6.4 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 2.0 | |
Overall | 2.8 |
Johnny, a 17 year old boy, succeeds in kidnapping Elvis Presley and thus convinces him to meet her mother who is a fan of his and has to stand difficult times at that moment.
Starring: David Keith, Tuesday Weld, Charlie Schlatter, Angela Goethals, John HawkesComedy | 100% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: Dolby Digital 2.0 (192 kbps)
None
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (C untested)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 2.0 | |
Audio | 2.0 | |
Extras | 0.0 | |
Overall | 2.0 |
Heartbreak Hotel seems a somewhat odd title not for a movie about a fictionalized little side journey in Elvis Presley's life but for a film that's actually rather cherry, hopeful, and upbeat, not in some way melancholy or carrying the negative connotation the world "heartbreak" carries into the conversation. Writer/Director Chris Columbus' (Adventures in Babysitting, Home Alone) charming little 1988 nod to both The King and the human spirit reinforces good feelings about the humanity that exists inside everyone, whether a single mother seeking answers, a teenager searching for his place in life, a little girl who is afraid of the dark, or the King of Rock 'N' Roll himself. It's make-believe at just about it's most simple, injecting a recognizable character into a relatable situation and yielding both relatable and predictable results, but the fun and charm comes from the fact that it works so well and leaves a big old grin on the face when the lights go up and Elvis leaves the building.
On stage.
Heartbreak Hotel checks into Blu-ray with a bummer of a 1080p transfer. Viewers are greeted to a screenful of wobbly text from the outset. From there, things hardly improve. While there are instances where the image appears healthy and vibrant -- an outdoor scene early in the film in which John convinces his friends to kidnap Elvis shows borderline terrific clothing detail and solid colors -- the picture quality is generally flat and uninspired. Details are frequently lacking, leaving skin pasty and clothes dull. Colors, too, appear drained and tired, though flesh tones often push towards a slight rosiness. Black levels are likewise pale and fatigued. The image features an extra-sharp grain structure and features plenty of nicks and pops throughout. Overall, this is a rather poor high definition release but not an unexpected effort given the bargain release price and the studio's checkered history.
Heartbreak Hotel limps onto Blu-ray with a flat and uneventful Dolby Digital 2.0 soundtrack, a shame considering all the sonic energy and goodness in the movie. While much of the film is talk-heavy, there's plenty of music, whether Johnny and his band in the garage, Elvis on stage, or The King dancing to the jukebox in a diner. None of it plays richly or realistically, cramped, instead, in the center with no tangible range or distinguished clarity in either instruments or vocals. Likewise, crowd noise at the Elvis concert is left in a state of sonic minimalism, failing to immerse the listener in the rowdy arena confines. Ambient effects are virtually nonexistent, and some heavier sound effects, like a rumbly motorcycle engine, lack precision authenticity. Fortunately, dialogue does come through with suitable clarity and good, natural center balance.
Heartbreak Hotel's Blu-ray release contains no supplements.
Heartbreak Hotel is a fun, simple little slice of fantasy entertainment that not only rewrites a few days of The King's life but also pens a happily-ever-after story about how life has a way of sorting things out in the most unusual and unexpected of ways. For one family struggling to get by, it was Elvis who shined brightest in its time of need. For Elvis, it was one family that accepted him for who he was below the public persona, that guided him out of a funk of celebrity haze, and helped him reconnect with his roots. This is a great little movie that does what good movies should do, and that's leave the viewer with a smile and a spring in the step. Mill Creek's Blu-ray release of Heartbreak Hotel features bland video and audio. No extras are included. Recommended on the strength of the film and the bargain-basement sale price.
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