Pals Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.5

Pals Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf February 8, 2022

1982’s “Pals” is a coming-of-age story that takes more than a few head-snapping turns during the run time. Co-written/directed by Eloy de la Iglesia, the feature offers a long look at the state of youth in Madrid, where employment opportunities are limited, video games have arrived, and relationships are tested. The picture is similar to “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” in many ways, with the production trying to analyze adolescent concerns with a darker sense of exploration, dealing with issues in a blunt manner, which helps the material achieve a level of behavioral authenticity as small offerings of melodrama compete for screen time.

Jose (Jose Luis Manzano) is dating Rosario (Rosario Flores), triggering an accidental pregnancy along the way. They decide on an abortion, but the money to pay for the procedure isn’t there, inspiring Jose to join his friend, and Rosario’s brother, Antonio (Antonio Flores) on a mission to acquire a large amount of cash in a short amount of time.

The struggle to find money drives the plot of “Pals,” with the screenplay arranging an episodic journey for Jose and Antonio, who try their luck at a variety of financial opportunities. Being young, forethought isn’t fully shaped, leading them into male hustling, violent crime, and drug trafficking, which are profoundly serious situations, but de la Iglesia adds a thin layer of humor to the endeavor, emphasizing the absurdity of some of these encounters. “Pals” eventually grows quite serious, as it should, examining the risks involved for all as they scramble to collect enough cash to prevent a disaster in the making.

Pals Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.66:1 aspect ratio) presentation delivers a decently film-like viewing experience for "Pals," with heavier grain. Detail captures softer skin particulars, along with different rooms and environments for the characters, including household and arcade visits. Distances are dimensional. Colors retail their natural appearance, with warm lighting and sunlit exteriors. Signage and period outfits provide some pleasing emphasis, and skintones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Source is in good condition, with a few minor displays of age.

Pals Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 LPCM mix deals with the age and artificiality, as the feature is dubbed throughout. Clarity isn't an issue, with performances coming through comfortably. Music selections aren't precise, but rock offerings and dramatic support are acceptable.

Pals Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A U.S. Trailer (2:26, HD) is included.

Pals Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Pals" is well-acted and sharply observed work from de la Iglesia, who captures the power of adolescent thinking and social interactions. Tonally, the picture isn't always steady, but it features memorable encounters and a vivid understanding of the time and setting, updating classic elements of European teen cinema for the 1980s, when passions and problem solving reached new levels of complication.