7.5 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
A young computer whizz kid accidentally connects into a top secret super-computer which has complete control over the U.S. nuclear arsenal. It challenges him to a game between America and Russia, and he innocently starts the countdown to World War 3. Can he convince the computer he wanted to play a game and not the real thing?
Starring: Matthew Broderick, Dabney Coleman, John Wood (I), Ally Sheedy, Barry CorbinTeen | 100% |
Psychological thriller | Insignificant |
Thriller | Insignificant |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: HEVC / H.265
Video resolution: 4K (2160p)
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
4K Ultra HD
Region A (locked)
Movie | 5.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 5.0 | |
Extras | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
While the material was in development during the 1970s, “WarGames” hit at the perfect time when it was ultimately released in the summer of 1983. With Cold War tensions rising again between the United States and the Soviet Union, coupled with a nuclear arms race between the superpowers, it was time for a movie to analyze such lunacy via the rise of teen cinema, putting a bright but reckless young man from Seattle on the race to stop the end of the world. “WarGames” had timing, but it also offers a sharp script from Lawrence Lasker and Walter F. Parkes, who help to bring Hollywood into the personal computer age, and direction by John Badham is crisp, delivering some of the finest work of his career, endeavoring to bring a little extra personality into a feature that’s loaded with suspense and surprises.
Screencaps are taken from the Blu-ray.
Previously released on Blu-ray in 2012, "WarGames" returns to disc via Shout Factory, who provides a UHD release for the 1983 picture, previously
billed as a "Brand new 4K restoration of the film from the original camera negative." The Dolby Vision viewing experience provides a decent upgrade
from the previous release, offering slightly sharper detail throughout the viewing experience. Skin particulars are textured, along with costuming, which
ranges from casual teen outfits to stiff military uniforms. Interiors are open for inspection, examining the cluttered appearance of David's bedroom and
the expansive home of NORAD, highlighting different screens and machines. Exteriors retain dimension, exploring suburban sights and rural spaces.
Color is compelling, doing well with period hues on outfits and decorative additions. Technological additions offer a brighter presence, with the sharp
green and blue glow of screen text and lighting systems around the war room. Skin tones are natural. Blacks are deep, with a strong sense of evening
interactions and rooms with limited lighting. Highlights are tasteful, nicely amplifying a climatic strobe effect. Grain is satisfactorily resolved. Source is in
good condition.
The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix provides crisp dialogue exchanges, balancing softer teen communication with louder bellowing from the military characters. Electronic voicing is also sharp. Scoring cues are active, going from playful synth to orchestral moods, and instrumentation is clear. Surrounds also work with music cues, with some panning effects and separation. Atmospherics are appreciable, capturing crowd activity and elements of nature. Low-end is active, delivering a pleasingly heavier sense of onscreen missile events.
Like many pictures released around this time, "WarGames" retains an effective antiwar message, blended with a little technophobia, creating a disaster scenario of military reaction to unreliable information, and the movie also manages to clearly explain the DEFCON alert system to all audiences. The feature is supported by excellent performances, with Broderick unnervingly precise in his adolescent awkwardness. And tech credits are superb, including Arthur B. Rubinstein's highly unusual video game-inspired score. "WarGames" is one of the best films of 1983, with its driving suspense and now primitive computer-fu creating a thrilling viewing experience, landing its entertainment intent and warning about the threat of nuclear annihilation.
Limited Edition Collectible Cover Art
1983
1983
Limited Edition Collectible Cover Art
1983
Limited Edition Collectible Cover Art
1983
War Games
1983
1995
2010
2005
1983
1964
2016
1985
2014
2000
1984
2013
2013
Collector's Edition
1987
Warner Archive Collection
1964
1984
2014
2008
2009
2017
2009