Mystery Date Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the Blu-ray release of Jonathan Wacks' "Mystery Date" delivers a 1080p transfer that mirrors the quality of the initial DVD master. Depth is moderately effective, though nighttime scenes suffer from minimal depth and noticeable light crushing, impacting shadow definition. The film maintains a decent organic aesthetic, with stable colors but a limited range of nuances. While the image quality is mostly stable and free of debris and damage, the encoding could have been better optimized to exploit the film’s potential.

The clarity and detail presented reflect the era's typical Blu-ray releases, providing solid coloring and sharpness without overdoing it. Depth work is good, with smooth and fluid spacing and movements. Black levels are solid but can occasionally appear murky, causing minor detail loss in heavily shaded areas. The color reproduction offers a balanced mix of pop and restraint, fitting well with the transitional styling between the late '80s and early '90s. Flesh tones are natural and consistent, although some smoothing is noticeable. Grain and occasional specs of dirt are present but not overly intrusive.

Overall, despite the limitations of the existing master, this Blu-ray release of "Mystery Date" offers a respectable technical presentation. The absence of recent degraining corrections is rather noticeable, and a newly mastered transfer could potentially enhance the film's vibrancy and clarity. Nevertheless, the stability in contrast levels and the relatively clean image help ensure an enjoyable viewing experience for fans. Please note that this is a Region-A locked Blu-ray, requiring compatible playback equipment.

The Blu-ray release of "Mystery Date" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 audio track, which complements the film's retro soundtrack excellently. Notable tracks from INXS, Tone Loc, GWAR, and Dave Stewart and Candy Dulfer sound crisp and clear throughout. Despite the absence of any significant audio remastering, the balance during complex club scenes is consistently pleasing. The dialogue remains stable and clean across various scenes, with minor room for improvement in the mid/high frequencies if further remastering were undertaken. For this review, no audio dropouts or digital distortions were observed, indicating a solid transfer to the Blu-ray format.

The 2.0 audio mix faithfully captures the era's essence, blending the film's score, vocals, and sound effects seamlessly. Although the music can occasionally overpower other elements, it effectively enhances the intensity of key moments. Overall, dynamics are handled well, ensuring an engaging listening experience without excessive peaks or troughs. Dialogue reproduction is notably clear, only slightly subdued in comparison to other elements in the mix, but never to a degree that hinders comprehension. It’s worth noting that optional English SDH subtitles are not provided for this release.

This professional assessment shows that while "Mystery Date" may not boast the latest in audio technology like Dolby Atmos or an extensive surround sound presentation, its DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track delivers a reliable and enjoyable auditory experience true to its period. The film’s audio revival on Blu-ray manages to preserve the unique charm of its original soundtrack while ensuring overall audio clarity and stability.

The Blu-ray of "Mystery Date" offers a refreshing set of extras that complement the viewing experience with engaging behind-the-scenes content. While succinct, these extras provide an insightful look into the making of the film. The featurettes offer substantial information and entertaining retrospectives, adding value for fans and newcomers alike. The visual and audio quality of each extra is commendable, maintaining a high standard. The commentary, specifically, stands out for its thorough background details and engaging anecdotes.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for "Mystery Date", providing a nostalgic glimpse into the film's initial promotion.

"Mystery Date" (1991), directed by Jonathan Wacks, delivers a nostalgic yet mixed experience channeling the zany excitement characteristic of late '80s and early '90s teen comedies. Featuring Ethan Hawke as Tom McHugh, a reserved college student hopelessly in love with his charming neighbor Geena Matthews (Teri Polo), the film transitions through genres in a bold if uneven manner. The plot initiates with Tom's older brother Craig (Brian McNamara) coaching him on the intricate dance of wooing Geena, setting off a cascade of slapstick calamities and dangerous encounters.

The narrative thrives on its energetic, roller-coaster pacing, implementing elements typical of films like "Adventures in Babysitting.” However, "Mystery Date" falters in balancing its humor with its more perilous escapades. While the film is designed to evoke laughter from outlandish scenarios, some sequences inadvertently veer into territory too intense for comedy. Tom's series of misadventures—with hitmen, gangsters, and corrupt cops—while engaging, fail to consistently land comedic punches. Despite these shortcomings, the film provides a nostalgic charm anchored by an excellent soundtrack featuring INXS, Seal, Sonic Youth, and Tone Loc.

Ultimately, the success of "Mystery Date" rests on the palpable chemistry between Hawke and Polo. Their interactions reveal a genuine connection that elevates the film above its middling script and overstuffed plotlines. Noteworthy moments, such as their spontaneous joyride in Craig’s Cadillac, underscore this authentic magnetism. The supporting cast, including Fisher Stevens, aids in bolstering the whimsical tone yet struggles against the film’s inability to amplify its comedic heights adequately. While "Mystery Date" may not consistently capitalize on its potential for silly charm, it remains an engaging retrospective piece bolstered by the earnest performances of its leads.

"Mystery Date" on Blu-ray presents a mixed bag for viewers, combining a nostalgic trip back to early '90s teen comedy with some disappointments in its overall engagement. The film, starring Ethan Hawke and Teri Polo, follows a young man’s night of mistaken identity, romance, and comedy. Technically, the Blu-ray offers commendable video quality, highlighting the film’s vibrant color palette and enhancing the visual experience significantly over previous DVD releases. Audibly, the soundtrack remains crisp and contributes well to the overall atmosphere. However, the absence of supplementary features such as behind-the-scenes content or interviews leaves much to be desired for dedicated fans.

While the Blu-ray itself excels in quality, the film may not resonate with every viewer. For some, the formulaic plot and predictable humor dilute the potential for a more riveting viewing experience. This is underscored by a lack of engaging twists or character development that might otherwise elevate the narrative beyond mediocrity. However, enthusiasts of '90s teen comedies will find solace in the film’s nostalgic charm and light-hearted nature, even if it doesn't break new ground.

In conclusion, "Mystery Date" is an enjoyable film that serves well for a casual and relaxed movie night, especially if you have a fondness for early ‘90s teen comedies. While it may not have met with universal acclaim upon its release, the film remains an entertaining choice that benefits from a noteworthy Blu-ray presentation. Thus, it is recommended for viewers looking for a light-hearted escape with a touch of nostalgia.