Footloose Blu-ray Review

Paramount's Blu-ray rendition of Footloose (1984) shocks and amazes with its monumental leap in video quality compared to its prior releases. The 2011 transfer boasts a stellar 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode that revitalizes this classic with a sharpness and clarity that could only be dreamed of before. It stays authentic to its roots by retaining a natural grain film texture, enhancing the home-viewing experience with an almost tangible sense of being part of the scene. Whether capturing the nuanced textures of clothing, the rustic charm of roadside dirt, or the vibrant foliage, every detail is exquisitely preserved. Colors burst forth with life, striking a delicate balance between vibrancy and authenticity, encapsulating everything from the subtle hues of earth tones to the boldness of primary colors without ever losing their natural appeal.

Further enhancing the visual spectacle, the Blu-ray transfer excels in reproducing nuanced details with unparalleled clarity. From the distinct intricacies of facial complexions to the fine lines and dents on vehicles, the depth of detail presents a near-flawless depiction. Background and foreground elements meld seamlessly, offering a comprehensive visual depth that is as sharp at a distance as it is up close. Meanwhile, the color palette impresses with its richness and balance, maintaining a consistent warmth throughout that mirrors Vincent's crisp cinematography and the picturesque Georgian landscape it celebrates.

Despite these high praises, it's not without its minor blemishes. Black levels, while generally solid, exhibit occasional inconsistencies, leading to murkier dark scenes that slightly detract from an otherwise impeccable presentation. However, these issues pale in comparison to the overall brilliance of the transfer, ensuring that both newcomers and longtime fans are treated to a viewing experience that sets a new standard for visual quality on Blu-ray. This edition of Footloose stands out as a benchmark for what modern technology can achieve with classic films, presenting a reference-quality image from start to finish.

Footloose" makes an electrifying jump to Blu-ray, equipped with an extraordinary DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack that embodies the thrilling essence of this beloved dance musical. From the get-go, viewers are greeted with a rambunctiously loud and dynamic soundscape that never sacrifices clarity for volume. The film's iconic tracks ripple through the soundstage with remarkable finesse, featuring seamless spacing between the booming lows and crisp highs. Beyond its musical prowess, the soundtrack shines in its reproduction of environmental sounds—be it the thunderous momentum of stomping dancers and racing tractors or the subtler ambiance of chirping birds and bustling school corridors. Every sound element, from the heaviest bass to the lightest ambient effect, is rendered with seamless integration into the movie's fabric, ensuring a consistently immersive audio experience.

The precision with which this soundtrack operates is nothing short of impressive. The music's expansive soundstage is matched by spot-on mid-range dynamics, where highs and lows are separated with sharp clarity, projecting a vivid acoustic image that envelops the viewer. The responsive bass underscores the narrative's high energy, extending deeply into the listening space, while quieter moments boast convincingly panned ambient effects that further immerse the audience into Footloose's world. Dialogue remains perfectly intelligible amidst the high-octane musical numbers and softer scenes alike, showcasing the mix's meticulous balance and its ability to maintain audio coherence no matter the on-screen action.

In sum, Footloose's audio presentation on Blu-ray is a testament to sound engineering excellence. With its dynamic range that brilliantly captures both explosive musical numbers and nuanced environmental sounds, partnered with impeccable clarity and balance, this soundtrack not only supports but enhances the storytelling. It serves as a compelling example of how a high-quality DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack can significantly elevate a film's home viewing experience, making it a reference-quality achievement for enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

The Blu-ray extra presentation of "Footloose" offers a mix of insightful and detailed features that cater to fans and newcomers alike. Leading the pack is an audio commentary by director Craig Brewer, who shares his enthusiasm and vision for remaking this iconic story for modern audiences. He delves into the challenges of staying true to the original while making necessary updates. A slew of featurettes provide a comprehensive look at the process behind the movie, ranging from casting to choreography, highlighting the effort to blend nostalgia with contemporary elements. The deleted scenes, complete with director's commentary, though not crucial, offer an interesting glimpse into the editing process. Music videos add a vibrant layer to the extras, celebrating the film's soundtrack. Overall, these extras enrich the "Footloose" viewing experience by giving viewers a deeper understanding of the film's production and thematic essence.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Director Craig Brewer's passionate discussion on remaking the classic for a new generation.

