Some Kind of Wonderful Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Some Kind of Wonderful" is delivered via an AVC encoded image with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, and while it doesn't boast a new scan of the feature, it presents itself with an acceptable degree of cinematic integrity. The image retains a somewhat softened clarity that is nevertheless sufficient to draw out moderate details, especially in facial textures and the unique period clothing designs. Indoor scenes and exteriors are presented well enough to appreciate their depth, with colors handling the 1980s fashion and art choices effectively, thereby maintaining natural skin tones and satisfactory delineation. Despite its age, the source material is in commendable condition, ensuring that the visual presentation, although not pristine, carries a certain authentic charm.

Encoding specifics reveal a 1080p resolution on a BD-50 layer disc, which suggests the possibility of a 2K transfer at best. The film’s inherently dim and grainy aesthetic is preserved, enhancing its filmic quality and ensuring that the Blu-ray offers a noticeable improvement over DVD versions. The depth of field is consistent, providing scenes with an appreciable sense of scale without attempting any visual feats that could be considered groundbreaking. Motion is rendered smoothly, avoiding any significant issues of distortion.

Black levels are notably deep, adding more grain in shadowed or darker scenes without obfuscating critical details, fortunately avoiding any signs of crushing. Colors, while generally muted to match the film's toned-down aesthetic, do offer moments of vibrancy particularly in well-lit outdoor scenes or in brighter costume pieces and signs. Skin tones remain natural across the board, aiding in the clarity of facial features in closer shots. The overall cleanliness of the video avoids distracting noise or artifacts, ensuring a clean viewing experience that respects the film's original atmosphere.

The audio presentation of "Some Kind of Wonderful" on Blu Ray offers a 5.1 Dolby TrueHD mix that does justice to this dialogue-driven film, delivering crystal-clear conversation with a strong sense of vocal nuance and emotive delivery. The mix primarily employs the front three channels for conveying the film’s dialogue, music, and recorded sounds with commendable separation, imaging, and directional spacing, ensuring that each element remains distinct and clearly rendered. Although the surround channels are not extensively active, they effectively contribute to the soundstage with mild atmospherics and music, enhancing the listening experience by adding a layer of immersion without overwhelming the central action.

Despite being categorized as soft and light, the audio mix presents a well-balanced spaciousness between music, vocals, and effects, urging a slight increase in volume for full appreciation. The soundtrack selections and scoring cues emerge more prominently, offering fuller frontal positions with distinct instrumentation that complements the film's dramatic movements. While the low-frequency extension makes only subtle contributions without challenging the subwoofer, the overall dynamics present a satisfactory depth that enriches the auditory experience.

However, it's noted that the mix might benefit from either simplifying to a mono track for increased clarity or adding more 'oomph' to its current configuration to counter its delicate nature at standard audio settings. The rear channels, while not extravagant, do provide enjoyable ambiance and additional sounds in more lively scenes, such as parties or crowded environments, foregrounding an engaging yet unobtrusive background. In summary, this Blu Ray’s audio track supports the source material well, enhancing enjoyment through its thoughtful mix of clarity, balance, and atmospheric depth, albeit with room for slight amplification to elevate its impact further.

The extra presentation on the Blu-ray of "Some Kind of Wonderful" within the John Hughes Collection offers an insightful and engaging look behind the scenes of this 1980s classic. Viewers are treated to a comprehensive exploration of the film's creation, from casting challenges and production anecdotes to the personal connections and cultural impact that have cemented its status as a beloved piece. The director Howard Deutch and various cast members, including Lea Thompson, Eric Stoltz, and Mary Stuart Masterson, provide candid reflections on their experiences and the film's legacy. Notable is Deutch's recounting of advice from Brian De Palma and his eventual return to the project, alongside his future wife, Lea Thompson. Additionally, an intriguing 1986 interview with John Hughes, conducted by Kevin Bacon, delves into Hughes's thematic fascinations and career evolution. However, the omission of a theatrical trailer is a minor letdown in an otherwise thoroughly assembled set of extras that enrich the viewing experience by offering both technical insights and heartfelt reminiscences.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: By Director Howard Deutch and Lea Thompson.
• Back To Wonderful: A Conversation With Director Howard Deutch (HD) – Insightful discourse on casting, production hurdles, and personal anecdotes.
• The Making Of Some King Of Wonderful (SD) – Features cast and crew interviews focusing on their experiences and the film’s underlying message.
• Meet The Cast Of Some Kind Of Wonderful (SD) – An extensive cast appreciation piece with diverse interviews highlighting casting stories and acting decisions.
• John Hughes Time Capsule (SD) – Kevin Bacon interviews John Hughes about the economic structures in high school settings compelling character relatability.

