The Last Starfighter Blu-ray Review

"The Last Starfighter" brings its vision to Blu-ray with a mixed 1080p, 2.35:1-framed transfer utilizing the VC-1 codec. While this presentation surpasses earlier non-anamorphic releases, it fails to reach the heights expected from a modern Blu-ray release. Colors display noticeable improvements, with strong vibrancy in reds and stable skin tones, though some greens, particularly around the trailer park, remain lackluster. Unfortunately, the image suffers from excessive digital noise reduction (DNR), leading to a loss of fine detail and a flat appearance. While the CGI-enhanced scenes in space exhibit better definition and contrast, terrestrial scenes often appear drab and overly smooth, detracting from the film’s overall visual impact.

Contrast performance is moderate; black levels fluctuate, resulting in occasional crush that obscures detail in night scenes. Whites are managed well, avoiding any perceptible enhancement or halo around high-contrast edges. The print itself is largely clean, though minor frame wobble is observed at the beginning. Grain is conspicuously absent, suggesting extensive DNR application, which unfortunately undermines texture and detail power. Space sequences fare better with richer black levels and superior detailing in elements like the Gun-Stars and alien costumes, enhancing the sci-fi experience despite some occasional visual artifacts.

Despite being clear enough for viewing, "The Last Starfighter" Blu-ray lacks the strong visual fidelity required for more discerning home theater enthusiasts. The encode is stable with no significant blocking or smearing issues; however, the overall presentation feels dated and devoid of the film-like quality that modern Blu-rays strive to accomplish. The film remains watchable, but this edition does little justice to an ambitious sci-fi classic yearning for a high-definition revival.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "The Last Starfighter" offers a commendable yet ultimately lackluster auditory experience. Craig Safan's exceptional score is the standout element, radiating clarity and depth that effectively broadens the frontal soundstage. The orchestral pieces are finely structured, with discernible separation among various musical components, infusing moments of delightful auditory engagement. However, the addition of immersive surround sound elements remains sporadic. Effects such as ambient birdsong in the trailer park are present but fail to extend to more pivotal scenes like Centauri's space flight or action-packed battle sequences, which unfortunately fall flat.

The dynamic range of the audio leaves room for improvement, especially in the lower frequencies where LFE channel utilization is minimal, undermining the impact of explosions and other robust sound effects. Although dialogue remains consistently centered and clear, occasional muddling can detract from the viewing experience. Sound effects are primarily anchored in the front channels, creating a sense of disparity by neglecting rear-channel presence, which should ideally enhance immersion. The result is an audio track that, while competently supporting the film's narrative, seldom captivates the listener or fully transports them into the interstellar escapades portrayed on screen.

In conclusion, while Safan's score brings moments of auditory joy, the overall DTS-HD MA 5.1 track fails to elevate "The Last Starfighter" beyond its nostalgic audio roots. The mix lacks the modern finesse and full-bodied richness that could have revitalized this classic for contemporary audiences. Limited surround activity and insufficient bass response render it more of a missed opportunity than a groundbreaking remaster.

The extras on the Blu-ray edition of "The Last Starfighter" provide a comprehensive and engaging look at the making of this pioneering sci-fi classic. The commentary track with Director Nick Castle and Production Designer Ron Cobb offers valuable insights into the film's creation, discussing its groundbreaking visual effects, casting choices, and much more. "Heroes of the Screen" is an informative retrospective, examining the challenges faced during production and the film’s emotional core. The original documentary "Crossing the Frontier: Making The Last Starfighter" delves deeply into the film’s historical context, despite some overlap with newer material. Image galleries and trailers round out the offerings, though navigation through the galleries remains basic. Overall, while some features feel slightly dated, the extras offer substantial depth for fans and film historians alike.

Extras included in this disc:

Commentary with Nick Castle and Ron Cobb: Insightful discussion on various aspects of the film’s production. Heroes of the Screen: Retrospective documentary covering production challenges and breakthroughs. Crossing the Frontier: Making The Last Starfighter: Original documentary on the film’s creation. Image Galleries: Nine galleries of production photos and promotional materials. Teaser Trailer: Initial promotional trailer. Trailer: Full theatrical trailer.

"The Last Starfighter" is a historical cornerstone in the sci-fi genre, renowned for its pioneering use of computer-generated special effects. As a film, it elegantly blends action, humor, and romance into a heartwarming tale of Alex Rogan (Lance Guest), a teenager from a trailer park who dreams of a larger life. Rogan’s prowess at an arcade game propels him into an interstellar conflict, offering a narrative rich in themes of discovery, purpose, and heroism. Director Nick Castle imbues the film with a tender compassion, ensuring the audience's investment in each character's personal journey. The film's score by Craig Safan amplifies its emotional resonance, adding an uplifting and militaristic yet approachable tone to the entire experience.

Technically, "The Last Starfighter" stands out for its groundbreaking digital effects, which were revolutionary for their time and laid the groundwork for future cinematic innovations. While the effects may appear dated by today’s standards, they retain a unique charm that aligns well with the film’s themes of adventure and discovery. The blend of real-world action with photorealistic computer graphics -- such as the Gunstar spaceship and various battle sequences -- marked a significant leap from earlier endeavors like "Tron". Though the budgetary constraints are occasionally evident in some of the more modest set pieces, the film’s technical achievements are undeniable and paved the way for subsequent blockbusters.

Despite its somewhat clichéd story and lack of depth compared to contemporaries like "Blade Runner" or "The Empire Strikes Back", "The Last Starfighter" remains a beloved piece of cinematic history. Its sincere narrative, coupled with pioneering special effects and charming performances, embeds it in the hearts of audiences, ensuring its place as a cherished relic of 1980s cinema.

"The Last Starfighter" stands out as a landmark in the evolution of visual effects, cleverly integrating its revolutionary CGI into a compelling and captivating story. While the antagonists are your quintessential pantomime villains, and the protagonists, Alex and Maggie, are almost too clean-cut, the film strikes an effective balance of humor and adventure. It's unabashedly from the '80s, which lends it a nostalgic charm. The Blu-ray edition features a significant improvement in video quality over past releases, particularly benefiting Craig Safan's energetic score through a well-executed frontal array audio mix.

Despite its commendable enhancements, the Blu-ray edition does not fully capitalize on its potential. The 1080p transfer, while superior to standard DVD, is marred by some issues, and the lossless soundtrack is somewhat lackluster. On the positive side, the disc includes a solid assembly of extras, although it lacks an in-depth, informative featurette that would have been a valuable addition. The few new supplements differentiate this release from previous ones but still might leave some avid fans wanting more.

In conclusion, while "The Last Starfighter" Blu-ray does not completely fulfill its promise due to technical shortcomings, the film's inherent charm and historical significance make it a must-have for aficionados. The improvements in video quality and added extras offer enough value to warrant adding this piece of cinematic history to your collection. This nostalgic sci-fi adventure remains a delightful watch, worthy of revisiting for its groundbreaking use of visual effects and its wholesome narrative.