Sixteen Candles Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's Blu-ray release of "Sixteen Candles" represents a significant improvement over the initial Universal Pictures' version, which was criticized for its heavy use of Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) and edge enhancement. This fresh release, presented with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the film’s original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, benefits from a meticulous restoration process. The original 35mm camera negative underwent a 4K scan at EFilm in Burbank, followed by grading on Digital Vision's Nucoda Film Master and subsequent restoration at R3Store Studios in London. This has enabled a presentation that maintains the film's organic, cinematic quality while enhancing detail and clarity without resorting to artificial enhancements.

The video quality of this edition showcases a commendable level of detail, evident in facial features, clothing textures, and set designs, ensuring a viewing experience that feels authentic and unfiltered. The preservation of the film's natural grain contributes to this authentic aesthetic, albeit with occasional instances where the grain texture appears slightly magnified, suggesting a mild optical zoom effect. Nonetheless, these moments do not detract significantly from the overall quality of the presentation. Colors exhibit vibrancy and balance, with primary hues appearing bright and natural. This results in a visual experience that faithfully represents the original look of the film while correcting past issues.

Arrow Video’s treatment extends to both the theatrical and extended versions of "Sixteen Candles," with the extended version incorporating additional 35mm materials for its exclusive sections. Despite no discernible differences in video quality between these versions, as evidenced by side-by-side screenshot comparisons, the effort to provide both allows viewers to verify this for themselves. Moreover, the original mono mix has been remastered from optical negatives, enhancing the audio experience to match the visual improvements. Black levels are described as inky and whites well-balanced, rounding off a release that significantly surpasses its predecessor and offering fans a definitive viewing experience.

The audio presentation of "Sixteen Candles" on Blu Ray offers a commendable auditory experience, primarily through its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround mix, which certainly emerges as the most appealing option among the available tracks. This mix provides a balanced and more naturally resonating soundscape as compared to its counterparts, two DTS-HD Master Audio Mono mixes - one being the original theatrical soundtrack and the other, a modified home video soundtrack with altered music cues. The surround mix is praised for not attempting to be overly ambitious yet succeeds in enhancing the source cues and incorporating well-placed ambient and environmental effects, leading to a more immersive viewing experience.

Despite the presence of original audio mixes, which typically attract purists for preserving the film's initial sound environment, both mono tracks are reported to come across as slightly underwhelming in this instance. Descriptions of these tracks range from sounding "muffled" and "less hot" than the surround counterpart to critiques about them being "tinny" and "flat," necessitating adjustments in volume levels to capture dialogue clearly. Contrarily, the 5.1 surround mix is credited for its clarity and cleanliness in dialogue delivery without succumbing to damage, distortion, or dropouts, marking a significant improvement over the mono presentations.

From a technical standpoint, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround mix not only ensures a well-balanced auditory experience but also achieves commendable object placement and channel engagement, enriching the film's atmospheric qualities without overwhelming viewers. The nuanced approach taken in this mix is appreciated, facilitating an ambient experience that significantly enhances the source material without detracting from its essence. In comparison to its mono counterparts, it stands out as the preferred choice for its adept handling of audio elements, thereby offering a satisfying and holistic audio film viewing experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Sixteen Candles" brings forth an appreciated variety of extras that illuminate both the making and the legacy of this classic film. Fans are treated to two versions of the film, Theatrical (1080p; 1:32:35) and Extended (1080p; 1:34:01), with the Extended Version enriched by a brief yet pivotal additional scene (1080p; 1:28). Noteworthy is the Alternate Home Video Soundtrack that navigates the complex landscape of licensing with a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono mix, reinstating original music altered in prior home video releases. Interviews with cast and crew highlight the bonus features, offering new perspectives and anecdotes. Particularly, insights from casting director Jackie Burch and lively conversations between actors Gedde Watanabe and Deborah Pollack enhance understanding of the film's production and its cultural impact. The package is thoughtfully augmented by promotional material – including trailers and TV spots – as well as an array of image galleries showcasing production stills and poster art, all handsomely wrapped with a detailed booklet.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Version: The original cinematic presentation.
• Extended Version: Features an additional scene.
• Additional Scene: The scene distinguishing the Extended Version.
• Alternate Home Video Soundtrack: Original soundtrack mix affected by licensing.
• Casting Sixteen Candles with Jackie Burch: Insightful interview with the casting director.
• When Gedde Met Deborah: A conversation between Gedde Watanabe and Deborah Pollack.
• Rudy the Bohunk: Interview with actor John Kapelos.
• The New Wave Nerd: Adam Rifkin shares his experiences on set.
• The In-Between: An interview with camera operator Gary Kibbe.
• Music for Geeks: Composer Ira Newborn discusses his work.
• A Very Eighties Fairytale: A visual essay by Saraya Roberts.
• Celebrating Sixteen Candles: Archival featurette.
• Trailers and Promotional Spots: Including teaser, trailers, TV, and radio spots.
• Image Galleries: Shooting script, production stills, alongside poster and video art.

