Rad 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Rad 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

1986’s “Rad” is out to be loved. It’s a thick slice of teen cinema from director Hal Needham, who plays the human side of the picture like a Disney movie, cranking up broad characterizations and performances to reach its intended audience, making sure all emotional content and antagonism is perfectly understood. And there’s the other side of the endeavor, which highlights outstanding BMX tricks and races, with Needham, a former stuntman, fully in his element creating physical events and threats. “Rad” certainly struggles with filmmaking nuance, but it charges ahead as light entertainment, delivering a fun ride with “Karate Kid” formula and, again, a display of bike-fu that holds attention.

Rad 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Screencaps are taken from the Blu-ray.

"Rad" was originally released on UHD by Vinegar Syndrome back in 2020, but for reasons that are now lost to time, only the Blu-ray was covered here. The movie is back with a grand repackaging to help entice "Rad" fans, but the transfer appears to be a slightly tweaked version of the one previously offered. And that's fine, as the feature's limited scope is nicely preserved, now offered a Dolby Vision viewing experience to bring out a bit more from the offering. Color is heightened, but comfortably so, delivering rich primaries on BMX world uniforms and gear, exploring lively reds and yellows. Greenery is also a major draw here, examining suburban and forest action, along with blue waters. Town tours also maintain woodsy browns and concrete grays. Skin tones are mostly stable and natural, with a few surges into reddishness. Detail is strong, capturing skin particulars and various displays of costuming. Exteriors are excellent, with deep distances and a full view of track races. Interiors remain dimensional. Blacks aren't as solid as before, pulling out more frame information. Grain is nicely resolved. Source is in good condition.

Rad 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

"Rad" retains the same 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix as the previous release, and the track's strange vocal isolation choice for John Farnham soundtrack selections. This appears to be the intended presentation. Music remains more blended elsewhere, and scoring selections offer crisp instrumentation and position. Dialogue exchanges are sharp, handling various performance capabilities. Surrounds are active with crowd response and community bustle, also managing musical moods. Low-end isn't active. Again, the 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix (upgraded from a Dolby Digital option) is the best bet for "Rad," maintaining a slightly smaller, but consistent sound that's a better fit for the endeavor.

Rad 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet contains writing from Will Sloan, Paul Corupe, Kentucker Audley, Rick Trembles, Dan Ozzie, and Charles Forsman.

• Commentary #1 features actress/producer Talia Shire and producer Robert Schwartzman.

• Commentary #2 features actor Bill Allen.

• Commentary #3 features actors Bill Allen and Bart Conner, writer Sam Bernard, and BMX riders Eddie Fiola, Martin Aparijo, Jose Yanez, and Jeremy Moser.

• Commentary #4 features filmmakers Joe Lynch and Becca Howard.

• Commentary #5 features an episode of the podcast "How Did This Get Made?"

• "A Rad Documentary" (63:33, HD) is a 2025 making of for the picture, working with cast, crew, and admirer interviews to examine the creation of the movie and its rise to a cult classic. A full review of the documentary can be found here. A Trailer (1:24, HD) is also included.

• "Rad Day Q&A" (42:56, HD) is a video conference discussion of "Rad" with actors Bill Allen and Bart Conner, producer Robert Schwartzman, and superfan Ed Helms. The interviewees explore the appeal of the picture, moviemaking experiences, Schwartzman's family ties to the production, fan interactions, the stunt team, and Helms's personal time with his BMX-loving upbringing.

• "The Confused Breakfast Broadcast" (61:45, HD) is an episode of the program, with hosts Mike Schulte, Sean Prior, and AJ Vens discussing the ways of "'Rad' Day" and the wonders of the film.

• "The Stuntman Directs" (15:57, HD) is an interview excerpt from "A Rad Documentary," discussing the feature with the late Hal Needham. The interviewee shares his personal history, enduring years in the military before moving to Los Angeles, creating a career for himself as a stuntman, eventually becoming the highest paid fall guy in the business. A friendship with Burt Reynolds brought him the chance to direct "Smokey and the Bandit," and his initial reaction to "Rad" was one of skepticism, newly inspired to create a picture that would be a "step forward for BMX." Canadian locations are recalled, with the construction and literal drying of Helltrack a problem for the crew. Casting achievements are shared, including the collection of stunt riders. Needham also details the concrete slide shot and the "bicycle boogie" sequence. And, with a great degree of pride, he charts the growing popularity of the movie, happy to be known for two classics: "Smokey and the Bandit" and "Rad."

• "Writing Something Rad" (16:43, HD) sits down with co-writer Sam Bernard, who shares his Hollywood ambitions, making a name for himself with "3:15." Bernard charts his relationship with "Smokey and the Bandit" producer Robert Levy, and his discovery of BMX, eventually inspiring the screenplay for "Rad." The interviewee shares anecdotes about meeting Needham (who only knew cars, not bikes) and producer Jack Schwartzman, who wanted something more PG in mind for the project. Bernard gets semi-candid when exploring the movie's weak marketing push, which couldn't entice teens to see the feature, and the long disc delay of "Rad," suggesting rights issues, not bad guys, actually prevented the film from being released on DVD back in the heyday of the format.

• "Rad 25" (9:17, HD) pays a visit to a 25th anniversary event in Cochran, Alberta, Canada in 2011, surveying autograph opportunities, displays of bike replicas, BMX races, location tours, BMX stunt demonstrations, and interviews with Bill Allen and Eddie Fiola.

• Cast & Crew Interviews (25:19, HD) provide time with Martin Aparijo, Bart Conner, Eddie Fiola, Jeremy Moser, and Sam Bernard. Most of the conversations explore memories of securing a job on the production, interacting with director Hal Needham, and embracing the enduring cult legacy of "Rad," with Moser starting a fan website years ago, only to see it grow far beyond his expectations. And Conner has amusing anecdotes about being recognized in public for his role in "Rad," not his Olympic triumphs.

• Archival Featurette (5:22, SD) is an EPK offering on the making of "Rad," including a brief history of the bicycle, BTS footage, cast and crew interviews, and film clips.

• "Break the Ice" (3:50, SD) is a 1986 music video from John Farnham.

• Archival Interviews (11:01, SD) discuss "Rad" with actors Bart Conner, Lori Loughlin, Hal Needham, and Bill Allen.

• Intro (:47) is an audio introduction to the 2020 "Rad" release from actor Bill Allen.

• Photo Gallery (3:45) collects BTS snaps and personal pictures from the "Rad" set.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:29, HD) is included.

Rad 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Rad" is certainly open to criticism. It's a ridiculous movie at times, with corniness galore and community theater-style acting from most of the cast. Needham isn't a filmmaker who handles drama with any authority, but he can follow formula, and that's all a picture this simple needs, keeping up with adolescent entanglements, parental concerns, and condemnation from old men, putting the lead character on a ride to prove his skills and save the day. Come for the small town crisis and teen troubles, and stay for a lengthy display of BMX showmanship and adventurous racing. And ass sliding. You can't beat the ass sliding.