Risky Business 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s release of "Risky Business" on 4K UHD Blu-ray presents a superbly executed video transfer, utilizing a native 4K scan from the original 35mm camera negatives and a 35mm interpositive, supervised and approved by director Paul Brickman and producer Jon Avnet. The presentation retains the film’s original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 in 3840 x 2160p resolution, leveraging 10-bit video depth, HDR10, and Dolby Vision. The finely wrought restoration boasts exceptional detail, with textures on skin, clothing, and architectural elements captured with impressive sharpness and clarity throughout different shot compositions. Grain structure is well-resolved and consistent, vital in preserving the cinematic authenticity without any noticeable digital interference.

The color accuracy in both the theatrical and director’s cuts is outstanding, thanks to the HDR grade passes. Rich vibrant hues, especially the greenery and primary colors, are well-reproduced. The Dolby Vision HDR further enhances visual quality by augmenting natural light sources and providing stable black levels with enhanced depth in darker scenes. For instance, nighttime sequences featuring the Porsche exhibit a new level of dynamic range and depth that was not apparent in previous releases. The daylight scenes are markedly sharper and layered with striking clarity and nuance. A few outdoor scenes lean towards cooler color temperatures but maintain an overall convincing color balance.

This release stands as a definitive visual upgrade from previous editions, such as the original Warner Bros. Blu-ray, which offered a decent but inconsistent presentation. Significant improvements can be observed in both the 4K UHD and 1080p Blu-ray versions, with nuanced color palettes, immaculate image stability, and minimal instances of scratches or dirt. This meticulous restoration ensures that "Risky Business" now delivers an immaculate visual experience that will delight both new viewers and longtime fans alike.

The audio presentation on the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Risky Business" is executed with impressive fidelity, sticking to an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. This mix brings the film's diverse soundtrack—ranging from Bob Seger's classic rock to Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight" and the ethereal electronic score by Tangerine Dream—into the modern age with robust dynamics and crystal-clear dialogue. The music, a crucial component of the film, sounds expansive and rich across the entire soundstage, particularly during quieter, more atmospheric sequences where the synth elements create a haunting effect. While the bass isn't at its deepest and the top end may not shimmer as much as some might hope, the overall experience remains powerful and dynamic without overpowering other audio elements.

Dialogues are meticulously clean, sharp, and well-synchronized with on-screen lip movements, ensuring a seamless viewing experience. Sound effects are sparingly used but are impactful when present, such as during the climactic car chase that effortlessly pans between speakers. The mix is well-balanced, preventing any single element from dominating the auditory space. This meticulous balancing extends to the soundtrack's muscular mid-range, which contributes a fist-pumping quality to the audio experience.

Sound engineers have deftly avoided any distracting anomalies like crackling, clicking, or hissing, making this release likely the best audio version of "Risky Business" available on home video to date. A slight caution: AV receivers set with upmixers might misdirect some audio components, but that can be swiftly corrected by disabling the upmixing. This transfer stands out not only for capturing the essence of its original 80s spirit but also for introducing a refined clarity and richness that elevates the entire film-viewing experience.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Risky Business" offers a comprehensive collection of extras that delve deeply into various aspects of the film's production, making it an essential for enthusiasts. Notably, the inclusion of legacy materials alongside new, insightful interviews delivers a balanced retrospective and fresh perspectives. The commentary track, featuring director Paul Brickman, producer Jon Avnet, and actor Tom Cruise, remains a highlight. New interviews with Jon Avnet, editor Richard Chew, film historian Bobbie O'Steen, and casting director Nancy Klopper provide valuable insights into their contributions. The archival documentary "The Dream is Always the Same" offers a holistic view of the film's background and ongoing impact. Also noteworthy are the screen tests of Tom Cruise and Rebecca De Mornay and a vintage theatrical trailer. Collectively, these elements create a robust bonus package worthy of fans' time.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Featuring Brickman, Avnet, and Cruise; discusses the making of the movie.
• The Dream is Always the Same: Retrospective making-of documentary with interviews.
• Interview with Jon Avnet: Insight into his collaboration with Brickman.
• Interview with Richard Chew and Bobbie O'Steen: Discussing editing decisions.
• Interview with Nancy Klopper: Detailing the casting process.
• Screen Tests: Featuring Tom Cruise and Rebecca De Mornay.
• Trailer: Vintage theatrical trailer.
• Leaflet: Featuring an essay by critic Dave Kehr.

