Benny & Joon

Talk about your offbeat premises for comic love stories: When the mildly psychotic Joon (Mary Stuart Masterson) wins a social outcast named Sam (Johnny Depp, here displaying an amazing affinity for Chaplin/Keaton style physical comedy) in a weird card game, the ensuing friendship almost seems to be the answer to Joon's overburdened caregiver brother Benny's (Aidan Quinn) prayers. Almost. Great performances, a winning Rachel Portman score, and a rich-looking widescreen DVD transfer make Jeremiah Chechik's 1993 romantic comedy a winsome viewing experience. Extras include: audio commentary, deleted scenes, costume and make-up tests, a stunt reel, and a music video--remember that infectious opening tune, The Proclaimers' "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)"? Recommended. (R. Pitman)[Blu-ray Review—May 24, 2011—MGM, 98 min., PG, $19.99—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1993's Benny & Joon sports a decent transfer with DTS-HD sound. Blu-ray extras are identical to the standard DVD release, including audio commentary by director Jeremiah Chechik, a “Costume, Make-Up Test and Stunt Reel” segment (19 min.), deleted scenes (5 min.), the music video “I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers, and trailers. Bottom line: a solid Blu-ray debut for a quirky favorite.]