Vibes Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Vibes" presents a balanced, if not flawless, visual experience that aligns well with the limitations of the original film elements and budget. Encoded in 1080p, the image quality oscillates between agreeable and slightly rough around the edges. Grain is prevalent, occasionally leading to compression artifacts that imbue some backgrounds with a chunky texture. The color management is decent, particularly the green hues of the South American landscapes, though other colors, including flesh tones, may appear muted or pasty at times. Details vary in sharpness, with some scenes showcasing crisp, film-like textures while others seem flat and less engaging.

This Blu-ray represents a substantial improvement over previous DVD releases, despite not being a top-tier transfer. Mill Creek's licensing from Sony uses a 35mm transfer of the original film without significant restoration or new scanning. The 1.85:1 video fluctuates in clarity and definition, mainly due to the dated optical effects which diminish quality. However, the overall film elements are in good condition with minimal degradation. The South American exteriors, shot partly in 65mm, provide a marginally richer visual appeal, though black levels remain satisfactory outside of poorly executed optical sequences. Although not groundbreaking, this Blu-ray offers a competent representation that will satisfy many fans, especially those with tempered expectations.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 lossless soundtrack for "Vibes" offers a notable listening experience. Though confined to two channels, the audio maintains impressive clarity and stretches adequately along the front soundstage. Musical elements, particularly James Horner's score with its rich horn sections and signature touches, exhibit commendable fullness and robustness. Ambient effects, such as the subtle dripping water at the 80-minute mark, enhance realism, while moments like gunshots in the open country at the 71-minute mark provide standout depth and reverberation. Dialogue is consistently centered and remains clear, clean, and well-prioritized throughout the film.

Despite the stereo limitations inherent in the format, the sound design and mixing excel, showcasing the professionalism behind this late-80s production. The track's handling of dynamic elements ensures that dialogue is never overpowered by the more prominent sonic flashes. This DTS-HD MA track, though not equipped with modern surround capabilities or subwoofer engagement, surpasses many other catalog offerings from the same era, delivering an engaging and immersive auditory experience.

Optional English SDH subtitles are also available in a white font, providing clear and accessible text support for viewers who need it.

The Blu-ray release of "Vibes" by Mill Creek is a no-frills offering, providing just the essentials for viewing the film. No special features or supplemental content have been included, reflecting the movie's status as a box office flop that struggled for widespread release. The disc's main menu is basic, offering only options to play the film and toggle subtitles. Additionally, this release does not include any DVD or digital copies. The only notable addition is the nostalgic Retro VHS style slipcover, a hallmark of Mill Creek's releases, appealing to collectors and fans of retro aesthetics.

Extras included in this disc:

• None

"Vibes," the spirited 1988 romantic comedy, follows psychics Sylvia Pickel (Cyndi Lauper) and Nick Deezy (Jeff Goldblum) as they are hired by a mysterious man (Peter Falk) to locate his missing son in South America. With an undeniably intriguing plot and a vibrant opening sequence that rips off Ghostbusters in a good-hearted manner, the film starts strong. Sylvia, who communicates with an unseen spirit named Louise, and Nick, who can "read" an object's psychic history, dive into a world of paranormal adventure. However, despite its potential, the movie transitions into a slow and monotonous narrative as it progresses, leaving its exciting premise largely unfulfilled.

Goldblum and Lauper share excellent comedic chemistry and deliver commendable performances as the film's leads, with Lauper effectively channeling an exaggerated version of her quirky media persona. Their psychic abilities are ripe for comedy but are underutilized as the narrative devolves into a lackluster adventure plot filled with generic villains and scripted turns. The initial crisp pacing slows considerably in the second and third acts, where the film fails to maintain its early momentum.

Supporting roles from Peter Falk and Julian Sands add some depth to the story but are not enough to salvage the film from its mid-to-late slump. While "Vibes" offers a few quirky highlights, it's ultimately a flat and lifeless experience that falls short of its early promise. This 1980s comedy is a nostalgic trip for fans of the era but may not hold up for more discerning audiences today. Rated PG in its time, it likely would be perceived differently under today's stricter rating system.

"Vibes" arrives on Blu-ray, bringing back this charming 1988 film to a new audience. Jeff Goldblum and Cyndi Lauper deliver engaging performances as two quirky psychics embarking on an adventurous treasure hunt. The film starts strong with a premise focussed on the unique abilities of its characters, offering an intriguing blend of comedy and supernatural elements. However, it tries to juggle too many genres, and as the plot veers more into adventure, the initial comedic chemistry that held such promise is somewhat diluted.

Technically speaking, Mill Creek's release does not exceed expectations. The video transfer maintains acceptable levels of clarity, though it is far from remarkable, showing signs of age with occasional artifacts. Audio quality is sufficient but unremarkable, offering a functional experience that lacks the depth and richness found in higher-end remasters. Moreover, the Blu-ray disc is devoid of any special features, which will disappoint enthusiasts seeking behind-the-scenes insights or additional content.

No good vibes here. Well, that's not entirely true. The film begins with great promise but quickly flushes that down the toilet when the story takes a turn towards adventure rather than relational comedy between two, and amongst a group of, quirky psychics, each with different powers that could have been used to excellent effect with a little (or a lot of) additional brainstorming. Shame, because Vibes really does begin with a bang. Mill Creek's Blu-ray is featureless, no surprise, and video and audio hover around the passable level, again no surprise. For fans only.