Run down on the newly released DVD.
Hi everyone,
Here is my thoughts on the region 4 dvd which is identical to the Region 2 UK release and probably the same as the currently delayed Region 1 US release.
1) Picture Quality
This is the Anchor Bay re-master and is an excellent transfer, but far from reference quality and not the best Anchor Bay has done. But that is to be expected considering the age and stock of the film.
I was amazed that there was absolutely no hint of grain or artefacts, but a little bit of edge enhancement cropped up occasionally, but nothing too distracting. The print looks very clear and has never looked better. Colours are well rendered and vibrant and flesh tones look accurate, if slightly washed out. Skin textures are a little blurry and the image overall is a bit soft, but it is still very pleasant and there is a lot of detail inherent that is usually blurry on previous VHS and DVD's releases (German one for example was good, but a lot softer). Some of the detail is very pleasing and makes the film much more enjoyable. Black levels are great and shadow detail is suprisingly good. Overall, you can tell Anchor Bay put a lot of effort into this transfer to make it the best possible release so far.
3/5
2) Sound Quality
Dialogue is clear at all times, but does tend to show its age at times and can be a little tinny sounding on occasion. There are no problems with audio-sync which is clearly and distractingly apparent on the German Marketing films dvd.
The audio is 5.1 english and has a lots of surround effects and even some nice directional effects, like cars going past behind the viewer. Most of the surrounds come from students closing lockers and doors opening and shutting, but overall it elevates the experience of this great film. There are some nice bass effects, but nothing to shake the room. When that guy falls from the flag pole, there is a nice loud thud and when Perry King trashes Stegman's car there is lots of bass effects. The music is more of a sonic experience now and sounds more fuller and enveloping.
Trivia note. This version has the original score played in the final act, not the synth score (also good) that was used on some VHS versions in Australia and UK. Lalo's is better and fits the film better.
3/5
3) Special Features
32 page booklet - Fantastic trivia notes about the career of Mark Lester and Class of 1984. Very informative and has some nice pictures.
Trailers, TV Spots, Photo Gallery, Cast and Crew Bios - Good stuff, but expected.
Audio Commentary - Mark L. Lester and an Anchor Bay moderator/interviewer. Very informative and interesting, but not the greatest commentary ever recorded. Great stuff for fans of the film and Lester, his first! But, it would have been great to have Tom Holland, Perry King, Van Patten and even Michael J.Fox contribute.
Nothing else I'm afraid, but overall a very good disc and better than any other dvd release yet. The film is also Uncut.