DVD Corner

Tommy Boy 4K UHD Steelbook Review

“Tommy Boy” is still an amusing 90’s comedy.

Written by Bonnie and Terry Turner, 1995’s “Tommy Boy” is a Lorne Michaels produced comedy starring Chris Farley and David Spade. Farley stars as the titular Tommy- a clumsy, accident prone young man who isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed. After he graduates college, he goes back home to Sandusky, Ohio to work at his dad’s auto parts factory (Callahan Auto). Tommy quickly learns that his father (Big Tom) is planning to marry Beverly and that her son (Paul) is coming to town for the wedding. What should have been a joyous occasion turns into a tragedy when Big Tom dies at the wedding. Further problems surface when Callahan Auto’s debts could force a company sale and leave the workers out of a job. In order to save the company, Tommy and Big Tom’s former right hand man Richard must hit the road to sell brake pads across the country. The assignment proves much more difficult than expected to say the least. Meanwhile, Beverly and Paul (who turns out to not be her son but her lover) are plotting to sabotage the company. Beverly owns controlling interest in Callahan Auto and wants to sell the company to make a quick buck. Other key subplots involve Callahan employee Michelle and her blossoming romance with Tommy and Tommy and Richard bonding and becoming friends. 

Directed by Peter Segal, “Tommy Boy” has become a cult classic since its release and was easily the late great Chris Farley’s best starring role (he had a lot of memorable small roles in better films to be sure). The comedic vehicle really suited Farley’s physical comedy talents and it also best showcased Farley-Spade as a comedic duo. The two just play off each other so well. 

One can argue that “Tommy Boy” channels “Planes, Trains, And Automobiles” a bit too much and that’s entirely valid. There’s nothing particularly new about this story and the comedy doesn’t always land (most of the jokes about weight feel entirely dated). Luckily, there’s still plenty here to elicit laughter, especially the car toy demonstration, Tommy trying to change in an airplane bathroom, and the quotable lines like “Holy Schnikes” and “Fat guy in little coat.” Those moments are pure comedy gold from Farley.

Aside from Chris Farley and David Spade (who are the MVPs obviously), the cast features Rob Lowe, Brian Dennehey, Bo Derek and Dan Aykroyd (who kind of sounds like his Irwin Mainway SNL character here) in memorable supporting performances. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p With Dolby Vision. How does it look? Fans can expect a quality upgrade from the Blu-ray which is all you can really ask for from a catalogue title. 

Audio Track: Dolby TrueHD 5.1. How does it sound? The lack of a new audio track may be disappointing, but this is still a solid track nonetheless. 

Extras (On The Blu-ray):
* Digital copy
* Theatrical trailer and 18 TV spots.
* Commentary by Peter Segal.
* 5 deleted scenes (and an intro), 15 extended scenes and 6 alternate takes.
* Gag reel
* Photo gallery
* 7 storyboard to scene comparisons
* “Tommy Boy: Behind The Laughter”- A featurette that covers how the film came about, the cast, the film’s endurance, and more.
* “Stories From The Side Of The Road” is all about the comedy and improv.
* “Just The Two Of Us” revolves around Farley and Spade.
* “Growing Up Farley”- John and Kevin Farley tell stories about their brother Chris.

March 23, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | 90's Comedy, Chris Farley, Comedy Film, David Spade, Tommy Boy, Tommy Boy 4K UHD Steelbook Review