9 to 5: The Sexist, Egotistical, Lying Hypocritical Bigot Edition

As the DVD reads, this edition of the 1980 classic celebrates "25 years of working for the man.” Coming at the end of a period of mainstream feminist films of the cotton candy variety (Norma Rae, An Unmarried Woman), 9 To 5 is far from subtle in its intentions but manages to make "down your throat” feminist ideals incredibly fun to watch. This is in large part due to Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton and Lily Tomlin, who look like they’re having a blast every moment they’re on screen. The comedy plays as a revenge piece for the masses, urging its audience to play along as Fonda, Parton and Tomlin kidnap their "sexist, egotistical, lying hypocritical bigot” of a boss (perfect weasel Dabney Coleman) and turn their office into an ’80s working women’s paradise. The complications of their scheme often get a bit extreme, but the actresses (even Parton, in her first onscreen role opposite two Oscar nominees) never let it get over the top. The humour is quite light but surprisingly risqué at times (a scene in which the three gals smoke some refer is an, um, high point) and, like Fonda herself, ages very well. Unlike many of its counterparts, this edition does not hold back on the "special.” The quality of the image is fantastic and a commentary that features all three actresses is almost as enjoyable as the film itself. The actresses also turn up for a set of "all new” interviews and do an excellent job at ensuring the viewer that making 9 To 5 really was at fun as it looks. Add this on to a bunch of deleted scenes, a great gag reel, a bizarrely retro theatrical trailer and a possibly useful karaoke feature for Parton’s classic theme song ("Working nine to five, what a way to make a living...”) and you've got yourself an addition to the DVD collection. (Fox)