My Stepmother is an Alien – Arrow Video (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: USA, 1988
Director: Richard Benjamin
Writers: Jerico Stone, Herschel Weingrod, Timothy Harris, Jonathan Reynolds
Cast: Dan Aykroyd, Kim Basinger, Jon Lovitz, Alyson Hannigan, Joseph Maher, Seth Green, Ann Prentiss, Wesley Mann, Harry Shearer, Juliette Lewis

Release Date: December 13th, 2021 (UK), December 14th, 2021 (USA)
Approximate Running Time: 107 Minutes 56 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC
Rating: 15 (UK), PG-13 (USA)
Sound: LPCM Stereo English
Subtitles: English SDH
Region Coding: Region A,B
Retail Price: £24.99 (UK), $39.95 (USA)

"When widowed astronomer Steve Mills (Aykroyd) inadvertently causes a gravitational disruption in deep space, a race of hyper-advanced alien lifeforms sends one of their own to investigate, disguised in the alluring human form of Celeste (Basinger). Tasked with seducing the lovelorn Steve in a bid to gain access to his scientific research, Celeste finds herself falling for the man she’s been sent to swindle. But they’ve reckoned without Steve’s young daughter Jessie (Alyson Hannigan, Buffy the Vampire Slayer), who’s none too thrilled by the prospect of a new mother – especially not one from another planet." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 4.5/5

Here’s the information provided about this release's transfer, “My Stepmother is an Alien was restored in 2K by Sony Pictures Entertainment. 4K scanning by Picture Shop, Hollywood from the 35mm original picture negative. Color grading by colorist Mike Underwood, and digital restoration was completed by Deluxe Audio Services, Hollywood.”

My Stepmother is an Alien comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 35.1 GB

Feature: 30.8 GB

The source used for this transfer is in excellent shape. Colors, image clarity, and black levels look solid, and the grain remains intact.

Audio: 4.5/5

This release comes with one audio option, a LPCM stereo mix in English, and included with this release are removable English SDH subtitles. The audio sounds clean, clear, and balanced throughout.

Extras:

Extras for this release include an image gallery (12 stills), a trailer (32 seconds, LPCM stereo English, no subtitles), an interview with director Richard Benjamin titled Cosmetic Encounters: Directing My Stepmother is An Alien (14 minutes 8 seconds, LPCM stereo English, no subtitles), an audio commentary with film critic Bryan Reesman, reversible cover art, a limited-edition slipcover and a twenty-page booklet with cast & crew information, an essay titled A Family That is Out of This World: The Changing Face of the Family in My Stepmother is an Alien written by Amanda Reyes and information about the restoration/transfer.

Summary:

My Stepmother is an Alien is a comedy from an era when films walked that line between films meant for adults and children. And though there are a few jokes in My Stepmother is an Alien that earn this film its PG-13 rating, Most of the humor is actually kid-friendly.

Anyone familiar with Dan Aykroyd should know what to expect from My Stepmother is an Alien. Though his role is tailored for his type of humor. What makes his performance work so well is his chemistry with Kim Basinger who portrays an alien. Not to be overlooked is how good Kim Basinger is when it comes to delivering humor. That said, besides its two leads, My Stepmother is an Alien features a solid cast who are all very good in their respective roles.

From a production standpoint, My Stepmother is an Alien was a mainstream film that had all the resources it needed to succeed. Unfortunately, outside of a few standout comedy set pieces, the bulk of My Stepmother is an Alien misses its mark. Ultimately, My Stepmother is an Alien features a ridiculous premise that does not fully realize its potential.

My Stepmother is an Alien gets a first-rate release from Arrow Video that comes with a solid audio/video presentation and a pair of informative extras. Recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer