My Science Project Blu-ray Review

Mill Creek’s Blu-ray presentation of "My Science Project" offers a solid visual experience, retaining the film’s original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The movie's 35mm origins are evident in its robust texturing and film-like appearance, with grain that is generally pleasant, though it can be a bit sloppy in darker scenes. The color palette is well-defined, with standout highlights such as Michael's red muscle car, which pops off the screen with deep, vibrant shades. Clothing colors are cheerful and flesh tones maintain a neutral look, adding to the overall positive visual appeal. The alien ball's purple and blue electricity is also notably vibrant, providing a pleasing effect.

However, the quality does show some limitations, particularly with black levels and detail consistency. The third act’s dimly lit locales challenge the transfer, resulting in blacks that can appear overly bright and grainy. This detracts slightly from the overall fluidity of darker scenes. Details in skin and clothing are generally good, but not exceptional, with some shots appearing noticeably softer than others. The presence of dirt and debris on the print marks this as a less polished transfer, although there are no major technical glitches such as aliasing or banding.

Overall, while "My Science Project" on Blu-ray won't provide a significant 'wow' factor in terms of video quality, it represents a noticeable improvement over previous non-anamorphic DVD releases. Fans of the film will likely appreciate seeing it in widescreen format with a more robust color palette and texturing that enhances its nostalgic appeal.

The audio presentation of "My Science Project" on Blu-Ray is considerably underwhelming, featuring a standard-issue Dolby Digital 2.0 track that fails to deliver on multiple fronts. The dialogue is shallow and centralized without achieving any lifelike presence, making spoken words merely audible rather than impactful. Supporting details lack authority and definition, dragging the auditory experience down further. The music is limited, heavily concentrated in the middle with no perceptible breathing room or spread along the front channels. The few action sequences, including gunfire, are not sufficiently dynamic to challenge any sound system, with supporting sound effects often muddled and lacking clarity.

Significantly, the provided audio option is an English 2.0 Dolby Digital mono track, which means the same sound emanates from both the left and right front speakers—an inexplicable downgrade from the film's original stereo track available on previous DVD releases. This mono configuration detracts from the overall immersion, creating a peculiar auditory experience that makes the dialogue appear as though it was poorly ADR'd, sometimes slightly out of sync with the visual presentation. Overall, the inadequate audio diminishes "My Science Project" further, disappointing even those few fans still in wait for a worthy release.

The Blu-ray release of "My Science Project" is quite minimalistic when it comes to supplemental content. Unfortunately, there are no extra features, commentary tracks, behind-the-scenes footage, or any other bonus material to enrich the viewing experience. The top menu only includes a simple play movie option with no pop-up or additional menus to navigate. This sparse offering might disappoint fans hoping for an in-depth look at the film’s production or any added content.

Extras included in this disc:

• None: The release does not feature any additional content.

"My Science Project" is a unique 1985 sci-fi comedy that melds elements of teen adventure with a whimsical approach to alien phenomena. The plot hinges on high schooler Michael Harlan (John Stockwell), whose affinity for car mechanics leads him to discover a mysterious orb at an abandoned military base, prompting a thrilling yet clumsily executed series of time-travel escapades. The sci-fi narrative maneuvers through charmingly dated technological tropes, but the plot struggles to maintain momentum and clarity. The pacing is notably slow, and character development is lacking, causing the film to suffer from a rather forgettable and generic feel.

Despite the lack of depth in character portrayals, with supporting roles from Fisher Stevens, Danielle von Zerneck, Raphael Sbarge, and the legendary Dennis Hopper, the movie does capture a certain light-hearted and nostalgic charm. Dennis Hopper’s portrayal of a hippie science teacher adds some oddball humor, though the overall script often feels underwhelming and driven by clichés. The climax involves a time-manipulating device causing historical figures to intrude upon the present – an idea ripe for excitement but marred by lackluster execution.

The Blu-ray release is notably bare-bones, offering no bonus features and a menu limited to a basic 'Play Movie' option. This sparse presentation, coupled with the film's inherent shortcomings in narrative strength and overreliance on stereotypical high-school dynamics, results in "My Science Project" being an amusing albeit minor diversion in the pantheon of 80s cinema. It holds more value for those with a fondness for cheesy sci-fi undertakings from that era than for general sci-fi aficionados seeking substantive content.

Mill Creek's Blu-ray release of "My Science Project" brings a nostalgic trip back to the 1980s, but it falls short in various technical and entertainment aspects. The film itself, while a serviceable piece of entertainment, lacks the vibrancy and charm found in other science fiction comedies of its era. The script meanders with a slow pace and the characters miss the mark on memorability, making it less likely to hold up against other retro classics like "Bill & Ted" or "Masters of the Universe".

Technically, the Blu-ray disc offers a middling experience. While the video transfer is adequate with good visual quality, the decision to include only a dual mono soundtrack limits the auditory experience, which many audiophiles may find disappointing. Additionally, this release is bare bones with no supplemental features to enhance its value, appealing primarily to those looking to upgrade from outdated DVD versions.

In conclusion, "My Science Project" on Blu-ray is a budget-friendly option, often available for under $10. For die-hard fans of the film or collectors seeking a nostalgic addition, it manages to provide a satisfactory trip down memory lane. However, for those seeking a richer audiovisual experience or high replay value, it falls short and may warrant a pass.