Troop Beverly Hills Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Troop Beverly Hills" offers a frequently breathtaking video presentation, boasting a 1080p transfer that has been meticulously remastered in 4K. This results in an image that is consistently film-like, thanks to a subtle and fine layer of grain that preserves the natural aesthetic of the original print. Visual details are remarkably sharp and clear, highlighting even the finest facial lines, clothing textures, and environmental elements such as brickwork and terrain. These qualities are evident both in close-ups and wider shots, providing an impressive depth of field.

Colors are bold and pleasing for most parts of the film, particularly the well-saturated greens and browns, which stand out vividly. The various hues in clothing also display a great level of detail and nuance, though some of the more vibrant reds and pinks appear slightly over-saturated. Flesh tones usually remain natural but occasionally tend to run a bit warm. Black levels are generally deep and inky, although there are minor incidents of crush in particularly dark scenes, where some detail may get lost. Incidences of noise or artifacts are minimal and largely unobtrusive, enhancing the overall visual quality.

The aspect ratio is a faithful 1.85:1, and the encoding via MPEG-4 AVC maintains consistent clarity and detail throughout. Movements appear smooth, contributing to an immersive viewing experience where even intentionally blurred backgrounds exhibit notable detail. Besides minor flaws such as momentary speckles and the aforementioned black crush, this Blu-ray release delivers a stellar presentation that is visually engaging for the majority of its runtime.

The audio presentation of "Troop Beverly Hills" on Blu-ray is delivered through a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. This track exhibits an overall solid performance, particularly in the animated opening title montage, which offers a balanced front spacing and a quality surround envelopment. While it lacks a bit in terms of raw aggression, there is sufficient clarity that enhances a pleasant general presence. Music and songs dispersed throughout the film maintain this consistency. However, it is essential to note that the subwoofer remains underutilized, contributing minimally throughout the film.

Dialogue reproduction stands out as a prominent strength of this track, being consistently clear, crisp, and center-focused. A notable moment includes chapter four, where Velda's address to the troop leaders benefits from a pleasing light echoing effect. Despite its merits, the audio track does exhibit some limitations. The scene featuring torrential rainfall disappoints with a muffled and indistinct sound, reducing its impact noticeably. Surround sound presentation, while effective in maintaining a natural and robust ambiance with good directionality, might not impress those seeking a more immersive audio experience with pronounced low-frequency effects.

Overall, "Troop Beverly Hills" features an engaging and functional audio mix that complements its teenage comedy genre. It effectively manages dialogue clarity and enriches the musical components, though it lacks significant bass impact and dynamic punch typical of high-octane action films. This release fulfills its purpose without notable hitches but leaves room for improvements in a few critical areas, particularly in terms of dynamic engagement and low-frequency depth during key effect-driven scenes.

The Blu-ray extras for "Troop Beverly Hills" provide a delightful insight into both the film's production and the real-life inspiration behind it. Two notable interviews stand out: Shelley Long reminisces about her experiences making the film, including script selection, the original title, working with child actors, and specific challenges during shooting. Meanwhile, Ava Ostern Fries, the real-life inspiration for Phyllis Neffler, shares candid details about her own troop leader experiences and involvement as a producer. Additionally, viewers can access ten short deleted scenes and the original theatrical trailer. The package also includes a UV digital copy of the film for convenience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Shelley Long Remembers Troop Beverly Hills: The actress recalls production highlights, script insights, and anecdotes.
• The Real Phyllis Neffler: Ava Ostern Fries: Inspiration and production insights from the real-life troop leader and producer.
• Deleted Scenes: Ten brief scenes cut for pacing.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer for the film.

"Troop Beverly Hills" masterfully captures the spirit of youthful adventure through the lens of the Wilderness Girls organization, blending camaraderie, life skills, and a unique, Beverly Hills twist to the classic scouting formula. Jeff Kanew's direction leverages the humor and charm of this 1989 film, providing a heartfelt exploration of friendship, loyalty, and personal growth.

Shelley Long shines as Phyllis Nefler, a soon-to-be divorcee and the new leader of a troop of pampered Beverly Hills girls. Long’s performance radiates charisma, as she skillfully transitions from a ditsy, high-maintenance shopaholic to an inspiring leader who embraces the principles of leadership and teamwork. Meanwhile, Betty Thomas as Velda, the antagonistic rival troop leader, delivers a pitch-perfect performance, embodying a strict, militant style that contrasts sharply with Nefler's flamboyantly luxurious approach.

Scripted with nostalgic flair, the film delves into Phyllis and her troop’s journey of turning their privileged comfort into unexpected crafting skills and wilderness expeditions. Each character receives enough screen time to develop, allowing for individual moments of growth and humor that enrich the narrative. Despite the dated elements and occasional predictability, "Troop Beverly Hills" remains a delightful, enthusiastic meditation on unconventional success and determination, carried by Long’s infectious energy and dedication to her character.

"Troop Beverly Hills" is a charming and heartwarming film that finds its strength more in the journey than the destination. With simple themes and a somewhat predictable arc, it nonetheless resonates through its lighthearted moments and genuine humor. The performances are robust, anchored by a sincere heart that drives the narrative forward and ensures audiences leave with smiles. Although some scenes feel repetitive, the film's cadence and warmth make it a delightful viewing experience.

Sony's Blu-ray release of "Troop Beverly Hills" enhances the film with excellent video quality and solid audio presentation. Technical elements such as sharp visuals and clear sound make this an exemplary Blu-ray offering. The release includes a couple of thoughtful extras, though it leaves viewers missing a reunion feature with the original cast. Despite this minor shortcoming, the supplementary content is engaging and adds to the nostalgia for long-time fans.

Overall, "Troop Beverly Hills" continues to provide comedy and heartfelt moments since its release in 1989. While it may not convert those who didn’t grow up with it, the Blu-ray edition's superior presentation makes it an easy recommendation for both new audiences and those revisiting a beloved classic. Sony's Blu-ray release is sure to delight fans with its high-quality technical treatment and nostalgic value, making it a worthy addition to any collection.