Some Kind of Wonderful," directed by Howard Deutch and written by John Hughes, revisits the familiar high school landscape with its socio-economic divides and anguished love triangles, yet it manages to carve out a distinct space within Hughes's oeuvre of teen dramas. Originally released in 1987, this film doubles down on Hughes's penchant for underdog stories, effectively gender-swapping the main dynamic seen in "Pretty in Pink." The story centers around Keith Nelson (Eric Stoltz), an artistic high school outcast with his sights set on the popular Amanda Jones (Lea Thompson). Keith’s longstanding friendship with tomboy Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson) undergoes a strain as his pursuit of Amanda inadvertently encourages a cascade of emotional revelations and confrontations.

The dynamics of class and economic disparity permeate the narrative, effectively setting the stage for a drama that is as much about personal identity and self-expression as it is about young love. Keith, akin to his counterpart in "Pretty in Pink," resides on the less affluent side of town, struggling not just with high school hierarchy but also with his father's expectations for his future. The film is heavy on character exploration, providing a gritty look at adolescence that feels both sincere and lived-in, thanks in part to nuanced performances from the lead trio. Howard Deutch’s direction deftly balances the film's more melodramatic elements with its compelling character arcs, offering a lens into Hughes's world where every young adult find themselves at a crossroads.

However, the transformation of what could have been a straightforward romantic plot into a complex web of friendship, love, and social standing is not without its flaws. Critics have pointed out a certain lack of cohesion and character depth among some of the supporting cast, suggesting that the film sometimes struggles under the weight of its own ambitions. Despite these critiques, Some Kind of Wonderful shines as a testament to the trials of youth, buoyed by standout performances—especially from Mary Stuart Masterson, whose portrayal of Watts offers a touchstone for emotional authenticity. Craig Sheffer's turn as the detestable Hardy adds a necessary antagonistic edge, rounding out a film that is memorable for its earnest attempt to navigate the often tumultuous waters of teenage emotions and societal expectations.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Some Kind of Wonderful" showcases a commendable effort in remastering, especially with the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio mix, which enhances the film's diverse soundtrack and dialogue through a sophisticated balance of sound dynamics. Although the audio recording reveals its age, it has been refined to leverage lossless sound technology, offering clarity and an engaging auditory experience. The high-fidelity reproduction, free from harshness in highs or an edgy mid-range, aligns well with the film's varied soundscapes—from dialogue-driven scenes to those relying solely on music and sound effects. The use of rear channel ambience and nuanced bass frequencies adds depth to the cinematic experience, despite a somewhat narrow front soundstage that occasionally broadens during key sequences.

Cinematically, "Some Kind of Wonderful" stands out with its compelling narrative and character development, with notable performances such as Elias Koteas’s role adding depth to the film’s exploration of adolescence. The choice of soundtrack complements the film’s thematic elements effectively, supporting its emotional and dramatic arcs with precision. This Blu-ray edition enriches the viewing experience by including insightful bonus features like an interview with director Howard Deutch, alongside previously released extras that add value for collectors and fans alike. The transfer offers solid image and audio quality, ensuring that both new audiences and longtime fans appreciate the technical and storytelling prowess encapsulated in this release.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray edition of "Some Kind of Wonderful" not only preserves the original charm and complexity of the narrative but also elevates it through a meticulous audiovisual remastering. While the film navigates familiar territory, it achieves a distinctive resolution that surpasses expectations, backed by a rich soundtrack and meaningful character arcs. The additional features deepen the appreciation for this piece within John Hughes’s iconic oeuvre, making it a worthy addition to any collection. This release affirms the enduring relevance and craftsmanship of Hughes’s exploration of teenage life, encapsulating the essence of adolescent concerns with both nostalgia and a fresh perspective.