DVD Corner

Grumpy Old Men Blu-ray Review

You can’t go wrong with a Lemmon and Matthau picture. 

Written by Mark Steven Johnson (yes, the director of “Daredevil” and “Ghost Rider”), “Grumpy Old Men” is a 1993 comedy set in the wintery Wabasha, Minnesota about two friends/enemies/neighbors (John and Max) who have been feuding since 1938. John is divorced and lives alone. He has an adult daughter (Melanie) and an elderly father who is still spritely. John is in debt to the IRS and is at risk of losing his house. Max is a widowed father to an adult son (Jacob). Like John, he lives alone. When an adventurous widowed red head (Ariel) moves in across the street from them, John and Max’s world is turned upside down. Of course, their feuding and pranks escalate as the two try to woo Ariel. Elsewhere there’s a subplot involving Melanie and Jacob developing a romance.

Since 1966 pals Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau have appeared in films together and have made many comedic cinematic gems along the way. “Grumpy Old Men” (directed by Donald Petrie) is certainly one of their most memorable and successful pairings. This is the type of movie you just don’t see anymore. It’s a comedy aimed at an older crowd with foul language. It would be considered too much of a gamble in these times, but in the 90s things were much different in the film world as there was much more variety. Anyway, it’s clear that both Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau are the reason to watch this movie. Their banter, their chemistry, their comedic timing, their war against each other involving everything from dead fish to snow- it all adds up to a good time. It could have easily been a one note gimmicky movie about fouled mouthed older men, but the film has more to offer than just comedic antics. It ends up being a touching and heartfelt story about aging, friendship, love, revitalization, and generations. There’s a particularly beautiful moment (and a wonderful piece of acting here) involving Max (Matthau) going to the hospital to visit John (Lemmon) where he utters the word “Friend” with tears in his eyes. 

“Grumpy Old Men” is bolstered by a fine supporting cast including Ann-Margaret, Kevin Pollak, Ossie Davis, Buck Henry, Daryl Hannah, Christopher McDonald, and a scene stealing Burgess Meredith as John’s father (don’t forget to watch the hysterical end credit outtakes with him).

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. How does it look? This re-release definitely looks like an early day Blu-ray, but it’s still a quality upgrade from the DVD to be sure.

Audio Track: Dolby TrueHD 2.0. How does it sound? The 2.0 track is a bit on the flat side but it does the job.

The lone extra is a theatrical trailer. 

August 2, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | 90's Movie, Burgess Meredith, Comedy, Grumpy Old Men Blu-ray Review, Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau