Blue Thunder Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Blue Thunder" is presented with a 1080p High Definition transfer, maintaining the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The video quality showcases notably good detail across both wider shots and intricate interior sequences, effectively capturing the gritty urban landscape. While there is some grain inherent to the film's budget, style, and age, it does not detract from the viewing experience. The color scheme accurately represents the film’s aesthetic with sun-drenched sequences, greens, blue skies, and realistic fire-flashes from the helicopter sequences. Blacks are solid and deep, rendering night scenes particularly well with decent contrast.

Despite not being groundbreaking in terms of fine details or color intensity, the transfer is commendable for its stable color palette and mostly clean print. Close-up shots exhibit sufficient detail, such as the seams on Blue Thunder’s fuselage. Although exterior distance shots occasionally soften against the cityscape, overall sharpness and strength are maintained. Film grain appears naturally, especially heavier in dark scenes, while avoiding problems like artificial sharpening or Digital Noise Reduction. Minor speckles are infrequent and do not detract from the visual appeal.

John Alonzo's 2.40:1 cinematography for this 1983 modestly-budgeted action film is well-represented with solid ‘80s colors and crisp contrasts. Nighttime scenes benefit from rich black levels and discernable shadow details, critical for sequences featuring the darkly-colored helicopter at night. This Blu-ray release offers the most satisfactory video presentation "Blue Thunder" has ever received, surpassing even the recent 2-disc Special Edition SD-DVD. Collectors and first-time viewers alike will find this high-definition transfer striking and highly satisfying.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Blue Thunder" boasts a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack that delivers an impressive auditory experience, especially considering the film's age. The updated mix creates an active sound field, with the distinct sound of helicopters buzzing and rotors sweeping across the soundstage. The dialogue is consistently clear and coherent throughout the film. The soundtrack, while not as immersive as modern offerings, captures the essence of the original Dolby Stereo mix and 70mm 6-track audio, providing a fair amount of directional effects and a robust low-frequency presence. Minor ambient noises are effectively integrated into quieter sequences, enhancing the spatial realism.

Notably, action scenes are vividly brought to life, with bullets and explosions creating an oppressive atmosphere that almost immerses the viewer in the chaos portrayed on screen. The chase sequence near the film's climax is particularly noteworthy, with helicopters dynamically maneuvering, gunfire erupting, and an authoritative low-end complementing the thrilling visuals. While the electronic score lacks some crispness and clarity, it remains memorable and fits within the context of the film's era. However, certain sound effects can occasionally become harsh or indistinct amidst the action.

Overall, this Dolby TrueHD track stands as a commendable effort from Sony to breathe new life into "Blue Thunder", achieving a balanced combination of aggressive action sequences, clear dialogue, and adequate ambient details. Though it may not serve as a benchmark for showcasing contemporary audio equipment, it solidifies itself as the best audio presentation this film has had to date.

The Blu-ray release of "Blue Thunder" showcases a robust selection of extras, largely carried over from the 2-disc Special Edition DVD. The highlight is "Ride with the Angels: Making Blue Thunder," a comprehensive 45-minute documentary dissecting the pre-production, production, and post-production stages. It offers a fascinating look into the film's evolution, including script modifications, set design, and special effects. The filmmakers' commentary, featuring Director John Badham, Editor Frank Morriss, and Motion Control Supervisor Hoyt Yeatman, provides a technical breakdown of the shoot, albeit with a slower pace. The 8-minute featurette "The Special: Building Blue Thunder" succinctly covers the construction of the iconic helicopter. An original 1983 promotional featurette and the theatrical trailer round out the selections, offering a historical perspective on the marketing strategies of the era.

Extras included in this disc:

• Filmmakers' Commentary: Technical insights from Director John Badham, Editor Frank Morriss, and Motion Control Supervisor Hoyt Yeatman.
• Ride with the Angels: Making Blue Thunder: In-depth, three-part documentary on the film's production stages.
• The Special: Building Blue Thunder: Examination of the helicopter's design and construction.
• 1983 Promotional Featurette: Cheesy promotional piece from the film's release year.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: A concise, vintage trailer for the movie.

"Blue Thunder" offers a classic blend of 1980s action thriller and techno paranoia, capitalizing on the decade’s fascination with advanced, potentially out-of-control technology. Directed by John Badham, this film stands alongside his other iconic projects like "WarGames" and "Short Circuit." Roy Scheider delivers a commendable performance as LAPD helicopter pilot Frank Murphy, who finds himself piloting a high-tech police helicopter equipped with advanced surveillance capabilities meant for crowd control. Not just a vehicle of curiosity, the titular Blue Thunder becomes a central narrative element, merging the story's conspiracy theory with impressive stuntwork and aerial action that remains visually captivating.

Technically, "Blue Thunder" excels with its striking aerial photography and well-staged action sequences. The helicopter chase scenes through Los Angeles are particularly thrilling, showcasing real helicopters maneuvering at astonishingly low altitudes—stunts that would likely be deemed too risky in today's CGI-dominated filmmaking environment. Although some of the effects, particularly the F-16 fighters, may seem dated, they do not detract significantly from the overall experience. The narrative, while not groundbreaking, intertwines suspense with a socio-political commentary on surveillance and civil liberties, maintaining audience engagement. Performances by Scheider, Malcolm McDowell, and Daniel Stern are solid, contributing to a coherent storyline that avoids patronizing the audience.

"Blue Thunder" remains a testament to early '80s movie-making, encapsulating the era’s culture and technological fascination. Despite its age, the film’s premise and execution evoke an authentic charm underscored by its Oscar-nominated editing and practical effects. While some plot elements are predictable and the script occasionally leans into clichés, the film's engaging pace and robust action sequences make it an enduring piece of genre cinema. This Blu-ray release is definitive for both newcomers and fans, offering detailed visuals and a reliable audio track, preserving the exciting experience of this helicopter-driven action thriller.

'Blue Thunder,' directed by John Badham, serves up an engaging and entertaining ride from start to finish. It’s delightful to see this film available on Blu-ray relatively early in the format’s lifespan, highlighting Sony Pictures' dedication to releasing a diverse array of films, including several from the 1980s. While 'Blue Thunder' may not usually make it onto any "best of" lists, it is an undeniably fun experience filled with non-stop action that makes effective use of its material. The Blu-ray release breathes new life into this classic, making it a must-watch for fans of the era and its unique cinematic style.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation of 'Blue Thunder' is impressive, boasting picture and sound quality that exceed expectations for a film of its age. Both video and audio aspects have been handled with care, ensuring a satisfying experience for viewers. The disc also comes with a decent collection of bonus materials that enhance one's appreciation of the film. These extras may not be extravagant, but they are certainly informative and worth exploring.

In conclusion, 'Blue Thunder' may be viewed as a product of its time, offering a somewhat cheesy slice of '80s cinema that still captivates and entertains. Sony’s Blu-ray release ensures the film not only looks and sounds great but also comes with intriguing supplementary content. For those seeking a nostalgic, action-packed ride, this Blu-ray offers unquestionable value. Highly recommended.