Product Details

• Actors: Kevin Costner, Judd Nelson, Sam Robards, Chuck Bush, Brian Cesak
• Directors: Kevin Reynolds
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, HiFi Sound, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Warner Home Video
• VHS Release Date: January 26, 1999
• Run Time: 91 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (122 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 0790740176
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #26,576 in Video (See Bestsellers in Video)

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Editorial Reviews

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An unknown Kevin Costner is magnetic in this entertaining road picture that bypassed most theaters when it was released in 1985. On the eve of their college graduation in 1972, five students go off for one last road trip together to righteously celebrate the privilege of youth. Kevin Reynolds expanded his grad-school film to make this one, which he also directed, and it caught the eye of Steven Spielberg, who made Fandango one of his first projects at the newly formed Amblin. Costner's charisma is undeniable in his first lead performance as Gardner Barnes, the free bird of the group. Barnes applauds buddy Kenneth's (Sam Robards) decision to cancel his wedding and now is talking him into dodging the draft. But lost love drives Gardner, too, and we see dreams of an abandoned beauty (Suzy Amis). Others in the car include stick-in-the-mud Judd Nelson (in his best performance), who is gung ho for fulfilling his duty in Vietnam, and the soft giant Dorman (Chuck Bush). Reynolds's aggressive camera style and great use of music (Elton John's "Saturday Night's Alright (for Fighting)" and Blind Faith's "Can't Find My Way Home" bookend the picture) make this film zing along. Reynolds and Costner went on to film (and fight off-screen) two more pictures, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Waterworld, but they were never better together than in this first film. Being hungry Hollywood unknowns does have certain advantages. --Doug Thomas

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Last Fandango, March 19, 2005

By	C. A. Luster "The Rook" (Burke, VA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Fandango (DVD)

Five graduate college students, calling themselves the Groovers set out on their last road trip together to dig up Dom before going their separate ways. One a loner, one a ROTC, one confused, one a minister, and one passed out. Gardner Barnes played by Kevin Costner is the loner that will realize he should not have been so distant. Phil Hicks played by Judd Nelson is the ROTC that begins to appreciate life rather than constantly complain about it. Kenneth Waggener played by Sam Robards is confused about giving up a chance at marriage and whether he should show up for duty in the service. Dorman played by Chuck Bush studied for ministry but is not sure how to approach it. He finds that supporting those around him is the answer. Lester Griffin, played by Brian Cesak, is passed out for most their journey but will wake up just in time for their last night together. The directing, acting, sets, and music are all great.

This movie was never a big hit, but it strikes a chord with most people that recall graduating from High School or College and spending a short time with their friends before going their own way. The journey in this case is to dig up a bottle not a friend. The journey is what makes this movie great because we realize that life is a journey and the trip is what makes it, not getting to the destination. Some scenes are hysterically funny like the Parachute School jump with pilot Truman Sparks played by Marvin J., McIntyre. Other scenes like the wedding are truly poignant. Don't miss the movie, it is one of Kevin Costner's and Judd Nelson's best. Fans of the 80s movies will definitely enjoy it. Although the timeline for the movie is 1971, the message is the same today. Life moves forward, so embrace it. The picture and sound quality on the DVD is excellent and it includes some extras. The soundtrack for this is wonderful if you are fan of rock and new age. Pat Metheny's "It's for you" is a nice touch.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Special Movie, June 9, 2003

By A Customer

Have you ever taken the ultimate road trip? Have you ever traveled that glorious byway of youth toward some pointless destination? And did you take all those detours down the side roads headed to grand new adventures promising endless fun? Do you remember those special people you left behind in their youth who are still very much a part of you today? Have you ever wondered what might have been had you not parted with that special girl who once you may have loved? And could you ever have imagined how your new beginnings would often cause such abrupt and melancholy endings?

Have you ever taken the ultimate road trip? You know, the one from yesterday to tomorrow, from childhood to adulthood, from high school or college to responsibility. Did you tarry along the way? And all the while, did you notice the direction home behind you was vanishing? Do you ever wish you could go back to those crossroads in your life, if only for a few moments, knowing what you know today? Do you cherish your choices? And most of all, do you cherish those unforgettable memories of your youth?

Or do you just like the shape of Texas?

If your fancy dances to any of these themes, then you should consider dancing this Fandango.

For almost two decades a Kevin Reynolds' classic has remained the best kept secret in Hollywood. It simply beggars belief. Fandango deserved better. Yes, I know . . . it's a bit sophomoric and far-fetched at times, but behind all the "Animal House" humor lies "Big Chill" substance. If you give it a chance, Fandango will do what it does best. It will take you home again, if only for a while. In a perfect ending, Fandango blends incredible music with such sweet sadness, it cannot fail to stir both heart and soul. So, don't miss this dance. It's a privilege of youth, and it's for you.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hey, WB; do us a favor here..., May 6, 2002

By	Lost in VA "movie and music fan" (Earlysville, VA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Fandango (1985) [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This little coming-of-age flick is a real gem. All of the comments of hungry actors, hungry directors, etc., etc., etc., are correct. And, perhaps, the wonderful script, the genuine enthusiastic acting, the flying stunts, the hundreds of moments we can all identify with (You've got to love the bottle rocket battle, and the broken down car scene), the soundtrack which is arguably one of the best uses of classic cuts by Blind Faith, Elton John, and the wonderful Pat Metheny ballad at the wedding, all pull this little cinematic adventure together.

Read all the reviews, see the movie, and then do us all a favor. With the myriad tons of junk released on DVD these days (and re- and re-released, with more "features", second disks of the director's brothers commentary, and on and on, ad nauseum), write a note to Warner, and maybe WB could do us consumers a small favor and release this on DVD. Hey, I'll buy the first. Maybe the second and third, too, as gifts.

This movie is one of those wonderful reasons to have a home theater, and share moments with family and friends, and maybe just sit around and have an evening to yourself, and cherish what the big screen can do. How about a little help, eh WB?