Fatso

Director - Anne Bancroft

Starring -Dom DeLuise, Anne Bancroft, Ron Carey

Country of Origin- U.S.
 

Distributor - Shout! Factory

Number of discs –  1

Reviewed by - David Steigman

Date- 06/20/2019

Not many things can be as enjoyable as eating and enjoying food. In most cases one of the most enjoyable things in life is eating a good meal, a sweet dessert, or just your favorite snacks. Even trying new foods is a very enjoyable part of our life and culture.  Of course the downside of food consumption is there are those who can’t stop eating, for one reason or another, whether it’s an addiction, a psychological problem or simply an eating disorder.

Fatso is the story about a man Dominick “Dom” DiNapoli (Dom DeLuise) who has an eating disorder. Ever since childhood (as shown in the films’ opening credits) young Dom, as he grow up eats, eats and eats like there’s no tomorrow. His heavy eating continues to his 40s to the point where he is overweight and potentially could be facing health problems. After his cousin Sal dies due to health issues originating from lack of exercising and a balanced diet, Antoinette (Anne Bancroft), Dominick's sister, makes him promise to see a diet doctor and lose some weight. He tries his best to diet, but as with anyone who loves to eat, finds it difficult, especially when he is told what not to eat, which is basically everything he enjoys. He fails with the diet and his sister sends him to the “Chubby Checkers” support group. One day Dom meets Lydia Bollowenski (Candice Azzara), and the two are immediately attracted to each other. Dom wants to ask her out but is afraid to because of his weight. Eventually they do start to date, which causes him to eat less and the pounds start to drop. Spending time with Lydia has caused to stop eating as much as he once did and also avoiding unhealthy food. He ultimately learns that love for women is more important for his love of food. He has found happiness until she winds up missing on the day he plans to propose marriage to her, depressing him again.

Fatso is a charming, silly comedy with its context about eating disorders and obesity. The entire cast hands in first class performances; the characters succeed in keeping you in tune. It’s also a film that touches upon various emotions, as you will laugh and may also cry while giving Fatso a spin. Dom DeLuise is just wonderful as the tormented by food Dominick. The movie’s message is about ones unhappiness and or depression leads to over-indulgence; and how eating is a way to stop the sadness.

Shout Factory debuts Fatso on Blu-ray and it’s a superb release. The picture quality is strong with bold, deep rich colors. Reds and yellows tend to be the richest of the colors. Fatso has a nice smooth, polished look to it and easily surpasses the DVD. Interior shots look spectacular with great details and deep textures. Film grain is present throughout the presentation. During the picture’s opening moments some dirt and debris were detected but after that, it’s a crisp, clean presentation. Skin tones also look accurate with strong details during close-ups. There is no doubt, no question that Fatso has never looked any better.

The English DTS-HD master audio 2.0 track for this release is also loud and clear without drop-offs or hissing. The dialog, Joe Renzetti’s musical score and other noises come in clear, being neither too timid nor too aggressive. There were no difficulties hearing anything.

There are a couple of extras in this offering from Shout Factory.

Looking Back On Fatso with Producers Stuart Cornfeld and Mel Brooks is a 12 minute discussion about the film, the cast, and what message the film was trying to convey.

There is also a new nearly 30 minute interview with film historian Maya Montañez Smukler who talks about various female directors, their struggles to direct films for major studios and other factual information, leading its way in relation to Anne Bancroft and her film, Fatso. This is an insightful piece. An image gallery and a press kit round off the extras.

It’s a real ‘treat’ to finally see Fatso in high definition. The movie is excellent, as is the audio and video quality, plus a couple of cool extras make this release from Shout Factory recommended and worthy of your ‘indulgence’!