6.1 | / 10 |
Users | 3.5 | |
Reviewer | 2.5 | |
Overall | 3.2 |
Big-rig trucker Lincoln Hawk's only chance for a better existence, which includes starting his own business and earning the love of his son, lies in his considerable talent for armwrestling.
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Robert Loggia, Susan Blakely, Rick Zumwalt, David MendenhallAction | 100% |
Sport | 87% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: VC-1
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.40:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (48kHz, 16-bit)
French: Dolby Digital 2.0
English SDH, French
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region free
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 3.0 | |
Extras | 0.5 | |
Overall | 2.5 |
Do you really think you can make up 10 years in 2-3 days?
Like any good movie, Over the Top delivers a deeper and more satisfying experience than
its superficial plot line might otherwise suggest. As it appears, Over the Top is an arm
wrestling movie, a by-the-numbers rags-to-riches, true underdog tale of one man's strength and
courage to overcome the odds and prove that he's more than the world believes him to be. On a
deeper level though, Over the Top delivers heartwarming Drama that works its way both
into the arm wrestling plot and the audience's heart. A true 80s movie that features one of that
decades biggest stars and delivers the tried-and-true message on the positive attributes of a
character's courage, personal faith, and determination to better his life as only he knows how,
Over the Top
represents one of the lesser-known little gems of the 1980s and features star Sylvester Stallone
(Tango & Cash) in one
of his best roles.
Take him over the top!
Over the Top arrives on Blu-ray with a high quality 1080p, 2.40:1-framed transfer. The image is generally film-like, accompanied by subtle layer of grain. It does go soft in a few random shots, but otherwise remains pleasing to the eye and sharp and clear throughout. Fine detail ranges from satisfactory to excellent; the interior of Hawk's truck, for instance, reveals plenty of grime, scratches, dings, and nicks that add character and realism to both the object and the 1080p image. Several hazy interior scenes, such as one at a truck stop in chapter four, lose a small amount of detail but otherwise hold up well given the conditions. Black levels and flesh tones are never overtly problematic, but the transfer does exhibit the occasional speckle of dirt or wayward scratch, but all in all, Warner Brothers has done a fantastic job with this catalogue title.
Over the Top rolls onto Blu-ray with a basic but satisfactory Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack. Each particular 80s track during the film's several montages pour through the speakers with a fair level of clarity that's sure to put a smile on the face of any fan of that decade's music. The track features some environmental atmospherics across the front in several scenes; whether exterior nature shots or interior bar scenes, there is little in the way of total immersion as there's virtually no activity to be found in the back channels. Though much of the film is comprised of dialogue and 80s music, several action scenes do add some life to the mix. Hawk drives his trick through a gate at one point in chapter 13, though the scene features far more raw volume than absolute clarity. The aforementioned dialogue is reproduced crisply throughout, and on the whole, fans should be pleased, but not blown away, by this stable but otherwise average lossless soundtrack.
This Blu-ray release of Over the Top features only the film's theatrical trailer (480p, 1:27).
With its decidedly 80s style, Over the Top plays to a similar tune shared by many films of that decade -- that of persevering through thick and thin -- but does so with an honesty and genuine sense of spirit that sets it apart from many other like-minded films. With a strong and emotionally moving performance from Sylvester Stallone and some well-played arm wrestling matches that add some fun and excitement to a well-developed Human Drama, Over the Top represents a great little gem from the 1980s and arguably one of the decade's most underrated feel-good movies. Warner Brother's Blu-ray release comes as expected, with a strong 1080p transfer, a fair lossless soundtrack, and virtually no extras. Nevertheless, this catalogue title is smartly priced to sell, and Over the Top comes with a hearty recommendation.
Theatrical & Director's Cut | Limited Edition
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1989
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