7.1 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
The story of one young man, Cru Jones, who has the intensity and desire to win a BMX race called Helltrack.
Starring: Marta Kober, Bill Allen (I), Lori Loughlin, Talia Shire, Ray WalstonSport | 100% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Digital copy
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 2.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Mill Creek has released the cult favorite 80s BMX bike film 'Rad' to Blu-ray. The film was previously released to Blu-ray through Vinegar Syndrome; that disc was well reviewed but was printed in limited quantities. It is now sold out and only available for exorbitantly high prices on the secondhand market. I did not review, nor do I have access to, a copy of that disc and cannot make direct comparisons. This review simply offers fresh video and audio reviews as they specifically pertain to the Mill Creek disc. Several bonus features are also included, though this disc's quantity of extras pale in comparison to the extra large assortment included on the Vinegar disc.
Rad looks, well, rad on Blu-ray. As noted above, I cannot confirm whether this is the same transfer from the Vinegar Syndrome disc, but after examining the screenshots there's certainly not much of a departure, if there is one at all. Mill Creek's presentation is excellent, easily one of the best the studio has released, especially in recent memory. The picture begins with an inauspicious opening title sequence, which is soft and sloppy and full of splotches and speckles, but the image quickly tightens and holds steady to a very pleasing and authentic film-like appearance for the duration. Grain is thick but natural, complimenting beautiful fine detailing on skin and clothes, not to mention bikes and the rugged terrain where the race takes place at film's end. Urban accents -- storefronts and shop interiors, pavement, and the like -- enjoy fruitful texturing as well. The movie looks gorgeous through and through and colors are likewise exceptionally bold and brilliant. There's no shortage of vivid and vibrant tonal output throughout the film. Reds are particularly and notably bold but the entire palette brings out the best of bold greens, blues, every other color imaginable. It's loud but tasteful, bold but not overstated. Skin tones are healthy and black levels are fine. The picture does suffer from mild compression issues in a handful of the most challenging scenes and the odd splotch and spot remain, but even so this is a terrifically authentic picture that fans are going to love.
Rad pedals onto Blu-ray with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. The 80s score is lively along the front, featuring good foundational detail and a modest surround support element, as well as clearly defined and center positioned lyrics and a quality subwoofer component to bring it home. Music is the track's lifeblood (and sets the mood for maybe the best sequence in the movie when Cru and Christian "dance" on their bikes to Real Life's Send Me An Angel in a darkened gymnasium). The track offers well defined atmospherics around town or out in the country. There is some positive reverb to the race call during the big race at the end, playing with fine spacing and immersion. Dialogue is generally clear and center focused, though some muddiness is apparent in a few places, such as when Cru and his mother fight over his racing and SATs at the 51-minute mark. Otherwise, this one's good to go.
This Mill Creek Blu-ray release of Rad contains several supplements, though hardly the same quantity, or quality, of the prodigious
assortment
of supplements included with the sold out Vinegar Syndrome release. Below are what's included here but be sure to check out the review of the VS disc to see what all is absent here. A MovieSpree
digital copy code is included with purchase.
Rad is a surprisingly good film even as it's made of mostly generic story beats. At its center is a film reminiscent of The Karate Kid, here taking place on bikes rather than in a dojo. But a terrific soundtrack, awesome displays of bike riding prowess, some good acting, decent writing, and solid pacing and editing elevate this to one of the better underrated gems from the 80s. Mill Creek's Blu-ray looks and sounds terrific. It is unfortunately lacking the exhaustive supplemental section found on the now out of print Vinegar Syndrome disc, but it does ship in a radical SteelBook. Highly recommended, especially to those who missed out on the Vinegar release.
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