Risky Business 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu Ray release of "Risky Business" showcases an impressive new restoration supervised by director Paul Brickman and producer Jon Avnet. This release features both the theatrical and director's cuts from a fresh 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative and a 35mm interpositive. Presented in native 4K resolution (3840 x 2160p) with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the transfer is enriched with a 10-bit video depth and benefits from HDR10 and Dolby Vision passes, encoded via the HEVC (H.265) codec. The finer aspects of the film—from skin textures, clothing details, to architectural elements—are captured with superb clarity and detail, translating the authentic essence of the original 35mm film into a modern digital format.

The color reproduction in this release is another highlight. The early 80s era colors are naturally presented with vivid textures and balanced primaries that are rich without being overemphasized. The Dolby Vision enhancement doesn't exaggerate the colors but accentuates them, offering vibrant hues and stable black levels that enhance both the daytime and nighttime scenes. The director's cut, in particular, benefits significantly from the darker nuanced contrasts and layered details, especially in scenes featuring primary reds, which render exceptionally well. The fidelity of the image is maintained admirably, with a sharp and consistent grain structure that avoids any signs of digital interference, presenting a natural filmic aesthetic.

Overall, this 4K makeover of "Risky Business" offers a substantial upgrade over previous releases, granting fans a definitive home video experience. The meticulous restoration ensures that fine details, film grain, and color palettes are faithfully reproduced, cementing this edition as the best visual presentation of the film to date. Whether viewed in HDR or SDR, on 4K or 1080p Blu-ray, the improvements are striking and compelling, making it a must-have for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "Risky Business" features a singular 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio lossless track, accompanied by English SDH subtitles. This audio mix is a compelling and dynamic representation of the film's iconic soundtrack, capturing the diverse array of music from Tangerine Dream's ethereal electronic score to classic tracks like Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” and Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock ‘n’ Roll.” The mix ensures that the music dominates the soundstage, effectively filling the front speaker array and spreading into the surrounds, resulting in a rich and brash auditory experience that aligns with the protagonist Joel's envisioned ambiance.

Dialogue clarity is a standout feature of this audio presentation, remaining clean, sharp, and free from sibilance across the board, with perfect lip-syncing observed. The bass is notably smooth and consistent, providing a modern yet faithful reproduction of the original material, whilst the overall dynamic range replicates the intended contrasts wonderfully. Sound effects, though limited primarily to key sequences such as the car chase, are well-balanced with the music and dialogue, creating an immersive listening experience without any audio elements overpowering each other.

However, users should note potential imbalances if utilizing certain upmixers in AV receivers, which may necessitate manual adjustments for optimal listening. Minor performance issues like distortion are minimal if at all present in this release, making it arguably the best auditory presentation of "Risky Business" available on home video to date.

Criterion's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Risky Business" includes an impressive and diverse array of extras, catering to both avid collectors and casual viewers. The archival commentary featuring director Paul Brickman, producer Jon Avnet, and actor Tom Cruise delves into behind-the-scenes insights from the film's production. New interviews with key contributors such as Avnet, casting director Nancy Klopper, and a session with editor Richard Chew and film historian Bobbie O'Steen provide fresh perspectives on the film's creative process. Additionally, a retrospective making-of documentary offers historical context, while screen tests with Tom Cruise and Rebecca De Mornay showcase early casting decisions. A vintage trailer and a leaflet essay by critic Dave Kehr round out the supplementary content, enhancing the viewer's appreciation of this cinematic classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio commentary: Insightful discussion with Brickman, Avnet, and Cruise.
• The Dream is Always the Same: Retrospective making-of documentary.
• Interview with Jon Avnet: Producer Avnet on collaboration and influences.
• Interview with Richard Chew and Bobbie O'Steen: Detailed look at editorial choices.
• Interview with Nancy Klopper: Casting process insights.
• Screentests of Cruise and De Mornay: Archival screen tests and casting interviews.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Leaflet essay by Dave Kehr: Critical essay by film curator Dave Kehr.

Paul Brickman's "Risky Business" (1983) has established itself as one of the seminal films encapsulating the essence of teenage life in the '80s. The narrative follows Joel Goodsen (Tom Cruise), a high school senior grappling with the overwhelming expectations placed upon him by his affluent parents to attend an Ivy League school. His existential dilemma manifests when his parents leave town, and a spontaneous encounter with call girl Lana (Rebecca De Mornay) spirals into an array of precarious situations. The film excels not just as a teen comedy but also as a sophisticated critique of Reagan-era materialism, dealing deftly with themes of capitalism and societal pressure in a manner that remains relevant.

Visually, the film diverges from the typical teen sex comedies of its era. Despite some hyperbolic setups, "Risky Business" employs a dreamlike, almost noirish aesthetic, complemented by a mesmerizing soundtrack by Tangerine Dream. Iconic scenes such as Joel's dance to Bob Seger's "Old Time Rock ‘n’ Roll" and the steamy sequences with Lana are underscored by a meticulous blend of raw yet polished cinematography that lends the film a unique atmosphere. The performances are just as notable, with Cruise delivering a breakout role, capturing both Joel's naivety and burgeoning pragmatism, while De Mornay's Lana is both alluring and layered, providing a perfect counterbalance.

The supporting cast further enriches the film, featuring memorable turns from Curtis Armstrong as Joel’s instigative friend, Miles, and Joe Pantoliano as Lana’s pimp, Guido. Small but impactful roles from actors like Bronson Pinchot and Richard Masur add depth to the narrative framework. The film's mature handling of its elements—ranging from sexually charged scenarios to poignant societal commentary—downplays baser comedic tropes in favor of a more intellectual and artistically driven narrative. This approach ensures that "Risky Business" endures not merely as a nostalgic throwback but as a sharp elucidation on youth, ambition, and the pitfalls of materialism.

"Risky Business," a seminal work from 1983, elegantly marries dreamlike escapism with a cutting critique of Reagan-era values and teenage angst. Tom Cruise delivers one of his earliest and most memorable performances, capturing the spirit of youth with a raw authenticity. Rebecca De Mornay’s performance matches Cruise’s intensity, adding depth to the narrative. The film’s success is equally attributed to Paul Brickman's insightful direction and Tangerine Dream’s atmospheric score, which underpin the movie's unique tone.

Criterion's 4K UHD release of "Risky Business" is a dynamic addition to any collection. The 4K restoration presents a natural color grading that surpasses prior versions, providing enhanced fine details and grain structure. The lossless 5.1 soundtrack ensures that the iconic musical pieces resonate with clarity and vigor on modern sound systems. Criterion enriches this package with both new and legacy special features, offering significant value even if you already own previous releases.

Overall, this Criterion release of "Risky Business" is nothing short of stellar. The stunning HDR presentation and thoughtfully curated extras make it a definitive home video version, well worth upgrading from older formats. De Mornay and Cruise’s performances are timeless, further elevated by the technical mastery of this release. Rendered beautifully in 4K, this film is a must-have for aficionados of cinema history. Criterion's offering ensures "Risky Business" remains resonant for new generations of viewers.