Harris K. Telemacher (Steve Martin) is the “wacky weatherman” for KYOY Channel 4 in Los Angeles. He has just realized that he is deeply unhappy, but didn’t know it because he’s so happy all the time. He and girlfriend Trudi (Marilu Henner) have been together for three years, but there isn’t really a lot of love between them. While having brunch with some friends, he meets Sara McDowel (Victoria Tennant), who actually gets his offbeat style of humor, and he instantly falls in love. Sara has just flown in from the UK to write an article about Los Angeles for the London Times, and also to meet up with her ex, Roland (Richard E. Grant), a stodgy man who’s hoping to win her back. Sara wants to interview Harris for her article, and he offers to take her on a tour of the city, showing her all the offbeat sites and unusual people/customs. While they both seem to have feelings for one another, both are technically in other relationships, and also wonder how the long distance would work. As they both try to figure out if they could make a relationship between them work, and explore more of this crazy city, Harris also receives advice from wild best friend/next door neighbor Ariel (Susan Forristal), and a seemingly-divine freeway signpost that uses its digital screen to guide and inspire him.

L.A. Story is not only a romantic comedy, but also a love letter to the city of Los Angeles, both poking fun of (but never in a mean-spirited way) and celebrating all of its quirks, idiosyncrasies and eccentricities. This film is also classic Steve Martin. I was often reminded of The Jerk, with Martin’s narration, his character breaking into rambling soliloquies, the use of physical humor and witty dialogue, and the characters oblivious to and unfazed by all the wackiness and absurdity that’s happening around them. As the film opens we see Harris late for work, so to avoid the gridlock he takes his car on the sidewalk, drives through stores, down stairways, etc. all while waving to his neighbors, for whom this is just the daily routine. In another scene, a trip to a full service gas station looks more like a racing pit stop. The “talking” freeway sign is not the only surreal thing in the film. The movie will also cut away to these hilarious moments such as Harris imagining the restaurant Maitre D’ insisting on seeing his financials at the bank before giving him a reservation. The movie also makes some social commentary on the craziness of life in Los Angeles, such as a robber introducing himself before his crime, or Harris getting his gun ready when he realizes it’s the first day of Spring/Open Season on the freeway. There’s also the panic that’s caused by a 58 degree day versus the complete calmness during an earthquake, or when Harris laughs when Sara suggests they walk to a destination just 6 blocks away. Every scene is packed with layers of comedy, not only in the witty dialogue but also with so many things happening in the background. You could watch this film over and over again, and keep finding new things to laugh at.

Martin is in top form comedically, and also has great chemistry with co-star Tennant (who were married at the time). The film also has an amazing supporting cast, which includes Sarah Jessica Parker as SanDeE*, a wild and free-spirited shop girl who flirts with Harris. There are also many big name stars in smaller roles, such as Kevin Pollak as Harris’ agent Frank, Patrick Stewart as the snooty French Maitre D’, Chevy Chase as a patron at the restaurant, Woody Harrelson as Harris’ boss at the TV station, Rick Moranis as a crazy cockney gravedigger, George Plimpton as an extremely non-wacky weatherman, and more. Harris’ brunch friends also include some recognizable faces, such as Frances Fisher, Iman and Larry Miller.

While L.A. Story was made in the early 90s, and some of the style and technology certainly reflects the era—like a waiter rapping like the Fresh Prince, or Harris being excited about the voice dial or speakerphone on his new telephone—much of the film still feels quite timeless and relevant today. L.A. is still known for its sun and crazy and eccentric people and ideas.

Lionsgate’s Blu-ray release looks and sounds quite good, especially given the age of the film. The video presentation is a bit uneven—it can be a bit grainy at times, but is generally pleasing, and sometimes even fantastic, with an excellent level of detail. There are just a couple of scenes where the film grain gets a bit too heavy, such as when Harris and SanDeE* are walking out from getting their high colonics. That said, I’m sure this is the best this film has ever looked. The audio track provides clear dialogue throughout, and the film’s soundtrack, which includes some perfectly-placed Enya tunes, sounds great, though primarily focused in the front. The track also makes noticeable use of the stereo and surround channels to provide a more-immersive experience, such as during the film’s big storm sequence.

The Blu-ray disc comes packed in a standard HD keepcase, with a glossy slipcover, along with an insert with redemption instructions for an HD digital copy of the film. The disc includes a new 24-minute interview with director Mick Jackson as well all of the bonus material from the previous 15th anniversary DVD release. This includes 21 minutes of deleted scenes/outtakes and over 30 minutes of behind-the-scenes featurettes, plus trailers and TV spots.

