Malibu Express Blu-ray Review

The "Malibu Express" Blu-ray presentation, sourced from a new 4K restoration, demonstrates a notable leap in visual quality compared to previous DVD releases. The 1080p transfer showcases generally appealing image quality with minimal print damage and encoding artifacts. However, some distracting wobble periodically appears in various shots. The picture has a densely grainy texture that complements its aesthetic, though the grain can sometimes appear overly thick and muddy. Details such as skin, clothes, and environments are revealed with acceptable levels of clarity and stability, albeit not outstanding.

Color reproduction is stable, with nicely saturated hues, though reds may seem slightly overstated. Raised and flat black levels are accompanied by occasional mild purple pushes. While skin tones appear accurate, other aspects such as shadow delineation in interiors exhibit weaknesses, often resulting in coarse blacks and occasional crushing in darker scenes. Despite these flaws, the 1.78:1 Blu-ray presentation from Mill Creek remains a commendable offering for a low-budget 1985 exploitation film, rendering a visually serviceable experience that is certainly among the better releases from Mill Creek.

The completely uncut 101-minute feature is encoded in AVC on a BD-50 disc, maintaining the integrity of the original movie elements, which are in stable condition without significant degradation or debris. However, despite the promise of a 4K transfer, the soft cinematography prevents serious high-frequency detail from shining through. Aside from a few technical shortcomings, such as telecine wobble early in the film and underwhelming contrast and color saturation, the Blu-ray ensures "Malibu Express" is more accessible and visually faithful than ever before.

The audio presentation of "Malibu Express" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 lossless soundtrack. Unfortunately, the track itself is somewhat underwhelming, offering limited range and dynamic presence. The front speakers carry the primary load with a fair sense of location and purpose, but the overall mix fails to stretch wide enough to fully immerse the listener. Basic clarity remains functional, though it never rises above the elemental requirements for delivering dialogue and ambient noise. The dialogue itself is clear enough to be comprehensible, yet lacks the expert definition that would make it truly standout. It is well-imaged towards a phantom front-center channel but does not exhibit any real audio finesse.

Additionally, while the 2.0 DTS-HD MA soundtrack operates without significant issues, it fails to leave a memorable impression. Sound design across the board is adequate but unremarkable, with dialogues remaining intelligible throughout but larger audio elements often sounding weak and thin. Although this basic sound mix suffices to convey the film's essential auditory elements, it lacks the robustness and zest one might hope for in a high-definition audio track. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided in a clear white font, enhancing accessibility but doing little to compensate for the rather flat audio experience.

The Blu-Ray release of "Malibu Express" offers a good selection of special features that enhance the viewing experience. This release includes an audio commentary, an introduction by the director, an extensive behind-the-scenes featurette, and a collection of trailers. The audio commentary by director Andy Sidaris and his wife, Arlene, is particularly informative, covering a range of topics from budget constraints to technical details and on-set anecdotes. The introduction, though slightly unfinished, starts with a discussion of the film's poster art. The behind-the-scenes featurette is a valuable addition, providing insights into the filmmaking process with interspersed interviews and footage from other Sidaris films. Finally, the comprehensive trailer collection offers a glimpse into the wider Malibu Bay Films catalog.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction By Director Andy Sidaris: Discusses poster art; abruptly cuts off.
• Audio Commentary: Features insights from Andy and Arlene Sidaris.
• Behind The Scenes: Includes interviews and filmmaking insights.
• Malibu Express Trailer: Preview of the main feature.
• Malibu Bay Trailers: Trailers for various Sidaris films.

Andy Sidaris's "Malibu Express" is the quintessential 1980s T&A action flick, crafted with all the tropes that define his filmmaking style. Predominantly light on plot and substantial acting, yet brimming with lavishly staged soft-core sex scenes and quaintly orchestrated action, this film doesn’t attempt to disguise its intentions. Corvette-driving playboy Cody Abilene (Darby Hinton) navigates a loose storyline about espionage, romances almost every woman he meets, and still finds time for hilariously exaggerated action sequences. The film's narrative, essentially an excuse to segue from one sex scene to another, revolves around Cody being hired by FBI agent Contessa Luciana (Sybil Danning) to uncover who’s selling sensitive tech to the Russians.

From a technical perspective, "Malibu Express" is competently made despite its crude premise. Scenes overflowing with nudity range from tangentially plot-related to blatantly gratuitous, designed solely to keep viewers engaged through the film’s runtime. The editing is choppy and the acting subpar, particularly with Playboy Playmates in much of the cast, although Hinton's laid-back charm does manage to hold the framework together. Dramatic scenes are peppered with comedic undertones, including a subplot where Cody spars with a hillbilly family over car races. However, while the film's essence remains firmly planted in exploiting physical allure, it doesn’t entirely forgo the need for some semblance of cohesion in its action sequences.

"Malibu Express" excels not in artistic merit but in its unabashed dedication to 1980s b-movie flair. It channels a trashy, sexed-up version of "Magnum, P.I." complete with big guns, fast cars, and raunchy one-liners. While Sybil Danning's role is effectively an extended cameo leading to a romantic entanglement with the protagonist, the film also humorously includes over-the-top henchmen like bodybuilder John Brown and cheeky character names such as June Khnockers. For those seeking unapologetically cheesy entertainment laced with copious nudity, "Malibu Express" delivers with unapologetic relish.

Mill Creek Entertainment's Blu-ray release of "Malibu Express" presents an intriguing blend of guns, girls, and high-octane action firmly rooted in the 1980s cine milieu. While the film’s plot meanders, it delivers precisely what is expected from an Andy Sidaris classic. The transfer benefits considerably from a 4K scan, showcasing a quality visual restoration that truly enhances the viewing experience. The colors are vibrant, creating a vivid aesthetic that complements the film's playful, indulgent nature.

However, the audio aspects of this Blu-ray release are less remarkable. While serviceable, the sound quality does not add significantly to the overall presentation, remaining underwhelming in its execution. Fans of soundtrack minimalism may find this aspect adequate, but audiophiles might regard it as a missed opportunity. Notably, the release also includes a selection of extras which provide valuable insights and context for aficionados of softcore cinema and Sidaris’ filmography.

In conclusion, "Malibu Express" encapsulates the quintessential softcore escapism of the 1980s. Despite its overtly simplistic plot and modest sound design, the film succeeds in its primary goal—to entertain and titillate. Mill Creek’s efforts in restoring this film are commendable, and while it may not appeal to mainstream audiences, it remains a worthy addition for fans of the genre.