“….and that’s the fact, Jack…” What can I possibly say about the classic Ivan Reitman directed comedy “Stripes” that hasn’t already been said a thousand times? It’s been nearly a quarter of a century since the ‘underdog makes good against the establishment’ movie first came out, and it is still making audiences laugh as much as it did back then. It’s so odd, considering the film had so much going against it at the time. It was one of Reitman’s earliest films, his biggest success at the time being the mediocre comedy “Meatballs.” It made an unlikely star out of “Saturday Night Live” alumni Bill Murray, who had previously made a splash as the scene-stealing Carl Spackler in “Caddyshack.” It also served as the big-screen debut of co-star Harold Ramis, who had come out of “Second City TV” and was making a name for himself as a writer/director.

In spite of all of these obstacles, “Stripes” still stands as one of the funniest of Reitman’s films (alongside “Ghostbusters” – which oddly enough also stars Murray and Ramis). There’s just something about the ‘devil may care’ attitude that Murray exudes in his characters (and I understand oftentimes in real life) that makes audiences either identify with him enough to laugh at his antics, or wish they could be more like. The rapport he shares with Ramis makes them an unbeatably funny pair.

Just in case you’ve just arrived on this planet, “Stripes” stars Bill Murray as John Winger, who is for all intents and purposes… a loser. Seemingly at the end of his rope, he finds himself without a job, a place to live, a car or even a girlfriend (all lost on the same day), he does what any self-respecting loser would do. He joins the Army. And as any best friend would do, he talks his easily manipulated buddy Russell Zitsky (Ramis) into tagging along. The two find themselves neck-deep in a nearly intolerable boot camp. Fortunately, Winger’s apathetic approach to life serves him well, if not the leaders of the camp. Here is where you will find the often imitated (but never matched) rifle drill scene.

Once the pair (barely) makes it through the training period, their unit is chosen to escort the new EM-50 Urban Assault Vehicle. In the hand of any other able bodied unit, this might be a fairly simple task. But for Winger and company, it involves a side trip with their girlfriends to enjoy a weekend stay at a fancy Chateau. This of course, doesn’t sit to well with the Army, who sends another unit after the A.W.O.L. pair, all of which carries the story into Czechoslovakia, where Winger’s unit inadvertently saves the day.

“Stripes” is by an large a silly movie to be sure, one that definitely requires you to not only suspend your disbelief, but actually pack it up and ship it to Ubakistan for the winter. But thanks to the deft performances by all those involved, including the late, great John Candy, Judge Reinhold, Warren Oates, Sean Young, and the ever delicious P.J. Soles, the film offers laughs a’plenty. The film also stars John Larroquette as Capt. Stillman, who steals every single scene he’s in whether playing with toy soldiers or using his binoculars to stare at the ladies showers.

Sony / Columbia Tristar has released a long overdue Special Edition DVD, which features not only the newly restored original theatrical release, but an all-new Director’s Cut with 18 minutes of additional scenes cut back into the movie. Since I hadn’t seen the film in several years, I would have been hard pressed to tell you what was added in, but the producers of the DVD opted to add a star as a visual alert that you are watching a new scene. This was kind of cool for a first time viewing, but it would have been nice if it could be turned off when watching it again later. Most of the scenes that were added were certainly welcome, especially one in which we see… uh… quite a bit more of Ms. Soles at the Chateau with Murray. These scenes can also be accessed separately, which is a great feature if that’s all you want to check out.

There is also an awesome 2-part documentary feature that includes all new interviews with almost all of the cast and crew of the film. Even Murray shows up to throw in his two cents, but of course does things ‘his way’ and is interviewed in black light while sipping wine. The interview was done while he was in Tokyo filming “Lost in Translation”, and is quite funny. You’ll also find a commentary of the film by Reitman and writer Daniel Goldberg. The two share a ton of humorous anecdotes, and share with the audiences some of the scenes that include improvisation by the cast, and there are many.

One of the more unusual extra features is a ‘cut out and assemble’ EM-50 Urban Assault Vehicle. But before you get too excited, it’s really no more than an insert with the vehicle printed on it. You can choose to cut it out and fold along the dotted lines, but it would probably make for a pretty flimsy model. I think it was included as more of a joke than anything.

If you already own “Stripes”, I’d still recommend picking up a copy of this new edition, not so much for the extended cut, but for the great documentary and commentary that comes along with it.

Directed by: Ivan Reitman
Starring: Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Warren Oates, P.J. Soles, John Candy
Extras: All-New Hour Long Documentary, Deleted Scenes, Film Commentary
Specifications: Widescreen (1.85:1), Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: Sony / Columbia Tristar
Release Date: 6/7/2005
Region 1
MPAA Rating: R (Sexuality / Nudity, Language and Some Drug Use)
Website

We'll give Stripes: Extended Cut an A.