Despite mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike, 1987’s Throw Momma from the Train was a moderate success at the box office and has since become a cult classic of sorts. Inspired by Patricia Highsmith’s novel Strangers on a Train, the subsequent film adaptation, and the Patti Page song “Mama from the Train (A Kiss, A Kiss)” Throw Momma from the Train stars Danny DeVito, who also makes his directing debut. The film also stars Billy Crystal and Anne Ramsey as the proverbial “Momma,” who received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Billy Crystal stars as Larry Donner, a writer with a bad case of writer’s block. To make matters worse, he is fuming because his ex-wife Margaret (Kate Mulgrew) stole his book idea and become an enormous success. So successful in fact, that she appears on The Oprah Winfrey Show. As her fame and fortune grow, Larry’s hatred becomes all consuming. Meanwhile, Larry is teaching a class in creative writing at a community college. One of his students, Owen Lift (Danny DeVito) lacks any writing skills, but has his own frustrations. He still lives with his mother (Anne Ramsay), who is overbearing, constantly insults him, and makes his life miserable. It’s no wonder he fantasizes about her demise. Owen isn’t the brightest bulb, so when he hears Larry declare that he wishes Margaret were dead, Owen decides he’s the man to do it. With Margaret apparently dead, Owen approaches Larry to force him into his side of a one-sided bargain: Kill Momma. This proves to be harder than Owen and Larry thought…
Helped by the chemistry between Billy Crystal and Danny DeVito, and the unique cinematography by Barry Sonnenfeld, what could have been just another ordinary comedy is exceptional. Larry and Owen make the perfect foils for one another. Crystal’s Larry is often over the top, contrasting with DeVito’s Owen, and his much more subdued personality. His first time in the director’s chair, Danny DeVito keeps things moving throughout the brisk eighty-eight-minute runtime.
While everyone in the cast—including Kate Mulgrew, Kim Greist, Branford Marsalis, Bruce Kirby and cameos by Oprah Winfrey and Rob Reiner—acquits themselves well, it’s Anne Ramsey, with her unforgettable portrayal of Mrs. “Momma” Lift, who steals the show. Nearly forty years after its release, Throw Momma from the Train remains a fun romp.
Presented in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, Kino Lorber’s recent 4K release is from a brand HDR/Dolby Vision transfer created from a 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative. Approved by actor/director Danny Devito, the results are stunning. Sonnenfeld’s cinematography shines, be close-ups or wide-angle shots. Clarity is wonderful throughout, with a sense of depth not apparent in earlier home video releases. A nice level of film grain adds to cinematic look, as does strong fine detail. Colors are vivid and blacks are inky. A few minimal scratches are apparent, but don’t negatively affect the overall viewing experience.
This release includes both a 5.1 surround track and a 2.0 lossless soundtrack. I watched the 4K with the 5.1 surround track. The results were pleasing, offering a strong mix David Newman’s score with the voices. Never drowned out by the music, dialogue is clean, clear, and concise. There are no pops, or other audio anomalies.
English SDH subtitles are included.
The following extras are available:
DISC 1 (4KUHD):
- NEW!! Audio Commentary by Hats Off Entertainment’s Joe Ramoni
DISC 2 (BLU-RAY):
- NEW!! Audio Commentary by Hats Off Entertainment’s Joe Ramoni
- Wide Angle Dark Humor: NEW!! Interview with Cinematographer Barry Sonnenfeld
- Crafting a Dark Comedy: Featurette | Why Do You Hate Your Mother? Featurette
- The Night Was…: Featurette
- 4 Deleted Scenes
- Theatrical Trailer
