New to Blu: Grosse Pointe Blank

Actors: John Cusack, Minnie Driver, Alan Arkin, Dan Aykroyd, Joan Cusack

Director: George Armitage

Language: English

Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: Walt Disney Video

Release Date: August 7, 2012

Run Time: 107 minutes

            There have been many hitmen comedies, but few came before Grosse Pointe Blank, and in my opinion, none surpassed it. John Cusack is like America’s boy-next-door, which is why seeing him as a hit-man is so unexpected. But he plays it magnificently, perfectly paired with a comical scenario that leads to an explosively violent conclusion.

            Martin Blank (Cusack) is a hit man who is in a rut. Although he is successful, it is clear that there is something missing in his life beyond killing for money. When a job takes him back home for his 10-year high school reunion, it gives him the chance to rekindle the romance with his long-lost high school sweetheart (Minnie Driver). When his last job turns out to be tied into his newly rediscovered relationship, Martin is forced to make a choice. When he decides not to complete the job, his competition (Dan Aykroyd) is sent in to do it instead.

            Few films are able to balance extreme action with comedy the way that Grosse Pointe Blank does, and part of the credit must go to the extremely capable cast. It also co-stars Alan Arkin, Jeremy Piven and Joan Cusack. The Blu-ray release of the 15^th Anniversary Edition of Grosse Pointe Blank comes with no special features, but the high definition presentation is more than enough to make this a worthwhile upgrade.