Just got my hands on this steelbook edition and wow, the packaging alone is a throwback to classic 80s aesthetics. The metallic sheen with those iconic travel motifs? Chef's kiss.
Popped it in for a rewatch last night – first time seeing it in HD. That famous rental car scene with Edie McClurg? Crisper than my grandma's Thanksgiving turkey. Steve Martin's meltdown never gets old.
What surprised me was how well the humor holds up. That motel bed scene had me wheezing like I was 12 again. But damn if that ending doesn't still hit me right in the feels every time.
The special features are where this really shines though. That John Candy tribute had me misty-eyed – dude was comedy gold. The making-of doc shows why this script works so well (apparently Hughes wrote it in like four days?!).
Only gripe? Still no commentary track after all these years. But with Candy and Hughes gone, I get why they couldn't make it happen.
If you're gonna own one holiday comedy, make it this one. Perfect for when you need laughs with a side of heartwarming.