John Hughes' inaugural directorial venture, "Sixteen Candles," remains a definitive capture of 1980s teen angst and the complexities of high school life, even as it navigates through the maze of an era-specific sensitivity spectrum. Arrow Video's Blu-ray presentation breathes new life into this classic, substantially improving upon the technical shortcomings of Universal's initial high-definition release. By incorporating a pristine restoration and amplifying the film with a rich suite of bonus materials, this edition stands as a testimony to the importance of preserving cinema that has significantly shaped the zeitgeist of Generation X and tail-end Baby Boomers.

The narrative of "Sixteen Candles," masterfully woven by Hughes, centers around Samantha Baker's (Molly Ringwald) tumultuous sixteenth birthday, marred by her family's forgetfulness amid another significant family event and her tumultuous romantic endeavors. While the film indulges in humor that might not seamlessly transcend time — marked by occasional ethnic insensitivity and humor that 'punches down' — it also shines with instances of genuine hilarity and relatability. Hughes achieved a cult status by authentically portraying teenage disaster with a lens that was both empathetic and direct, avoiding the trappings of moralizing adult perspectives. Despite its moments of discomfort for contemporary audiences, "Sixteen Candles" endures as an enjoyable adventure steeped in 80s culture, demonstrating Hughes' intricate balance between endearing narrative and the occasionally cringe-worthy gag.

Arrow Video's meticulous attention to detail in this Blu-ray edition extends beyond mere technical enhancement. By packaging the disc with reversible artwork, a booklet featuring insightful essays and restoration details, and an animated main menu that offers seamless navigation, the release is elevated to a special edition status. The commitment to preserving Hughes' vision and ensuring its accessibility in superior quality allows both longstanding fans and new audiences to experience or rediscover "Sixteen Candles" in a format that celebrates its legacy while acknowledging the nuanced evolution of humor and sensibility.

Sixteen Candles," directed by John Hughes, remains an emblematic piece of '80s cinema, adeptly capturing the essence and tribulations of teenage life during this era through its blend of humor and heartfelt moments. This Blu-ray release from Arrow offers a significant upgrade in terms of visual and audio quality, presenting the film in a cleaner, more natural image compared to previous releases by Universal Studios. It boasts two versions of the film, allowing viewers the choice between the original and an alternate cut, which is a rare treat. The addition of a great surround sound track enhances the viewing experience, ensuring that both the film’s dialogue and its iconic soundtrack are delivered with clarity and depth.

Arrow Video's release also includes a selection of bonus features that are both engaging and informative, providing deeper insight into the making of the film and its enduring legacy. These supplements, along with the technical improvements, make this release highly recommended for both fans of the film and those new to Hughes's work. Despite some elements of the movie not aging particularly well, its charm, witty gags, and honest exploration of teenage angst and joy retain their appeal, illustrating why "Sixteen Candles" has stood the test of time.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray release of "Sixteen Candles" by Arrow Video is a commendable effort that pays homage to an iconic piece of '80s teen cinema. Its superior technical merits, combined with thoughtful supplements, make it a must-have for collectors and fans alike. Whether revisiting the film after many years or discovering it for the first time, viewers will find much to appreciate in this comprehensive and lovingly crafted presentation.