Heartbeeps Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.5

Heartbeeps Blu-ray Movie Review

A charming science-fiction experience with heart

Executive produced by Douglas Green (Hawaii Five-O, Magnum, P.I.), Heartbeeps is a science-fiction fantasy with romantic-comedy elements tossed into the equation. The story centers around a group of robots and their misfit adventures. Directed by Allan Arkush (Rock 'n' Roll High School, Get Crazy), the odyssey of Heartbeeps is a unique creation which should charm genre-enthusiasts. A fun filled ride.

Val (Andy Kaufman) is a high-tech robot designed to be a personal servant. The quirky and offbeat robot has a unique personality that is all his own. While undergoing some robotic repairs, Val meets a female robot that catches his eye: the beautiful Aqua (Bernadette Peters). Utilized in a similar (but different) manner in the business, Aqua works a “party” and is also designed to serve. Determined to change their morbid fates, Val and Aqua escape from the repair shop and set loose into the wilderness in a quest for freedom. A chase goes underway as the two love-bird robots are followed by the off-kilter robot Crimebuster. Will Val and Aqua escape and find true happiness?

One of the most enchanting elements of the production is the memorable music score composed by the great John Williams (Jurassic Park, Star Wars). The music to Heartbeeps is simply incredible and one of the best reasons to see the film. There is a beautiful simplicity to the music. The music will stay in audience's minds long after the credits roll. Charming, breezy, and heartfelt, Williams crafted a top notch score to this underrated science-fiction delight.

"What is the purpose of rainbows? They are designed to make us smile."

Featuring cinematography by Charles Rosher Jr. (3 Women, Together Brothers), Heartbeeps is a unique visual creation that has a number of impressive elements on display throughout the experience. The style never feels dystopian and instead has a warmth to it which strikes an emotional chord with the heart. The world of the characters is one that is uniquely enhanced by these stylistic flourishes (from the green outdoors to the rainbows in the sky). There's a true beauty behind the production and it radiates throughout the experience.

The style of the filmmaking is similarly enhanced by the fascinating use of special effects. Utilizing traditional effects work to tell the story, Heartbeeps finds itself with special makeup effects by the genius of Stan Winston (Jurassic Park). One of the earlier efforts by the innovative designer, the production is ten-folds more unique because of Winston. Accompanying the visuals charm is the production design by John W. Corso (The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles). The designs are more creative than expected and are certainly a nice match for the aesthetic of the robots.

Arkush turns Heartbeeps into a fun excursion (directing the actors with gusto: both Andy Kaufman and Bernadette Peters have a great time in their respective parts). The off-the-wall screenplay by John Hill (Little Nikita, Quigley Down Under) works because of its clear originality. The costumes by Madeline Ann Graneto (O'Hara's Wife, Hot Paint) contribute to the science-fiction world and fit like a glove. While by no means a perfect effort, the creativity director Arkush brings forth in Heartbeeps is superb and makes the entire experience a worthwhile one. A strange, quirky, and charming science-fiction trip audiences will want to go on.

Heartbeeps Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, Heartbeeps has received a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original 2.35:1 widescreen theatrical aspect ratio. Though the film isn't presented with a new 4K restoration, the scan is surprisingly in excellent condition. There are some occasional minor specks of dirt on the print but the quality of the footage is generally superb with reasonably engaging visuals. Colors on the print are not quite as robust as ideal but still look pleasing for the most part (and are certainly satisfactory). Fans of the film will be pleased by the quality scan.

Heartbeeps Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release has received a DTS HD Master Audio mono soundtrack presentation. This is a pleasing soundtrack with good fidelity overall. The track sounds relatively crisp and has exceptionally clear dialogue reproduction. There are no distracting problems with egregious hiss, crackling, or pops throughout the track. Optional English subtitles are provided.

Heartbeeps Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Director Allan Arkush and Film Historian/Director Daniel Kremer

Heartbeeps Theatrical Trailer (SD, 2:30)

The release also includes a selection of theatrical trailers for other releases available from distributor Kino Lorber: Transylvania 6-5000 (SD, 1:27), Legal Eagles (SD, 1:52), and The Nude Bomb (SD, 2:48).

Heartbeeps Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Heartbeeps is a much more engaging experience than one might expect going in to the film. The concept seems a bit "out-there" and old-fashioned for a futuristic science-fiction story. Even so, something about Heartbeeps simply manages to charm and delight. The fantastic score by John Williams helps, of course. So does the fantastic visual effects by Stan Winston (Jurassic Park). Certainly, Heartbeeps delivers one thing in spades: a heart beep of its own. The Blu-ray has a worthwhile presentation and comes recommended for fans of the film.