Jake Speed Blu-ray Review

Jake Speed is presented on Blu-ray by Arrow Video with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The restoration process included scanning the original 35mm interpositive in 2K resolution at EFilm, Burbank. Picture grading and restoration were conducted at Pinewood using DaVinci Resolve for grading and PFClean software for restoration. Instances of dirt, debris, scratches, and other signs of wear have been largely repaired, though some signs of the film's age remain. Audio was remastered from the original magnetic reels.

The presentation delivers a largely organic visual experience with decent detail levels, although variabilities exist. The grain field can be gritty and splotchy, particularly in darker scenes where crush sometimes affects fine detail levels. The color palette is generally well-saturated but shows occasional signs of fading, particularly in flesh tones which may appear somewhat brown. Bright outdoor sequences in Zimbabwe exhibit a vivid palette and good detail levels. However, optical dissolves present in the film result in occasional muddiness, and residual age-related wear and tear are apparent.

Shot on cheaper film stock, the transfer is grain-heavy, with Arrow's encoding handling compression effectively. Sharpness is prominent in close-ups but less so in wide shots due to inherent coarseness and a light haze affecting definition. Dense black levels contribute to depth and dimension, supported by passable contrast. Color stands out as the strongest element; primary colors display prominently, and Margaret's richly saturated dresses provide striking visuals. Overall, the Blu-ray presentation remains faithful to the original materials, balancing restoration efforts with the film's inherent characteristics.

The audio presentation of "Jake Speed" on Blu-ray features a PCM 2.0 track, which despite IMDb’s listing it as stereo, exhibits minimal separation, aligning more closely with Arrow's indication of a mono format. Fidelity is commendable, particularly in reproducing dialogue and abundant ambient sound effects that become pronounced once the narrative shifts to Zimbabwe. Sound elements such as explosions and combat sequences convey adequate impact, ensuring clarity without overshadowing the dialogue.

However, the limitations of the film's low budget are noticeable through the flattened audio profile. Dubbing of dialogue results in a murkiness that affects overall clarity, while certain sound effects challenge the upper treble range. Notably, the music soundtrack stands out, offering a rare clarity that contrasts with other aspects of the mix. The lower frequencies are well-managed, providing a smooth yet dynamic transition that complements the soundtrack’s rhythm and adds a layer of energy absent elsewhere in the film's audio landscape.

Overall, while the audio quality might not achieve high-performance benchmarks, it proficiently fulfills its function within the film’s context, with dialogue and key sound effects adequately rendered to sustain viewer engagement.

The Blu-ray extras for "Jake Speed" offer insightful and engaging content, suitable for fans and film enthusiasts alike. Director Andrew Lane and Producer William Fay share their experiences with candor and depth, covering significant aspects like casting choices—revealing Bruce Willis as a potential lead—the challenges faced shooting in Zimbabwe amid political unrest, and intricate budgetary constraints. Their reflections on the production process offer a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse, complemented by discussions on the film's thematic intentions and marketing struggles. Additionally, the package includes a meticulously crafted 24-page insert booklet with cast and crew details, an essay by Mark Cunliffe, and restoration notes. High-definition presentations ensure quality viewing experiences.

Extras included in this disc:

• Paperback Wishes, Cinematic Dreams: Andrew Lane's interview about his cinematic aspirations.
• The Hard Way Reads Better: William Fay discusses production challenges and memorable moments.
• 24-Page Booklet: Featuring cast and crew information, an essay by Mark Cunliffe, and restoration details.
• Reversible Artwork: New and original poster art options.

"Jake Speed," a lesser-known 1986 release, attempted to capitalize on the popularity of films like "Romancing the Stone" with its satirical take on the pulp genre. It revolves around Margaret (Karen Kopins) as she attempts to rescue her kidnapped sister, aided by the enigmatic Jake Speed (Wayne Crawford) and his assistant Desmond (Dennis Christopher). While "Jake Speed" boasts an initially intriguing premise—characters from an old pulp series come to life to aid in real-world crises—the film fails to fully exploit this narrative conceit. The central plot is compelling but underdeveloped, leaving audiences questioning the authenticity and origins of Jake himself.

Although the film shares thematic similarities with "Romancing the Stone" and even hints at the meta-layered storytelling of "The Purple Rose of Cairo," it does not maintain a consistent level of thrills or humor. The banter between Jake and Desmond, and occasionally Margaret, offers fleeting moments of enjoyment. However, the dynamics often become repetitive and fail to sustain engagement. The minimalistic action sequences, set against the African backdrop, lack the necessary scale and excitement, resulting in a plot that wobbles more than it thrills. The delayed entry of John Hurt’s villainous Sid further diminishes the film’s momentum, leaving a significant portion devoid of crucial antagonistic tension.

The film's sentimental nod to classic heroism feels out of place against the gritty reality of 1980s culture. Despite its intention to celebrate simple, good-hearted adventure, "Jake Speed" often comes across as cynical and mean-spirited. The movie's nostalgic charm is overshadowed by its lackluster execution, resulting in a mismatched blend of fantasy and reality. Crawford’s portrayal of Jake lacks the charisma necessary to elevate the character to iconic status, making "Jake Speed" a missed opportunity in the pantheon of 80s adventure films.

"Jake Speed" on Blu-Ray brings a nostalgic 1980s action-adventure to home media with a mixed but intriguing array of reactions from viewers. The film thrives on its homage to pulpy paperback heroes of the past, featuring a whimsical narrative where characters seemingly step out of fiction and into reality. While this concept holds potential for enchanting storytelling, the execution tends to falter. The performances are commendable, delivering enjoyable chemistry amongst the cast. However, the whimsical nature that could’ve made it more engaging remains underdeveloped, leading to an overall inconsistent tone.

The Blu-Ray release by Arrow Video provides a commendable A/V presentation, despite encountering a few technical glitches along the way. The video quality, while satisfactory, demonstrates occasional issues that detract from the overall visual experience. The audio, on the other hand, is robust and maintains clarity throughout. Notably, the supplemental materials are somewhat sparse, although the inclusion of two insightful interviews does offer additional value for enthusiasts of the film. However, given the scant extras, viewers may find the offering less comprehensive compared to other releases in Arrow’s repertoire.

In conclusion, "Jake Speed" is a film that may not universally captivate its audience; it balances on the knife’s edge between being charmingly nostalgic and frustratingly lackluster. Despite a few notable shortcomings in its execution and Blu-Ray presentation, it holds enough sentimental value and whimsy to be appreciated by those with a taste for genre-specific, pulpy adventures. The overall inconsistency in execution might deter some, yet for those drawn to its concept, it offers a unique experience worth exploring. For potential buyers, this release hinges on personal affinity for nostalgic action-adventure films from the 80s.