Rad Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.5

Rad Blu-ray Movie Review

Mill Creek has released a second issue of the fan favorite 1986 BMX film 'Rad.' The first release also released in 2021 in SteelBook packaging. This issue includes a few new extras. Please see below for a look at what's new.

Rad Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

As with the previous Mill Creek issue of Rad, this release offers a gorgeous Blu-ray presentation. It's not perfect, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's thick on the grain, yielding a sharp, naturalistic, filmic image that should satisfy most everyone, even the most ardent videophile. Sure, one can nitpick a few things here and there, especially as mentioned in the review for the Mondo Steelbook version, but I personally can't complain. I think it looks great, and even more so when considering the rich and vibrant colors on display. It's a terrific presentation for a lower budget catalogue release. I feel like my previous review holds for this one as well, so I'll leave a link to that review to satisfy those who want to read a little more on what to expect here.

Rad Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

For this Blu-ray release of Rad, Mill Creek has simply dropped the same DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack from the previous issue here. Please click review for a full audio review.

Rad Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

This Blu-ray release of Rad includes a few new extras that were not included in the first 2021 Blu-ray. Below is a list of what's included, with coverage of the content that is new to this Blu-ray. Please click here for coverage of the original release's extras.

• NEW! Against the Odds: Bill Allen on Rad (1080p, 10:03): The actor who portrayed Cru Jones discusses landing the role, playing the part, riding a bike, experiences on the set, working with Lori Loughlin, working with additional cast, the film's initial reception, promotion, its life on VHS, and more. This piece is basically an audio interview played atop clips from the film and a few still photos.
• NEW! Breakin the Ice: Sam Bernard on Rad (1080p, 12:28): The film's co-writer speaks on inspirations for the story and project origins, Hal Needham's direction, the film's budget, story details and themes, character details, shooting in Calgary, bike stunt work, response to the film, and more. As with the previous piece, this is comprised of voice over film clips.
• NEW! Ace in the Hole: Hal Needham in the 80's (1080p, 13:18): Looking back at Needham's career: his films, his formula, and his standing as a "cinematic populist," all leading up to his work on Rad.
• Rad Q&A Session
• Archival Video Interviews with Cast and Crew
• Original Behind-the-Scenes Featurette
• Music Video (480i, 4x3, 3:34): "Break the Ice."
• NEW! Trailer (1080p, 1.78:1, 1:26).

Rad Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

At the time of this review's publication, this issue has been surpassed by the 2025 issue that also includes the hourlong documentary. However that issue costs 4x as much (again at time of writing). You get the same transfer here and the same audio presentation as you'll find here, and all the same extras you'll find here, just minus the documentary and adding the trailer. That's a steep price, even for what is an excellent documentary. You choose.