American Dreamer Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		0.0
Overall		3.5

American Dreamer Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 10, 2016

As a farce, 1984’s “American Dreamer” lacks a certain amount of verve to carry it from start to finish. I suppose this is to be expected when a European spy romp is directed by the man who made “Halloween II,” and helmer Rick Rosenthal seems particularly baffled by the working parts of the picture. Although it aims to be spirited, “American Dreamer” isn’t magical enough to impress, often flailing with lukewarm plotting and distant performances, unable to blossom in full.

It’s star JoBeth Williams who works overtime to make “American Dreamer” shine as much as it can. She’s a bit out of her league here, but Williams keeps her energy up throughout, embracing this semi-parody of spy novels with broad reactions and complete commitment. Failing her is co-star Tom Conti, who’s a drip as a male lead, offer no discernible chemistry with Williams, often caught napping while his scene partner is dancing around the frame. Romantic playfulness doesn’t emerge as intended, leaving “American Dreamer” a feeble comedy without heat and inspired interplay, diluting any overall plan to charm.

American Dreamer Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation does appear to have a little age on it, but the essentials for an engaging viewing experience are represented. Detail is agreeable, taking in these varied faces and permitting a scan of dynamic locations. Colors are true, with stable primaries and an emphasis on red to make certain characters pop. Delineation is comfortable, never losing frame information. Source is in terrific shape, with little visible wear and tear.

American Dreamer Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 LPCM sound mix requires some additional volume to bring it up to acceptable standards, but once the level is fixed, the track supplies a strong listening event capable of supporting action and comedy. Dialogue exchanges are crisp and clear, handling accents with ease. Scoring is full, with clean instrumentation. Closing soundtrack cut is also fresh and inviting. Atmospherics are active with crowd bustle and interior echo. Sound effects retain snap and rumble.

American Dreamer Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

There is no supplementary material on this disc.

American Dreamer Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"American Dreamer" aims to achieve a grander sense of adventuring in the finale, which amplifies stunt work and villainous threat. There's pleasing escalation, and Rosenthal offers some impressive visuals, but the feature can't slip out of first gear, trying without success to present itself as high-flying take on fantasy, espionage, and domestic submission. There's a germ of an idea here that has potential, but rhythm is never achieved, leaving "American Dreamer" spinning its wheels for most of its run time.