A Fish Called Wanda

Cleverly written, hilariously acted, often silly but never stupid, 1988's A Fish Called Wanda is one of the best comedies of the last two decades—and it's nicely presented in this two-disc set loaded with special features. As directed by Charles Crichton, former Monty Python stalwart John Cleese's script is a marvel—at once both a story and a character-driven tale of double-crossing diamond thieves and the unfortunate souls who cross their paths, filled with witty and surprising twists and turns. The principal players are Jamie Lee Curtis as a moll who shamelessly uses her ample charms to manipulate every man in her orbit; Cleese as a stuffy barrister (the classic Brit twit); fellow Python alum Michael Palin playing a stuttering, bumbling henchman; and Kevin Kline as an insanely vain, cruel, and moronic strongman (a role that earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor). Along the way, we're treated to a host of delightful, if demented, slapstick sight gags, among them Palin's gradual (and accidental) elimination of an old woman's precious Yorkshire terriers. There's plenty of verbal wit as well, including Kline's constant potshots at the British ("they get rigor mortis in the prime of life in this country!"). Presented with a fine widescreen transfer, DVD extras include an excellent audio commentary track by Cleese, a trivia track, multiple deleted scenes, a "making-of" documentary, and various featurettes. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (S. Graham)[Blu-ray Review—Oct. 17, 2017—Arrow, 108 min., R, Blu-ray: $39.95—Making its latest appearance on Blu-ray, 1988's A Fish Called Wanda features a great transfer and a DTS-HD 5.1 soundtrack. Extras include audio commentary by screenwriter and star John Cleese, “John Cleese's First Farewell Performance” (48 min.), a “Something Fishy” retrospective featurette (31 min.), deleted and alternate scenes (30 min.), an appreciation of the film by Vic Pratt of the BFI National Archive (17 min.), an “On Location” featurette (17 min.), an interview with production designer Roger Murray-Leach (7 min.), an introduction by Cleese (5 min.), an image gallery, a trivia track, and a booklet. Bottom line: an excellent edition of this beloved comedy classic.]