6.3 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
A struggling young jazz dancer meets up with two break-dancers. Together they become the sensation of the street crowds.
Starring: Lucinda Dickey, Christopher McDonald, Lela Rochon, Adolfo Quinones, Jean-Claude Van DammeComedy | 100% |
Musical | 31% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
English
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 1.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Never one to let a trend slip through his fingers, producer Menahem Golan quickly jumped on the opportunity to make a movie based on the breakdancing craze that swept across the nation in the 1980s. Golan’s Cannon Films sprinted to the finish line with 1984’s “Breakin’” with hopes to beat the competition, “Beat Street” (which took a more sobering look at hip hop culture), to the punch. Cannon won the war, transforming the feature into a sizable hit (keep in mind that the movie outgrossed “The Terminator” that year). While such production determination is interesting, “Breakin’” certainly has its issues, struggling with dramatic concerns as it spends most of its energy on musical numbers and street dance choreography. However, technical and emotional limitations aside, the picture has a certain spirit that’s hard to deny, providing a look at bodies in motion as they quake, roll, and spin their way around the frame, keeping the feature’s batteries charged long enough to make the effort easily digestible and, at times, terrific escapism.
The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation doesn't represent a fresh scan, showing slight signs of age through a mild muting of vibrancy. Colors do retain some punch, capturing loud costumes with secure primaries, while beach life retains a more natural looks. Grain is managed but not removed, leaving some filmic appeal. Detail is satisfactory, with adequate textures on elaborate costuming and a clear handle on distances, making group dances easy to explore. Delineation is passable but never challenged in full in this brightly shot production.
Coming up against low-budget limitations with the source materials, the 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix doesn't provide a listening experience with encouraging depth. The track does the best it can with iffy dialogue recording, where banter is threatened by background elements. However, nothing is lost to distortion, retaining a comfortable but not remarkable range. Soundtrack cuts sound a little better, with defined beats and bass, capably supporting the musical numbers.
"Breakin'" ends in a very odd way. While the story is wrapped up with a big showcase number and bigger smiles, the picture actually concludes with a recap of the plot, perhaps offering those who've fallen asleep along the way a chance to catch up before the end credits. This has to be a first in cinema history. There's also a rap from Ice T that promises a sequel, which Cannon would hurriedly slip into production. It's a blast of weirdness that disorients "Breakin'" just as it's about to make its exit. I'm not sure what the production was thinking when putting together the final three minutes of the effort, but it's not terribly damaging, finding the fancy footwork and pronounced style of the era keeping the feature bright and welcoming, ready and apparently eager to carry on to the "Electric Boogaloo."
(Still not reliable for this title)
1984
Theatrical & Extended Cut
2012
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1941
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1983
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