Solarbabies Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Solarbabies" on Kino Lorber offers a 1080p HD transfer with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1. However, the age of the film is quite apparent in the AVC encoded image. The overall image quality feels dull and overly processed, failing to deliver a captivating visual experience. Colors lack vibrancy, predominantly emerging from costuming and the neon lighting that occasionally punctuates the scenes. Notably, the blue glow of the magic ball is rendered as intended, but skintones generally appear deflated and missing their natural pinkness.

Detail is consistently soft, with even close-ups struggling to bring any sharpness to the sweatbox environment where much of the film's action takes place. Many distant shots are notably blurry. Grain is present but not precisely managed, adding to the overall murkiness of the image. Black levels are not as deep or inky as they could be, while the color palette sticks with muddle blues, grays, and browns, making the viewing experience somewhat monotonous. Issues with banding, haloing, and aliasing are periodically noticeable, detracting further from the presentation.

In summary, the video quality of this Blu-ray release presents a marked improvement over DVD or VHS versions but falls short of what one might expect from a modern Blu-ray transfer. The source material is in passable shape but does not achieve a level of clarity or depth that would be considered exemplary in today's market. This release can be characterized as a functional upgrade rather than a revitalized presentation of the film.

The DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio mix on the Blu-ray release of "Solarbabies" offers a commendably active soundstage. While the mix retains the film’s original 1980s ambiance, it manages to bring clarity and separation to the fore. Dialogue is consistently crisp and free from any unwanted noise such as pops or hisses, ensuring that even laborious exposition is easily comprehensible. Ambient noises and sound effects, including sequences of teens yelling and working in prison-like scenarios, are well-balanced, providing a lively auditory experience. However, the absence of a 5.1 option is noticeable, especially during action sequences where enhanced surround sound could have offered a more immersive experience.

The audio presentation effectively highlights positional sound effects during action and chase scenes, bringing a sense of excitement and dynamism to these sequences. The soundtrack, while thinner than might be expected for a modern release, still does its job of supporting the action and contributing to the film's emotional landscape. The score and songs help to maintain the 80s feel of the movie but may come across as lighter than anticipated. Despite this, group activity audio provides reasonable separation, making it easier to follow character interactions and situational hardships. Overall, while the audio mix on this Blu-ray may not boast modern-day robustness, it serves its purpose well, offering a clear, engaging experience that maintains the spirit of the original production.

The Blu-ray of "Solarbabies" presents a solid array of extras that augment the viewing experience by delving into various facets of the film's production and legacy. The standout inclusions are the audio commentary with key cast members and behind-the-scenes footage that piecemeal together the stories behind the film's creation. Particularly engaging is the making-of featurette, which provides an insightful look into the challenging and ambitious production process. Additional features like interviews with the crew offer a valuable perspective on the film’s enduring cult status. The materials are presented in a mix of HD and SD formats, maintaining historical value while optimizing viewing quality.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Offered by film director and key members of the cast.
• Behind-the-Scenes Footage: Rare, unseen clips from the production phase.
• Making-Of Featurette: In-depth exploration of the film’s creation.
• Interviews: Conversations with cast and crew about the film's impact.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer presented in HD.

Solarbabies: A Nostalgic Roller-Skate Through a Post-Apocalyptic Desert

In 1986, Brooksfilm released "Solarbabies," a science fiction movie that stands as a curious contrast to the company's other notable release of the year, "The Fly." Directed by Alan Johnson and featuring a talented yet underutilized cast, including Jason Patric, Jami Gertz, and Lukas Haas, "Solarbabies" seeks to carve out a niche within the post-apocalyptic genre. Set in the desolate landscape of "The Waste," where water is the rarest commodity, the film's narrative revolves around an orphanage and its group of spunky kids, the Solarbabies. The discovery of a mysterious alien sphere named Bodai, which possesses miraculous powers, sets the stage for an adventure teeming with bizarre side stories and erratic pacing.

Despite the post-apocalyptic setting and some impressive set designs achieved on a decent budget for its time, "Solarbabies" struggles under the weight of its own ambition. The script, penned by Walon Green and D.A. Metrov, attempts to weave a vast Tolkien-esque saga but falters due to convoluted plot points and haphazard storytelling. The film's editing fails to offer any narrative glue, resulting in disjointed scenes that feel more like a series of confrontations rather than a coherent story. Although the special effects and chosen locations bring a certain visual allure reminiscent of "Mad Max," the film's attempt to imbue the plot with gravitas and wonder falls flat amidst overacting and poor character development.

Technically, "Solarbabies" demonstrates higher production values compared to many of its genre contemporaries. The elaborate sets, ambitious costuming, and extensive roller-skating scenes contribute to an engaging visual experience. However, even the kinetic energy brought about by these elements cannot mask the deficiencies in storytelling and character arcs. From skateball games that feel more like filler to laughable moments such as ill-placed breakdancing sequences, "Solarbabies" offers an earnest yet flawed cinematic experience that has not aged well but might still evoke a sense of nostalgia for those who grew up watching it.

"Solarbabies" delivers a surprisingly dark and menacing tone for a film targeted at a PG-13 audience. The central antagonist, Grock, stands out as a notably sadistic character who, alongside a compellingly portrayed scientist played by Sarah Douglas, brings an unexpected edge to this otherwise whimsical sci-fi adventure. The narrative maintains its Disney-fueled charm but suffers from a convoluted and messy climax marked by chaotic roller skating antics and explosive sequences that lack clear resolution. Despite its ambitious scope, the film struggles to achieve its lofty sci-fi and action goals, ultimately falling short of delivering a cohesive and impactful experience.

The movie's production journey appears to reflect its onscreen execution—an overambitious project plagued by various setbacks. From intense scenes to notable villains, "Solarbabies" seems poised to be an engaging ride for young audiences, but is hindered by its disjointed storyline, over-the-top elements, and an overall silly execution. Despite a promising ensemble cast, showcased in their younger days, the film doesn’t manage to transcend its dated and somewhat cheesy narrative structure. The Blu-ray release further disappoints, with lackluster video quality and minimal extras limited to a lone trailer, indicating a lack of enthusiasm for revisiting the movie.

In conclusion, while "Solarbabies" holds potential for die-hard fans nostalgic for 80s sci-fi adventures, it ultimately fails to deliver a satisfying cinematic experience. The blend of dark thematic elements with a light-hearted premise results in a film that's jumbled and inconsistent. Both the Blu-ray presentation and the film’s narrative miss several crucial marks. Casual viewers might find brief entertainment in its dated charm, but for those seeking a cohesive and thrilling sci-fi adventure, "Solarbabies" remains a forgettable effort best approached with tempered expectations.