Jump Back: Re-Imagining Footloose: An exploration of the remake's development, including casting, scriptwriting, and stylistic decisions.

Everybody Cut: The Stars of Footloose: Insights into the cast's contributions and dynamics.

Dancing with the Footloose Stars: A detailed look at the choreography of both original and new dance sequences.

Deleted Scenes: Five scenes offering additional context with optional director commentary.

Music Videos: Three music videos featuring "Footloose" by Blake Shelton, "Fake ID" by Big & Rich, and "Holding Out for a Hero" by Ella Mae Brown.

Footloose Rap: A unique Footloose-inspired rap video for the remake.

UV Copy: Digital version for easy access and viewing.

DVD Copy: A standard definition version of the movie for broader compatibility.

The Blu-ray presentation of Craig Brewer's 'Footloose' provides a vibrant and dynamic viewing experience that captures the essence of the movie's celebration of personal freedom, dancing, and the push against authoritative constraints. This rendition of the classic 1980s narrative ironically showcases the timeless relevance of its themes—self-expression, rebellion against oppressive norms, and the intergenerational conflict surrounding change and tradition. As a remake, it walks a fine line between paying homage to its predecessor and carving out an identity of its own, with Brewer at the helm offering a slicker, more polished take that resonates with contemporary audiences without losing the spirit of the original.

The heart of 'Footloose' remains unchanged—a small town rocked by tragedy clamps down on dancing and loud music in a well-meaning but misguided attempt to protect its youth, only for a newcomer to challenge these restrictions. This setup provides fertile ground for exploring themes of liberty, the knee-jerk impulse to legislate morality, and the resilience of youthful defiance. Technical finesse in filmmaking is evident, with precise direction from Brewer, who skillfully blends energetic dance sequences with the dramatic gravitas needed to convey the story's thematic depth. The performances, particularly from Dennis Quaid and Kenny Wormald, anchor the narrative in emotional authenticity, despite some roles feeling less fleshed out.

While the film treads familiar ground, its execution sets it apart. It intensifies drama without broadening scope or altering the core message, presenting a more grounded approach to the whimsical premise of banning dance. The movie navigates its premise with a mix of earnestness and self-awareness, acknowledging the absurdity of its central conflict while fully committing to its stakes. In doing so, 'Footloose' manages to feel both refreshingly modern and nostalgically reverent, making a compelling case for its existence beyond mere remake territory. With solid acting, energetic dance numbers fitting for both seasoned and novice dancers among its characters, and a soundtrack that bridges generations, this 'Footloose' updates not just the setting but the very vibe of its story, making it accessible and enjoyable for viewers new and old.

The Blu-ray release of the modern "Footloose" remake strides confidently into the arena of home entertainment, proving itself a noteworthy successor to the 1984 classic. This iteration of the beloved story rekindles the essence of teenage rebellion and the quest for personal freedom, albeit with a more serious tone that challenges the viewer's perspectives on liberty and expression. The performances of the lead actors inject a vibrant heart into the narrative, steering the film towards a domain where it not only matches but in several aspects surpasses its predecessor. The updated soundtrack, despite the iconic Kenny Loggins title track not hitting its mark, vibrates with energy, complementing the film's dynamic direction.

Paramount’s Blu-ray presentation elevates the experience with its impeccable video quality, setting a standard that outdoes the Blu-ray release of the original film. Accompanied by a dynamic lossless audio track, the audiovisual fidelity ensures an engaging viewing experience. Furthermore, the Blu-ray is packed with an assortment of extras, enriching the overall package. The digital restoration brings a near-reference picture quality to the screen, paired with a high-rez soundtrack that energizes the viewing atmosphere, making it irresistibly fun and compelling.

In conclusion, this "Footloose" Blu-ray release not only captivates with its more thoughtful examination of its themes but also impresses with its superior technical presentation. Whether it's the flawless video quality or the buoyant lossless audio, this edition is a testament to how remakes can indeed stand shoulder to shoulder with their originators. It's highly recommended for both fans of the original and newcomers alike, assuring a spot in collections as a definitive version that embodies both nostalgia and contemporary appeal.