Much like its plot, we’ve seen Groundhog Day play over and over again on television since its 1993 release. In fact the film has seen itself gander quite a cult following since it originally re boost Bill Murray’s career in the early 90′s. With Murray himself and director Harold Ramis teaming up, is there any doubt the film is loved by so many? But maybe that love has been lost over time, after all the true measure of a classic is its ability to stand the test of time.
The Film 
Bill Murray stars as the egotistical weatherman Phil Connors, who along with his producer Rita (Andie MacDowell) and camera man Larry (Chris Elliot) head from Pittsburgh to Punxsutawney to cover the annual Groundhog Day festival. Unimpressed with the assignment Phil reluctantly delivers his report and pushes the crew to return to Pittsburgh ahead of an incoming blizzard. Fate would have it the road out of town is shut down and they must spend the night, if only it were that one night. As it turns out Phil wakes up the next day and it’s Groundhog Day over again, and again, and again. At first confused with the day playing over and over again Phil starts taking advantage of it, seducing women, learning secrets, and even stealing money without feat of the consequences. However, as time goes on Phil realises the consequences behind his actions, and his inability to become close with Rita. Will Phil learn the secret to getting the continuity back with his life, or is he to be doomed in a hysterical life of repetition?
It’s hard to believe that my age was in the single digits when this movie first came out. What’s even harder to believe is that through all my personal growth and intellectual development a movie that made me laugh when I was a kid, still does. Sure back then I was laughing at some of the more obvious moments, and less at the irony and more adult jokes, but that just makes the movie all the better. There’s something for everyone, and despite having a plot that is sometimes depressing, we can all laugh and learn something from this vintage title.
Sure the plot isn’t completely original; having first been done in mass media in a 1961 episode of The Twilight Zone, there is a unique twist and addition of comedy that gives it feet of its own. Perhaps Groundhog Day is an acquired taste, as I’ve heard as many positive comments as negative; I must say the style of humour won’t appeal to all. This isn’t the kind of Vince Vaughn sarcastic humour or Dane Cook silly humour, its classic Bill Murray. The kinds of jokes that make you think a little with a calm delivery and pleasant results.
Though I don’t find the movie overly laugh out loud funny, there are plenty of chuckles and witty laughs. For me that is part of Groundhog Day‘s charm; the fact that is relies on its clever dialogue and the philosophical aspect of self improvement rather than slapstick humour like in so much of today’s comedies. Now having watched Groundhog Day for the one millionth time, its classic status is easily upheld, and even heightened in high definition. I’m going to suggest fans pick this title up whenever you get the chance, and if you haven’t seen it before, what are you waiting for?
Video 
Presented in 1080p 1.85:1 aspect ratio and encoded in Mpeg-4, Groundhog Day debuts on Blu-ray with some good looking results. From the start of the movie, I was pleased to see that the transfer was not plagued by any edge enhancement, which is sometimes a problem for films of this age/genre.
The color presentation is blue in tint which does fit the film well, although some may find the look too bleak and colorless. Flesh tones do look much more consistent and realistic, with no signs of bleeding. The shot where Phil steals the money from the armoured truck is the only exception. Phil’s facial color looks extremely dull and he comes off looking like a corpse, but this is a singular issue.
Detail looks very good up close, with Bill Murray’s pock marks clearly seen. Distant shots however suffer from extreme softness and come off look weak compared to the detailed up close shots. Problems aside; there is really no denying that this is the best the movie has ever looked. If you already own the DVD, the upgrade here is noticeable and worth it.
Audio
Sony has included an impressive sounding 5.1 TrueHD track with the release of Groundhog Day. From the start of the film the dialogue track comes through with extreme clarity and consistency. There are some stretches of the movie that do come off extremely front heavy, but for the most part the dialogue track is accompanied by a great sound effect or music track.
The audio quality left me much more impressed than the video transfer. The consistencies of audio track as well as the improved quality of the track itself will sure to please fans of the film.
Special Features 
- Audio Commentary – Commentary with Director Harold Rammis
- Trivia Track – A pop up trivia track that plays throughout the entire movie. If you a fan of the movie than this one is worth watching as it provides some interesting tidbits.
- The Weight of Time – A twenty minute making of documentary that offers a fair bit of detail into the production of the movie.
- Interview with Harold Rammis – A ten minute chat with Director Harold Rammis. For those who avoid audio commentaries this interview provides enough information to skip the commentary track.
- The Story of Groundhogs – A brief look at the real life animal. A short but interesting look at the animal’s origins and beginnings of being a recognized icon.
- BD-LIVE
Final Thoughts
I’m sure after seeing this movie we all ask ourselves what we would do if we had a day loop over and over. If we had this day, how long would it be before it became depressing? Well I’m sure the intention of the movie wasn’t to challenge and open our minds, it does just that. Maybe we all need a day like Groundhog Day to self improve, and learn a lesson or two. Unfortunately the movie is the closest we will ever get to finding an answer, but it does it very well and with a lot of laughs along the way. For those of you who enjoy this classic as much as I do, you will be happy to know that DVD owners of the title are well advised to pick of the enhanced Blu ray version. The picture quality, audio, and special features are all rather impressive and make the disc worthwhile.