Paul Brickman's "Risky Business" is a seminal 80s teen film that has maintained its unique appeal and critical acclaim over the decades. Set in the affluent suburban enclave of Highland Park, Chicago, the story follows high school student Joel Goodson (Tom Cruise), whose well-orchestrated life is thrown into turmoil when his parents leave him alone for a week. Joel's journey from obedient son to risk-taking entrepreneur, catalyzed by encounters with call girl Lana (Rebecca De Mornay) and the underbelly of suburban hedonism, serves as both a coming-of-age narrative and a satire of Reagan-era materialism. Brickman's direction juxtaposes the innocence of youth with the harsh realities of adult ambitions, creating an atmosphere that is simultaneously dreamy and nightmarish, much like a fevered teenage fantasy.

The film deftly satirizes the American Dream's inextricable link to materialism through Joel's escapades. His reckless ventures—transforming his home into a temporary brothel and navigating conflicts with Lana’s pimp Guido (Joe Pantoliano)—are symptomatic of the era’s capitalistic zeal. This narrative choice offers a critical lens on the societal pressures that dictate success and freedom through financial gains, echoing the materialistic ethos that defined Reagan's policies. The ambiguity of the movie’s conclusion underscores a nuanced take on Joel's maturity, leaving audiences to ponder whether his newfound freedom is triumph or further entrapment.

"Risky Business" also excels through its polished yet raw visual and auditory aesthetics. Cinematography captures the glossy allure of suburban life and its underlying grit. The soundtrack, featuring Tangerine Dream, Bob Seger, and Phil Collins, enhances the film’s otherworldly yet grounded vibe. Performances are universally strong; Cruise’s transformation into a bonafide star is matched by De Mornay’s compelling portrayal of worldly cynicism. The supporting cast—including Curtis Armstrong, Bronson Pinchot, and Richard Masur—adds depth, each character further enriching this tapestry of youthful rebellion and existential angst. This 4K UHD edition by Criterion features meticulously restored visuals and nuanced audio, ensuring "Risky Business" continues to resonate with new and returning viewers alike.

Review: Risky Business 4K UHD Blu-ray

The Criterion Collection has masterfully revived the iconic 1983 film "Risky Business" with a 4K UHD Blu-ray release that excels in both visual and auditory presentation. The 4K restoration offers a much-needed facelift to the original film, showcasing superior color grading, enhanced fine detailing, and a well-preserved grain structure that retains the movie's quintessential filmic quality. The lossless 5.1 soundtrack reproduces the iconic Tangerine Dream score with striking clarity and immersion, enriching the viewing experience considerably.

Paul Brickman's directorial vision remains as compelling as ever, combining astute social commentary with a dark-humored narrative set against the backdrop of Reagan-era values. Tom Cruise’s breakout performance as Joel Goodsen is both nuanced and charismatic, matched by Rebecca De Mornay's equally compelling portrayal. Supplementing this core appeal, Criterion’s release impresses with extensive extras that delve deeper into the film’s production and legacy, including interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.

Conclusion

Top Gun may have cemented Tom Cruise’s global superstar status, but Risky Business put him on the bloody building site. His superb performance makes the wonderfully sophisticated and slightly dark and sad teen movie work so effortlessly in both its clever and obvious critiques as well as its easy comedy moments. De Mornay matches him beat for beat, but it's Paul Brickman and Tangerine Dream who really should take the lion's share of plaudits. Fun, clever, sexy, with more than enough brains to keep them out of those iconic tighty whities. The 4K restoration and resultant picture quality is superbly filmic, offering up a much more natural looking colour grading and much improved fine detailing and grain presentation; while the lossless 5.1 soundtrack keeps the iconic music pumping on your stereo. Extras are great and all things considered, this is an absolutely stellar release. Now I’m off to ground my daughter for the next eleven years of her life… Risky Business on 4K from Criterion is available from Monday 29th July 2024. You may also like: Movies & TV Shows Review