretty interesting, if somewhat fluffy at times. The movie itself is one of those maddeningly watchable flicks that is probably worth repeated viewings. Recommended. Similar Movies: "Waiting to Exhale"; "Steel Magnolias"; "Terms of Endearment"; "Driving Miss Daisy"

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