She's Having a Baby

The Blu-ray presentation of "She's Having a Baby" showcases an attempt by Paramount to maximize the visual appeal of John Hughes' visually commendable film. With an AVC encoded image and a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, this release, assumed to be based on a 2K transfer, promises a clarity that should ideally pay homage to Donald Peterman's enriching cinematography. However, it finds itself hamstrung by the limitations of its source material. Softness pervades the presentation, compromising fine detail across numerous scenes. This inconsistency in visual fidelity varies, with moments of potential clarity juxtaposed against segments that appear nearly opaque, marred slightly by ghosting. Color reproduction, while generally adequate—showcasing warmer tones for interiors and punchier neons in club settings—suffers in terms of skin tones and dark detail definition, presenting challenges in distinguishing nuances within darker clothing and environments.

Regarding the film's transfer, digital processing has somewhat sullied the original grain structure, resulting in visual output that can resemble a "moving watercolor", particularly noticeable in medium and long-distance shots. Despite these setbacks, certain aspects of the Blu-ray are commendable, such as its maintenance of a consistent and naturalistic grain layer that lends a cinematic quality to the film's 'real life' aesthetic. The colors, when not overly processed, demonstrate vibrancy and depth, with reds and blues standing out amidst a generally rich palette.

The technical aspects detail a BD-50 layer encoding with MPEG-4 AVC at 1080p resolution. The effort to maintain depth and scale is evident, supporting decent contrast that enables colors to pop as intended in specific scenes. Blacks are depicted with sufficient depth, aiding in the preservation of details without succumbing to crushing, and the overall image is free from noise or significant artifacts. Nevertheless, while skin tones are portrayed as natural and consistent throughout the film, the overall portrayal of human features could benefit from sharper definition. In essence, while this Blu-ray release does exhibit challenges primarily due to its source material and digital processing choices, it also retains elements that fans of the film and of Hughes' work might appreciate for its attempt to capture the original cinematic experience.

The 5.1 Dolby TrueHD audio mix of "She's Having a Baby" offers a nuanced audio experience that expertly balances dialogue, music, and sound effects across the soundscape. Dialogue is delivered with absolute clarity, allowing the actors' performances and the scripted nuances to shine through untouched. The soundtrack, a mix of rock and pop tunes, contributes significantly to the film's atmosphere, providing a full-bodied sound with deep bass and clear treble, ensuring that both high-energy beats and the more subtle vocal performances are given their due space and attention. The scoring cues, supporting the film’s wide range of emotions from comedic to dramatic, find a comfortable place in the mix, enhancing the viewing experience without overwhelming the crucial dialogue.

Sound effects in the mix are not only precise but creatively utilized, bringing a vibrant layer of engagement to the film. Notably clever moments, such as coins rolling across the floor or a train signal blaring, are delivered with a spatial awareness that extends the sound well beyond the central channel, making effective use of the surround channels to envelop the viewer in the environment. These elements, along with occurrences like neighborhood party ambiance, are spread thoughtfully across channels to create an immersive effect that significantly enriches the film's audio presentation.

Despite its front-heavy design, the mix does not shy away from using the rear channels when appropriate, adding depth and dimension to the audio landscape. Subtle but appreciated low-frequency effects provide a foundational layer without overpowering, and the clear separation between vocals, effects, and music ensures a balanced listening experience. While it could have arguably worked as a simpler 2.0 mix, the decision to employ a 5.1 setup pays off by exploiting every opportunity to immerse and engage the viewer, whether through accurately paced sound travel or concert-like moments where the collective contribution of all channels creates a cohesive auditory experience.

The Blu-ray extras of "She's Having a Baby" present a delightful treat for fans and film enthusiasts alike, merging insightful retrospection with entertaining ephemera. The highlight is an extended, somewhat rough interview with John Hughes (24:10, SD), where he intertwines discussions about his work on "She's Having a Baby" and "Some Kind of Wonderful," revealing his approach to finding universal themes and his ambitions for the film's humor and soundtrack. Despite its informal nature, Hughes unveils bits about his autobiographical screenplay elements and hints at his next project, "Planes, Trains and Automobiles." Accompanying this is a theatrical trailer (2:14, HD) that provides a nostalgic peek back. This release forms part of the John Hughes Collection 5-film Blu-ray set, distinguishing itself with a unique disc and a redeemable digital copy, underscoring its value for collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with John Hughes: An extended chat discussing Hughes' career in 1986, focusing on the simultaneous development of "She's Having a Baby" and "Some Kind of Wonderful."

