Review: National Lampoon’s Animal House

DVD: National Lampoon\’s Animal House (1978)

It\’s 1962 America and Faber college, under the leadership of Dean Wormer (John Vernon), has its usual mix of fraternity (frat) houses.

One of these (Delta house) is full of party loving, beer swilling, foul mouthed, sex addicted students who don\’t give a damn about their studies and just want to have a good time. This naturally pisses off Dean Wormer and he enlists the help of another frat house to oust the Delta party boys.

What happens next is absolute comedy GOLD.

I have watched Animal House 50+ times (a conservative estimate too!) over the years, and it never fails to have me in stitches all the way through it.

The writing by Harold Ramis, Douglas Kenney and Chris Miller is superb, the performances across the board are outstanding, and John Landis (in this, only his 3rd time as a feature film director) keeps everything flowing at a pace which will have you gasping for breath between all the laughs.

Often imitated, but never bettered, National Lampoon\’s Animal House is the college based comedy to top them all. In fact, it is one of the best comedies of all time.

There are so many memorable quotes that have become a part of the public consciousness…just chanting \”TOGA, TOGA, TOGA\” when planning a party will get you high fives and a large beer pressed into your palm.

There are also a multitude of memorable scenes too…the Pearl Harbour speech, going to a bar and watching a band, FOOD FIGHT! It really is one classic scene after another.

To give any more away would spoil it for those who have never seen it before, though I am interested in how it is perceived by this generation, rather than my generation who grew up watching it.

This collectors edition contains some great special features that are the icing on top of an incredibly tasty comedy cake.

An absolute essential addition to anyones collection.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

• Where are they now?: Exclusive new Featurette with key talent
• MxPx Music Video “Shout”
• Universal Animated Anecdotes
• Theatrical Trailer
• “The Year Book”: An Animal House Reunion

Review by Dave from a disc kindly supplied by Fabulous Films.

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