Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4610 in DVD
• Released on: 2009-06-01
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
• Formats: Anamorphic, PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 97 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Ray Peterson (Tom Hanks) would like nothing better than to spend a quiet week's vacation in his suburban home, drinking beer and watching TV. But, spurred on by his two friends' spinning of boyish paranoid fantasies about their reclusive neighbours, the Klopeks, the usually down-to-earth Ray begins to suspect his idyllic neighbourhood has been invaded by an evil force, to the point where he and his friends become psychotically nosey. You see where this is going, and you see it from a mile off. Only the general surface-thin plot is somewhat offset by director Joe Dante's fine sense of the absurd, and a host of engagingly played neighbor-types, namely Rick Ducommun as Ray's best friend who's always proposing bad ideas, and Bruce Dern as a sometimes wild-eyed ex-vet who'd love some action. Dante and crew seem to have a knack for keeping these broad characterisations light enough that you don't mind their superficiality. But the best jokes in this unprepossessing film come from composer Jerry Goldsmith's score; Bruce Dern's presence, for instance, is announced by the theme from Patton, and the boys' first approach to the Klopeks' for a meet-and-greet is buttressed by classic strains from Sergio Leone spaghetti Westerns. Kudos to the Klopeks, for their evil ways are ably embodied by Henry Gibson, Courtney Gains, and Brother Theodore. In particular, any suburb that finds it's inhabited by the likes of Brother Theodore is in dire need of new zoning laws. But Carrie Fisher's role as Ray's amiably long-suffering wife is thankless, and she deserves better. --Jim Gay

Synopsis
Set in an average neighbourhood that is anything but average, Tom Hanks portrays suburbanite Ray Peterson, who finally takes a much-needed week of vacation. However, Ray doesn't use the time to jet off to some exotic locale, there are no frolicsome adventures in his plans, all he wants is a week of mindless relaxation in his own comfortable suburban home. His wife Carol (Carrie Fisher) warns him that he's liable to go crazy from the boredom, but he refuses to listen. The nothingness finally does get to him, however, and he creates a little excitement for himself by spying on his neighbours - the Klopeks, a mysterious, oddball family that just moved in to a dilapidated home down the street. When the neighbourhood grouch mysteriously disappears, Ray and a motley crew of other local crackpots begin to concoct wild theories about the strange, and perhaps murderous, goings on in the Klopek's creepy, old house. For one brief, shining moment their lives seem to have some meaning and purpose as Ray and his friends become consumed with the secrets of the bizarre family. Tom Hanks is hysterical as Ray, bringing his own brand of boyish charm and zany slapstick comedy to the screen.

Customer Reviews

One of the best films ever
The Burbs is a cult classic black comedy directed by Joe Dante and stars Tom Hanks, Carrie Fisher and Corey Fledman among other reocognisable faces.

The story is based around a group of suburbanites and their obsession with a strange new family in the neighbourhood called the Clopeks. Their overactive imaginations lead them to delve deeper into the odd activities taking place at the Clopek residence, such as the strange noises coming from the basement, digging up the back yard in the middle of the night (like grave diggers) and the general odd behaviour of the family.

What makes this film so appealing is that this could take place in any neighbourhood you care to think of. The suburb is otherwise very ordinary - set routines, nosy neighbours and typical banter you would find in a quiet suburb.

The Burbs features a fantastic cast, lively script and some genuine laughs. The characters are all fantastic to watch and you learn to love them all for their individual qualities (of which there are many).

This is the uncut version of one of the best films I have ever seen. The only part I have never noticed before was the inclusion of a four letter swear word in one scene (for those who want to know, it begins with "s"). I didn't notice any other differences to when it is on television.

This DVD only includes a 90 second teaser trailer from when the film was released but the film is so good you shouldn't let the lack of extras put you off. This is easily one of my all time favourite films. Very little comes anywhere close to the quality of this little gem. An incredible film!

"I wanna kill everyone. Satan is good, Satan is our pal!"
An unashamedly enjoyable treat from director Joe Dante.
Tom Hanks plays Ray, a thirty-something suburbanite who is just beginning a relaxing week at home with his wife Carol (Carrie Fisher) and his son Dave (Corey Danziger - who couldn't look more like a young Hanks if he tried) Unfortunately for his family, Ray is overly protective of his neighbourhood and becomes increasingly suspicious of his reclusive new neighbours, the Klopeks, especially when bizarre noises emit from their basement late at night.
Flanked by his other neighbours - the oafish Art (Rick Ducommon), the military obsessed veteran Mr. Rumsfield (hilariously played by Bruce Dern) and the stoner next door Ricky (Corey Feldman)- Ray sets out to discover the truth behind the Klopeks - more so when Walter, the old guy at the end of the street mysteriously disappears.
Featuring appearances from Dante regulars Dick Miller, Henry Gibson and Robert Picardo, The Burbs is a hilarious and thoroughly enjoyable film that comments on neighbourly suspicions in a typical American suburban street. The film often veers into slapstick territory, particularly during the films final half hour, but like Evil Dead 2, this adds to The Burbs' enjoyment rather than watering it down.
The performances by the leads - Dern especially - are excellent and the 'neighbourly chat' in the Klopek's home is a particularly memorable scene. Once again, Dante tips his hat towards 50's B-movies with spooky lighting, odd camera angles and even a ridiculous dream sequence.
A deliciously offbeat film and an underrated one at that. It has been a while, but it is finally available on DVD. Go buy it.

Embodiement of 1980's Goodness
I'm absolutely positive that this is the only movie I've seen with Tom Hanks that I have enjoyed. It's certainly the only one I've ever bought!

A quirky look at suburban life, nosy neighbors and dark secrets lurking beneath the floor boards of the house next door. A Horror-Comedy classic, this movie is a "must have" for anyone who (a) grew up in the 1980's and/or (b) enjoyed such movie's as House (I, II, III, etc.), Ghostbusters, Evil Dead, Beetlejuice and Gremlins.