• Theatrical Trailer: A brief look back at the film through its original trailer.

In John Hughes's "She's Having a Baby," an exploration of adulting through the lens of marriage and impending parenthood, the filmmaker dives into territory quite distinct from his high school sagas. Kevin Bacon stars as Jake, a character grappling with the transition from adolescence to adult responsibilities, alongside Elizabeth McGovern's Kristy. The film is characterized by Hughes's signature blend of humor and pathos, tracing the couple's journey from love-struck high-school sweethearts to a married pair wrestling with the challenges of adult life, career pressures, and the daunting prospect of starting a family. While it offers an episodic narrative that reflects Hughes’s personal experiences and thoughts on relationships and adulthood, the movie's scattered vignettes, capturing domestic life and workplace frustrations, at times, lack cohesive narrative alignment.

Amidst suburban mundanity, Jake's struggle with commitment and the allure of untapped experiences marks the core of the screenplay. Dream sequences and a fantastical side portray his internal conflict against the backdrop of a stifling routine life. The film, enriched by sharp observations on partnership and conception, presents a compelling albeit uneven look into the complexities of growing up. Yet, its reflection on generational economic pressures and societal expectations provides a resonant look at late '80s middle-class America, a theme that retains its relevance sans reliance on dated technological or fashion references.

"She's Having a Baby" emerges as a more personal venture for Hughes, delving into adulthood with a depth different from his teen-centric films. Despite its narrative challenges and abrupt transitions, remarkable performances from Bacon and McGovern, alongside a memorable supporting cast, lend the film its heart. It's a unique piece within Hughes's oeuvre, criticising yet ultimately affirming the conventional milestones of adult life through its introspective and, at times, whimsical lens. While not without its flaws, the film’s honest portrayal of the oscillations between personal ambition and domestic obligation endears it to viewers navigating similar life stages.

"She's Having a Baby," as presented in its Blu-ray release, emerges as a significant yet underrated chapter in John Hughes's illustrious career, bridging his iconic teen-centric narratives with themes more resonant with an adult audience. This film, infused with Hughes's signature style of heartfelt sincerity and satirical edge, delves into the profound transformations brought about by life's pivotal moments. The Blu-ray edition does justice to the film’s nuanced storytelling, offering a satisfactory visual and audio transfer that preserves the movie's intimate allure and its lively blend of humor and drama. Although the collection features a ported extra without any exclusive Blu-ray content, the inclusion of this film in the John Hughes 5-Movie Collection provides fans an enticing opportunity to revisit or discover Hughes’s venture into more mature thematic territory.

The technical aspects of this release certainly merit attention. The Blu-ray transfer is commendable for its fidelity to the original film quality, ensuring a solid viewing experience that highlights the movie's detailed production design and cinematography. The audio quality matches this standard, providing a clear and engaging auditory experience that complements the film's emotional depth and character dynamics. While the special features may seem sparse with only ported extras and no exclusive content, the value of the collection as a whole—especially considering its affordability—makes it a worthwhile investment for both die-hard Hughes aficionados and newcomers intrigued by his exploration of adult themes.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray presentation of "She’s Having a Baby" offers both a respectful homage to John Hughes's distinctive storytelling approach and a satisfying home viewing experience. Its solid technical delivery pairs well with the film's blend of humor, drama, and heartfelt exploration of adult life-changes, making it an essential addition for collectors and fans alike. While additional exclusive content would have been welcomed, the overall package—especially as part of the John Hughes 5-Movie Collection—presents an appealing proposition for those looking to deepen their appreciation of Hughes’s filmography beyond his high school masterpieces.