Big: Extended Edition

Big: Extended Edition, released on DVD in the USA, is a reimagined version of the 1988 comedy film starring Tom Hanks as Josh Baskin, who acquires the ability to grow to gigantic proportions after making a wish on a magic board game. This Extended Edition expands on the original theatrical release by adding new scenes that deepen the narrative, including an extended storyline involving Josh’s rivalry with his childhood friend Billy Walker (played by Billy Redwood) and the revamped gameshow hosted by Frankie Stein. Johnny Ray’s iconic “The Number One Song in America” performance is also extended, showcasing its musical sequence in greater detail. The film’s humor remains slapstick and family-friendly, largely driven by Hanks’ physical comedy and the absurdity of a pint-sized Josh navigating a world scaled for adults, such as his precarious apartment living arrangements and his interactions with strangers who mistake him for a real giant. While retaining the original’s comedic charm, the Extended Edition’s additional content fleshes out quieter moments and provides subtle continuity improvements. The movie doesn’t shy away from visual gags, like Josh’s use of everyday objects as weapons or the escalating chaos during the gameshow, but the Extended Edition adds layers to the protagonist’s emotional journey, balancing physical comedy with glimpses of Josh’s struggles and triumphs. Its runtime makes it a nostalgic, heartwarming trip with enhanced pacing, though not all cuts are universally praised. The inclusion of Cleo Rumble (Peg Phillips), his aunt, and Billy’s character highlights renewed tensions and relationships, avoiding overshadowing Hanks’ comedic heroics. Overall, Big: Extended Edition balances familiarity with fresh additions, leaning into Hanks’ star power to refine a story that’s as much about growing up as it is about literal growth.