What’s Included:

Film: (1:35:10)

Blu-ray:

• 1080p / Widescreen 1.85:1
• Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio
• Subtitles: English, English SDH, Spanish

Digital (Code subject to expiration, may not be valid after 11/9/2022):

• HD Digital Copy redeemable via Vudu (not Movies Anywhere compatible)

Extras:
Most of the bonus material was originally produced for the 15th anniversary DVD release, though it does include one new interview with director Mick Jackson.

• O2BINLA: Mick Jackson’s L.A. Stories (23:58)
  New to this release, director Mick Jackson talks about how he first turned down film, but was convinced after driving around with Steve Martin and seeing L.A. from his eyes. He talks about the look of the movie, the amazing cast including a young Sarah Jessica Parker, some of the tough cuts he had to make such as all of John Lithgow’s scenes, reactions to the initial private screening of the film, the filming locations, a quick fix to a continuity error, the music, working with Steve Martin, and more.
• The Story of L.A. Story (12:34)
  The filmmakers discuss how the idea for the film came about, how L.A. is a character in the movie, filming in Los Angeles, the challenges and advantages of having an English director who didn’t know the city, the genius of Steve Martin, the amazing cast, the removed sequence with John Lithgow, screening the film for Princess Di, a look back at the film 15 years later, and more. Includes clips, behind-he-scenes footage, and interviews with producer Daniel Melnick, director Mick Jackson, and star Steve Martin (“Harris K. Telemacher”).
• The L.A. of L.A. Story (15:33)
  Production designer Lawrence Miller talks about many of the filming locations used in the film over clips from the movie as well as some new footage of him in the locations 15 years later. He shares some interesting production stories about shooting some of the scenes, and factoids about the locations also pop up on the bottom of the screen on mini highway signs.
• Deleted Scenes and Outtakes (20:51)
  Collection of 16 deleted scenes and two versions of the alternate ending. While many of these are short, some of the longer scenes include a visit to a health food store, a kazoo playing church choir, a multipart storyline about an aspiring boxer and his supportive girlfriend, the entire multi-part storyline involving John Lithgow’s character Harry Zell plus some additional raw footage and the alternate ending, additional freeway sign material, and more. Play All, or select from:
  • Sc. 38: Wacky Weather (:19)
  • Sc. 61: The Boxer, Part 1 (:23)
  • Sc. 83: Moral Fiber (1:47)
  • Sc. 86: Kazoo Church (1:53)
  • Sc. 89: Cemetery Talk (:26)
  • Sc. 108: Freeway Sign, Part 1 (:45)
  • Sc. 109-112: When Harris Meets Harry (5:29)
  • Sc. 112: John Lithgow Uncut (1:01)
  • Sc. 122-125: Harris Goes Commercial (1:33)
  • Sc. 131: Harry Zell Skipping (:13)
  • Sc. 151: Harry Zell Drops In (:40)
  • Sc. 165: The Boxer, Part 2 (:24)
  • Sc. 195: The Boxer, Part 3 (:50)
  • Sc. 199: Harris’ Skating Argument (:43)
  • Sc. 203: The Boxer, Part 4 (:34)
  • Sc. 204: Freeway Sign, Part 2 (2:06)
  • Sc. 235-239: Alternate Ending (1:30)
  • Sc. 235-239: Alternate Ending Textless (:09)
• 1991 E.P.K. (5:40)
  The original promotional featurette for the film’s theatrical release. Includes clips, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with stars Steve Martin, Marilu Henner (“Trudi”) & Victoria Tennant (“Sara McDowel”), and producer Daniel Melnick. Presented in 4:3 full frame format.
• Trailers
  Presented in 4:3 full frame format.
  • Teaser Trailer (1:48)
  • Theatrical Trailer (1:18)
• TV Spots (4:14)
  Presented in 4:3 full frame format. Play All or select from:
  • Teaser Cutdown (:31)
  • Only in L.A. (:32)
  • Cable: 60 (1:02)
  • Cable Revised (1:02)
  • Life Was Good (:32)
  • People Are Friendly (:33)

Final Thoughts:

I don’t recall being a fan of L.A. Story when it was first released, but watching it again on this Blu-ray release, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Steve Martin is in classic form, and is joined by an amazing and hilarious supporting cast. The film has so many layers of humor that it easily lends itself to multiple viewings. Lionsgate’s Blu-ray provides a slightly uneven picture, though still quite good, and great sound. It ports over all of the bonus material from the 15th anniversary release and adds a brand new interview with the director as well as a digital copy of the movie. This is an easy recommendation/upgrade for fans of the film, or of classic Steve Martin comedies in general.