Three O'Clock High Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Three O'Clock High" on Blu-ray exhibits a mixed yet commendable quality. Derived likely from a relatively recent master, the AVC-encoded image maintains an impressive clarity that surpasses initial expectations. While there are noticeable instances of film grain and minor dirt and print damage sporadically throughout, the level of fine detail remains high. This is particularly evident in daylight scenes which display superb detail and vibrant color saturation. Skin tones reflect the characteristic 80s aesthetic, where they appear naturally ruddy with slight yellow undertones, although some variability in fleshtone accuracy is observed.

Shout! Factory's release, through their Shout Select sublabel, presents the film in its original 1.85:1 theatrical aspect ratio. However, it is apparent that the source print may be dated. Early scenes, especially during the first reel, show substantial wear, including dirt and white speckling. These imperfections diminish noticeably around the 9:15 mark, allowing for more refined color definition and density onwards. Despite this improvement, certain darker scenes reveal a slight drop in clarity, with blacks occasionally appearing washed out. Contrast fluctuation in some hallway sequences also suggests a few persistent vertical line artifacts.

The Blu-ray's video bitrate averages a solid 31994 kbps, ensuring that the majority of scenes retain their detail without significant compression artifacts. The disc as a whole boasts a total bitrate of 37.36 Mbps. Alongside these technical aspects, Shout! Factory provides a generous twenty-four chapter breaks for the film, facilitating an enhanced viewer navigation experience. Despite some shortcomings in source material quality, this Blu-ray offers an engaging and nostalgic visual trip back to the film's original 80s presentation.

Shout Factory brings "Three O'Clock High" to Blu-ray, featuring a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track that effectively captures the essence of this forgotten 80s gem. The sound design is predominantly dialogue-driven, offering clean and clear vocals throughout, even during more intense scenes. The front sound stage shows decent separation during action sequences, though occasional high-end sharpness is noticeable, particularly during loud outbursts. The iconic score by Tangerine Dream is delivered well but slightly lacks the punch one might expect, feeling somewhat muted and boxy due to the limitations of the 2.0 track.

The audio master is commendably clean with no discernible source defects, allowing for a pristine listening experience. Dialogue clarity is a standout, encapsulating the depth of Philip Baker Hall's gravelly voice flawlessly. While the stereo mix maintains an evenly balanced output with some degree of discreteness, it handles enunciations effectively and remains consistent throughout. For viewers needing it, the English SDH subtitles offer accurate transcriptions of the dialogue, enhancing accessibility without compromising the listening experience. Overall, this 2.0 DTS-HD MA presentation does justice to the film’s auditory elements within the constraints of its original budget production.

The Blu-ray extras for "Three O’Clock High" offer an insightful and exhaustive look into the film's creation. Director Phil Joanou’s highly engaging audio commentary, moderated by Michael Felsher, delves into the production's behind-the-scenes anecdotes and back stories. The "Head of the Class" interview provides further depth on Joanou’s early career, working with Spielberg, and his interactions with the cast and crew. Screenwriters Matheson and Szollosi, in "Passing the Test," share how personal high school experiences shaped the screenplay, and costume designer Jane Ruhm discusses character-centric wardrobe choices in "School Clothes." Encompassing various forms of media including a theatrical trailer and a still gallery, these extras greatly enhance the viewing experience, offering detailed perspectives on the technical and creative processes behind the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Phil Joanou: Moderated by Michael Felsher, includes production anecdotes.
• Head Of The Class: An interview with Phil Joanou on his career and film insights.
• Passing The Test: Interviews with screenwriters on their high school influences and working experiences.
• School Clothes: An interview with costume designer Jane Ruhm on wardrobe choices.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original theatrical trailer for "Three O'Clock High."
• Still Gallery: Publicity stills, behind-the-scenes images, and ad campaign materials.

"Three O’Clock High," directed by Phil Joanou, is a unique and innovative high school film from the eighties that unfortunately received minimal promotion upon its initial release, impacting its box office performance. The film, now considered a cult classic, showcases a talented cast led by Casey Siemaszko and includes dependable character actors like Jeffrey Tambor and Richard Tyson. The film’s narrative revolves around a high school student, Jerry Mitchell, who finds himself in a comedic yet horrifying predicament of facing a bullying behemoth, Buddy Revell, at 3 o’clock. This satirical and dark comedic approach adds a fresh twist to the usual high school dramedies of its time.

The film's script underwent significant revisions by Joanou to differentiate itself from John Hughes’ works, resulting in a final product with a vigor and personality of its own. Joanou employs a frenetic, busy camera style reminiscent of Hughes’ techniques but with an inventive edge, inverting typical high school film tropes. The casting of Richard Tyson as the imposing Buddy Revell, reminiscent of biker antagonists from earlier eras, complements the film’s homage to classic and contemporary influences. The musical score by Tangerine Dream adds another layer of uniqueness, providing scenes with an atmosphere that oscillates between dark and whimsical.

Critically, "Three O’Clock High" received mixed reviews upon release but was noted for its imaginative approach and departure from conventional teen movie formulas. Joanou's directorial choices, such as oblique camera angles and eccentric editing, effectively convey the protagonist's anxiety-laden day. While certain plot elements may challenge logic, the film’s distinct style and self-reflective humor have earned it a cherished spot in cult cinema. Despite some narrative flaws, the climatic fight scene and overall aesthetic ensure that "Three O’Clock High" remains an intriguing study of teenage angst presented through an engaging and innovative cinematic lens.

"Three O’Clock High" remains a fascinating jaunt from the late '80s, released during an era when "Brat Pack" films dominated the teen movie landscape. Despite its initial struggle due to a darker tone that diverged from contemporary tastes, this film has garnered a strong cult following over the decades. Directed by Phil Joanou and starring Casey Siemaszko, Annie Ryan, and Richard Tyson, it uniquely blends teen angst with almost horror-like suspense, setting it apart from typical high school dramas. While some viewers may find its dark nature and seemingly aimless build-up to the climactic fight off-putting, others appreciate its distinctively edgy narrative.

Shout Factory’s Blu-ray release includes an array of extras that add substantial value. Joanou’s audio commentary and interviews are filled with insightful anecdotes that capture his enthusiasm for his directorial debut, despite some overlap in the content. Additionally, the inclusion of numerous color photographs from the Universal vault is a delightful treat for aficionados of the genre. The film's transfer to Blu-ray exhibits noticeable improvement in image clarity after the initial reel, though there is still room for restoration enhancements.

In conclusion, "Three O’Clock High" hinges on a balance between nostalgia and novelty in teen cinema. Shout Factory’s release enhances this experience with worthwhile extras for dedicated fans. For those unfamiliar with this offbeat classic, a rental might be advisable to gauge its particular appeal. However, long-time fans and collectors will find this Blu-ray edition to be a definitive and highly recommended addition to their collection.