Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

Radio On Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 22, 2021

1979’s “Radio On” is co-produced by Wim Wenders and resembles much of his filmography. Perhaps it’s a homage, maybe an intentional replication, but director Chris Petit embraces a rare opportunity to soak in the juices of existentialism, following a character who takes a trip across Britain, observing a bleak world and meeting a few of its inhabitants. Petit makes a deliberate feature that’s slowly paced and limited when it comes to dramatic developments. It’s an art-house viewing experience offering a wonderful soundtrack from new wave artists of the day, and B&W cinematography handles the production’s love of depression superbly, offering atmosphere to support layers of ennui.

There’s a sliver of a story in “Radio On,” concerning Robert (David Beams), a DJ, who decides to travel to Bristol to better understand the circumstances concerning his brother’s suicide. Along the way, Robert experiences Britain during the late 1970s, listening to bleak news reports on the radio, listening to music that passes the time, and meeting a few strangers, including a Scottish man going AWOL from the army, a German woman stuck in her own crisis, and Just Like Eddie (Sting), a guitar-strumming gas station attendant with a dream of making it big with his band.

Dramatics aren’t the point of “Radio On,” which often gives itself over to travel, crossing the land with Robert, who seems to have much on his mind, but largely remains quiet. The hypnotic qualities of the feature are interesting, with many real-time activities prioritized, including pub visits and a haircut. It’s the soundtrack that really defines the picture, with Petit using songs from David Bowie, Kraftwerk, and Wreckless Eric to capture the moment and get the film from stop to stop, adding a time capsule atmosphere to the endeavor. Interactions with other characters are more conversational than energized, but Robert is offered a peek at the misery of others, helping to center his own troubled feelings as he gets closer to his destination.

Radio On Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is sourced from a "new 4K restoration from its 35mm original camera negative." I doubt "Radio On" looked this good during its initial theatrical engagements, with the viewing experience wonderfully film-like with heavy grain. Detail reaches as far as possible, offering a sense of textured locations, deep distances, and rough facial surfaces. B&W cinematography is ideally balanced, and delineation remains strong during nighttime encounters. Source is in excellent condition.

Radio On Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

"Radio On" is a film that deals extensively with music, and soundtrack selections maintain clarity and authority throughout the 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix. Instrumentation is sharp and volume is defined. Dialogue exchanges are clear, capturing moody performances and thick accents. Atmospherics are also appreciable, visiting street life, open areas, and factories.

Radio On Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (26 pages) features essays from Jason Wood, Ian Penman, Rudy Wurlitzer, Chris Petit, and Glenn Kenny.

• Commentary features film historian Kier-La Janisse.

• "Before the Explosion of the Image Bank" (37:16, HD) is an interview with director Chris Petit.

• "A Little Bit Kitsch, But I'm Cold: Retro Futurism in Focus" (51:34) is an audio interview with director Chris Petit, conducted by BFI's Vic Pratt.

• Archival Video Interview (42:16, SD) features director Chris Petit.

• "Radio On (Remix)" (24:16, SD) is a 1998 "digital video essay" from director Chris Petit.

• Image Gallery (4:42) collects film stills, BTS snaps, and poster art.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (3:14, SD) is included.

Radio On Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Radio On" provides a specific viewing experience. It's not suited for a casual watch, as Petit moves slowly through his vision, content to experience the drive with Robert, experimenting with long takes and unusual moods. It's not a riveting picture, but there's something going on underneath the silence and the staring, with Petit exploring stages of grief and confusion, also embracing the stilted ways of strangers trying to communicate with each other, offering confessions and confrontations in unusual ways.