To many, John Candy is one of the best comedic actors to emerge from the ‘80s era. Unsung in many ways, it could be argued Candy’s talents were never fully explored, with the exception of roles in films like 1987’s Planes, Trains and Automobiles, 1988’s The Great Outdoors, and 1989’s Uncle Buck.
Tragically gone too young at the age of forty-three years in 1994, Candy left behind him a legacy as a loveable personality on and off the silver screen. Candy, a hard worker, took many jobs before his big break, which included hosting an NBC program called Roadshow in 1980, which included him interviewing Ultravox’s Midge Ure. An interesting tidbit of information: some early roles included supporting spots in 1981’s Stripes, 1983’s National Lampoon’s Vacation before his big break as a leading man in the 1985 flick Summer Rental.
Directed by the legendary Carl Reiner, from a script co-written by Emmy winners Jeremy Stevens and Mark Reisman, Summer Rental was a great opportunity for John Candy to make a bigger impact. With these key talents in place, Candy’s character of an overworked, stressed-out father of three, Jack Chester, is pinned up against an arrogant Floridan Sailing champion named Al Pellet (portrayed by Richard Crenna, who is famous for various roles, including 1982’s First Blood).
Looking to have a relaxing reprieve, Jack, unfortunately, is faced with one issue after another, including his oldest daughter Jennifer (played by Kerri Green, who would find huge acclaim with her role in The Goonies, released two months before) talking with lifeguards, and his hopes to bond with his little son Bobby (played by Joey Lawrence in his first ever role).
Fortunately, Jack had a very supportive, lovely wife in Sandy (played by seasoned actress Karen Austin, known for her role in Night Court) and an unlikely new friend in a pirate-like local restaurant owner who passes off frozen fish sticks as the catch of the day named Richard Scully (played by that is the glue to Academy Award-nominated Rip Torn) to navigate the imperfect vacation.
Released in theaters on August 9th at the peak of the summer of 1985, Summer Rental was a pretty big hit and even found itself right behind the big summertime film Back to the Future in terms of earnings. In good company, it helps that Candy was a hit as well. It proved he had the ability to hold a leading character, which led him to more success in future roles. It even landed him his own animated television Saturday Morning Cartoon series called Camp Candy in 1989.
Overall, a fun film, Summer Rental makes you laugh, smile, and realize how great a strong family unit can be for the soul. Honestly, it is an essential Comedy when you think of those that the ‘80s delivered. Plus, who cannot forget the classic theatrical poster of Candy juggling a cooler, beach umbrella, and water skis over the sand that dressed cinema light boxes or the local video store? The answer is no one; it is part of the decade’s cultural history. That is why it is exciting to learn a new Blu-ray with 4K Ultra HD scan, which is set for release on February 21, 2025, through Kino Lorber.
The first ever 4K Ultra HD transfer of Summer Rental, in the past, arrived on VHS in 1986, DVD initially in 2001, before several other DVD releases in the years to follow. This time, an HD Master from the 35mm original camera negative; the imagery is rich in contrast and colorful and presents Summer Rental in a delightful new light. Presented with the original classic art on the Blu-ray insert and a nice slipcover, the special features include audio commentary from Film Historian Joe Ramoni, plus a cool featurette called Ear Candy: The Music of Summer Rental, which explores the soundtrack from Award-winning Composer Alan Silvestri.
Altogether, this new edition of Summer Rental is the perfect homage to John Candy’s first-ever main man role as the film is set to celebrate a fortieth anniversary. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Kino Lorber’s new Blu-ray edition 5 out of 5 stars.
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