6.5 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
T.T. (Dennis Christopher), a Midwesterner, has traveled to the beaches of California for a dose of the surfin' life. He believes that the people he finds there are glamorous and knowledgeable. They reject his Midwestern nerdiness, make fun of him, and generally give him a hard time for not fitting in and wanting to. However, eventually he figures out that they are no wiser than he is, and that their lives are surprisingly empty.
Starring: Glynnis O'Connor, Seymour Cassel, Dennis Christopher, John Calvin, Todd SusmanSci-Fi | Insignificant |
Drama | Insignificant |
Comedy | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
BDInfo
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (locked)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 3.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
The frolicking and playful mischief of a traditional beach party movie isn’t going to fly in the 1970s, inspiring writer Ned Wynn (who appeared in several Annette Funicello/Frankie Avalon pictures) to attempt something with a little more dramatic substance for 1978’s “California Dreaming.” At least for a little while. Trying to offer audiences more in the way of character development and feeling while still indulging adolescent shenanigans, the feature has something of a personality, dealing with self-destructive behaviors and challenging relationships, also bringing in a cast eager to offer more than just a basic routine of teen lust and cartoon antagonism. “California Dreaming” ultimately gets too heavy for its own good, but the first two acts manage to avoid a few expectations, with Wynn interested in generating a community atmosphere filled with odd people either hoping to achieve or actively deny their dreams.
The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "California Dreaming" is sourced from a "brand new 2019 HD master." Original cinematography for the movie already favors a softer look, giving the effort a sunlit haze, and detail does what it can here, emerging though facial surfaces and costuming, while body particulars are appealing, surveying all types of beach inhabitants. Distances are reasonably dimensional, and interiors retain an adequate look at decorative additions. Colors are appealing, favoring vibrant beachwear and evening dresses, including a blue outfit worn by Stephanie. There's a brighter palette to enjoy, exploring blue skies and golden sunsets, while signage and automobiles deliver varied hues. Skintones are natural. Delineation is acceptable. Source is in decent condition, with a few discolored frames. Mild judder is detected.
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix remains simple, focusing on dialogue exchanges, which provide a clear understanding of dramatic intent. Scoring cues support with adequate instrumentation, and soundtrack cuts carry a bit more power for montages and credits. Beach atmospherics are understood, keeping waves and community bustle appreciable.
To its credit, "California Dreaming" makes the effort to take these characters seriously, understanding how they hurt, following Stephanie's disillusionment with Rick, who can't control himself. Time with T.T. and Corky examines their love/hate relationship, which evolves into something more, keeping the virginal girl on edge as she contemplates making a life-changing decision. Even Rick is kept away from cliché, exposed as guy who can't throttle his urges, comfortable with his destructive routine even as he recognizes his failures. There's plenty here to understand, which is a pleasant change of pace, keeping the movie from being a simplistic comedy. However, the final act dives into melodrama, suddenly shifting into severity that doesn't mesh with the overall tone of the picture. It's an awkward transition into gloominess, forcing the endeavor to exit on a downbeat note, which doesn't feel organic. "California Dreaming" doesn't stick the landing, but the ride there provides relatively distinct personalities and an appealing overview of beach life, giving viewers the escapism they're after as Wynn follows exploitation orders and strives to deal compassionately with his characters, keeping the Frankie & Annette vibe at arm's length.
1988
1984
Thermostellar Edition
1974
1987
2020
1965
1988
1994
Avere Vent'anni
1978
5ive
1951
2012
2010
1987
Director's Cut
1993
1987
1983
Retro VHS Collection
1984
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1975
1982