Teachers Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Teachers" by Olive Films offers a respectable AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The initial optically printed credits sequence exhibits noticeable wobble and significant grain, which could be distracting; however, the visual quality improves substantially after the credits. The remainder of the film showcases sharpness and well-detailed imaging, although it is not devoid of age-related wear and tear, such as white flecks and minus density. Color fidelity remains strong with accurate flesh tones and a naturalistic palette, ensuring a visually pleasing experience. Fine detail in close-ups, especially on apparel and props in the school office, is commendable, providing nicely resolved textures.

Olive Films does not always have control over the masters they license, which can result in varying picture quality. Nevertheless, "Teachers" stands out with its well-maintained print condition outside the opening credits. The 1080p transfer in this 1.85:1 format excels beyond expectations for an early 80s catalog release. Film grain is present, contributing to the authentic feel while still allowing for high detail resolution on elements such as surface textures, clothing, and facial features. Although colors are generally robust and accurate, there are occasional pushes towards pinkish flesh tones, but these issues are minor. The image stability, contrast, and black levels hold up well throughout the viewing experience, and Olive Films has ensured that there are no digital artifacts or intrusions disrupting the visual quality.

In summary, while the initial minutes of "Teachers" on Blu-ray might have some visual imperfections, the overall video presentation is commendable. The sharpness, color accuracy, and detailed close-ups make it a standout transfer for a film from the early 80s, maintaining an authentic look with minimal digital interference.

The audio presentation of the "Teachers" Blu-ray is delivered through a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, which admirably supports era-appropriate source cues and renders dialogue with impressive clarity. Fidelity remains consistently excellent throughout the film, with no discernible issues that could detract from the viewer's experience. The strong imaging capabilities of this audio track expertly handle both dialogue and music, alongside the ambient sounds that depict the hustle and bustle of a school environment, including noisy students, slamming lockers, and ringing alarm bells.

The audio mix maintains a firm grip on balance and levels, ensuring nothing feels out of place or unnatural. While the track predominantly stays within the mid-ranges, enhancing the sense of an evenly distributed sound field without any harsh peaks or dips, some viewers may perceive an additional surround track as beneficial during the more cacophonous scenes to further disseminate ambient noises. Despite this, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 track stands robust and free from anomalies, offering a polished and seamless auditory experience apt for the content it accompanies.

The Blu-ray release of "Teachers" disappoints in the extras department, offering no supplemental materials. While the movie itself is well-presented technically, the lack of extra content is a significant downside for enthusiasts and collectors hoping for behind-the-scenes insights, deleted scenes, or interviews. Unfortunately, the absence of any additional features limits the overall value of this Blu-ray edition.

Extras included in this disc:

• None

Arthur Hiller’s 1984 film "Teachers" presents a unique blend of drama and comedy, attempting to navigate the complexities of an underfunded urban high school. The story centers on veteran teacher Alex Jurel, portrayed by Nick Nolte, who is disenchanted with the education system. The plot develops around a lawsuit against the school for graduating students who are functionally illiterate, spearheaded by attorney Lisa Hammond, played by JoBeth Williams, a former student of Jurel. The film paints a jarring picture of the school environment, where bureaucracy and negligence run rampant, only to be disrupted by moments of unlikely heroism and inadvertent comedy.

The narrative oscillates between trying to provide earnest social commentary and indulging in farcical elements, resulting in a tonally inconsistent experience. There are impactful scenes, such as Jurel reluctantly taking a student to get an abortion to prevent her parents from discovering and ostracizing her, showing Nolte's capacity for conveying deep emotional struggles. However, these are jarringly juxtaposed with absurd sequences like Richard Mulligan’s portrayal of a mental patient assuming the role of a substitute teacher, culminating in a bizarre George Washington reenactment.

Despite its tonal inconsistencies, "Teachers" manages to evoke a certain charm. Performances are solid across the board, with Williams and Nolte delivering impressive portrayals that underpin the film's earnest moments. The principal played by Judd Hirsch and the eventual involvement of Morgan Freeman add substantial weight to the supporting cast. Hiller’s direction ensures that while the movie doesn't fully commit to either a satirical farce or serious drama, it remains engaging. The film's message about systemic failures in education resonates intermittently, making "Teachers" an entertaining watch if approached with tempered expectations regarding its genre-blending intentions.

"Teachers" (1984) offers an intriguing yet mixed cinematic experience within the genre of Inspirational Teacher films. Its storyline, which follows educators battling school bureaucracies and dealing with unruly students, fails to break new ground, often falling back on predictability and familiar tropes. Despite this, the film is buoyed by spirited performances from an ensemble cast of notable stars and character actors, injecting a vibrant palette into the narrative. The technical merits of this Blu-ray release are commendable, providing a visually and audibly satisfying viewing experience.

This film, a unique concoction of drama and farce, may not appeal universally due to its frequent tonal shifts. While some viewers may find the movie’s oscillation between comedy and poignant moments off-putting, others will appreciate this duality for its ability to elicit laughter and emotional engagement. It's a film that people should approach with an understanding of its eclectic nature; those who do might find its quirks endearing. The unpredictable shifts can be both a charm and a disadvantage depending on individual taste.

In conclusion, "Teachers" remains a recommendable Blu-ray for those willing to dive into its distinctive blend of seriousness and humor. Its entertainment value, enhanced by solid technical specifications, makes it worth exploring. Although not universally appealing, the performances and presentation quality should offer an enjoyable experience for those intrigued by this unconventional teacher narrative.