Mac and Me 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		1.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

Mac and Me 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

I don’t know how your 2018 went, but mine was oddly infiltrated by the world of the 1988 film, “Mac and Me.” First there was the Blu-ray release of the picture, finally bringing the saga of a boy and his definitely-not-E.T. alien pal to high definition, allowing fans to ditch their DVDs and VHS tapes and experience the “magic” of the effort all over again. The picture was also utilized by “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” opening the 12th season of the show with a terrific episode that became something of an obsession in my household, filling my year with all kinds of repeated viewings. Fully riffed is really the only way to fly with this offering, as “Mac and Me” is a pretty tough sit without wisecracking. However, now there’s a UHD release of the feature, which elevates visual quality and adds more behind-the-scenes information concerning the making of the movie, giving the faithful a very appealing presentation to help enjoy this cult film once again.

Mac and Me 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Screencaps are taken from the Blu-ray

"Mac and Me" was originally issued on Blu-ray in 2018 by Shout Factory, and returns with a UHD release from Vinegar Syndrome, listed as "presented in Dolby Vision HDR and newly scanned and restored from it 35mm original camera negative." There was room for improvement with the older release, and the visual presentation is much stronger on the Vinegar Syndrome disc, which offers a richer sense of color, doing more with the feature's handle on primaries found on costuming and decorative elements. Neighborhood activity maintains steady greenery. And more vivid displays, such as the McDonalds dance sequence, provide a rich sense of pinks, reds, and browns. Desert activity is also steady. Skin tones are mostly natural, with some redness at times. Alien appearances are distinct. Detail is excellent, capturing puppet and alien suit textures. Costuming remains fibrous. Interiors are open for inspection, exploring living spaces and restaurant action, and exteriors run very deep, supplying wonderful depth with suburban and desert events. Blacks maintain depth, preserving evening activity. Highlights are tasteful. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in good condition, with some very light scratches.

Mac and Me 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix offers a pleasingly fresh listening event for "Mac and Me." Dialogue exchanges are clear, preserving emotional events and alien whistling. Scoring maintains crisp instrumentation, with heavier synth at times to sell the "wonder" of the endeavor. Music offers fullness and width, and soundtrack selections maintain sharp vocals. Sound effects are distinct.

Mac and Me 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary #1 features co-writer/director Stewart Raffill and fan Jim Branscome.

• Commentary #2 features film historians Wayne Byrne and Paul Farren.

• "Strange Adventure" (12:26, HD) is an interview with director Stewart Raffill, who recounts his entrance into the film business, working as an animal trainer, receiving a chance to learn how things work on a set. Producer R.J. Louis offered the "Mac and Me" job to Raffill, requesting a movie "a little bit like 'E.T.', but totally different," tasked with creating a script for the endeavor. Casting is highlighted, celebrating professionalism and passion from the actors, with star Jade Calegory singled out for his presence and ability, brought to the part due to his physical disabilities, which never stopped him during the picture's many chase sequences. The technical challenges of working with puppets is recalled, pushing Raffill's patience as time was required to pull off certain physical moves. The demands of product placement are also analyzed.

• "Down Memory Lane" (16:29, HD) is an interview with actress Christine Ebersole, who was fresh in L.A. during the mid- 1980s, scoring a few roles before being cast in "Mac and Me." Characterization is analyzed, putting Ebersole in command of her first mother role, and she reflects on her time with co-stars, celebrating their family-like atmosphere. She also offers an assessment of director Stewart Raffill, and discusses the cult appeal of the feature, especially when it's brought up on late night television. The interviewee explores her career, still in the business after 50 years, recently completing work on the latest Bradley Cooper film.

• "Balance" (16:31, HD) is an interview with the "Mac and Me" camera team, including cinematographer Nick McLean and camera operator Michael O'Shea. McLean was provided a career breakthrough by Burt Reynolds, who took note of his professionalism, offering him a DP job on "Stroker Ace." O'Shea was in the process of cleaning up his life after years spent "partying," receiving a chance from McLean to prove himself on the 1983 production. The men reunited on "Mac and Me," provide memories of the shoot, reflecting on director Stewart Raffill and the cast, singling out Jade Calegory as a "natural." Technical achievements are also noted, putting the pros to work with puppets and special effects, also handling the "music video" requirements of the McDonalds dance sequence. The interviewees are quite proud of their work and happy with the movie, finding it hard to believe viewers could resist the feature's emotional content.

• "Alien Puppeteer" (8:46, HD) is an audio interview with alien designer Christopher Swift, who shares an introductory anecdote about working on one of the "Avengers" films, getting to meet superfan Paul Rudd and share his connection to "Mac and Me." Tasked with creating an "E.T"-like creature for the endeavor, Swift shares his influences and ideas, including an idea to put a chimpanzee in an alien suit for part of the shoot. Technical details are offered, working to generate alien creations that would be memorable, and Swift briefly details his time during the McDonalds dance sequence, finding extras way too grabby with the MAC puppet.

• "Down to Earth" (4:11, HD) is an interview with songwriter Allee Willis, who opens with a list of credits (she co-wrote the theme for "Friends"), which is helpful. Willis shares her involvement with "Mac and Me," offering an anecdote about the problematic recording of an Ashford and Simpson song, and detailing her ignorance of the movie's cult appeal.

• "Alternate Climatic Shooting Sequence" (7:34, SD) restores perhaps the wildest creative choice made by the "Mac and Me" production team, who originally had Eric die after being shot through the chest in a grocery store parking lot by a clumsy cop. Thankfully, a wise decision was made to rework the ending in the name of family entertainment. I can't believe this terrible idea even made it into the script.

• Image Gallery (4:50) collects film stills, publicity shots, and BTS snaps.

• T.V. Spots (2:08, SD) provide four commercials for "Mac and Me."

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:48, SD) is included, featuring an introduction by Ronald McDonald.

Mac and Me 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Mac and Me" offers dewy synth accompaniment and makes a play for the heart on the few occasions, but it's a cynical endeavor that's hoping to ride on the coattails of "E.T." Director Stewart Raffill packs the picture with strange ideas on adorability, erratic turns of tone, and enough product placement to make Michael Bay salivate, trying to make sense of material that's filled with puzzling behavior and ideas on kid film entertainment. However, the picture has its admirers, and Vinegar Syndrome tries to give them something to celebrate with the UHD, which now looks and sounds pleasingly cinematic, boosting whatever pass at entertainment "Mac and Me" is trying to deliver.