Red Dawn Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Red Dawn" offers a 1080p presentation that is decidedly mixed, yet passable for a catalog title from the mid-80s. The transfer exhibits a fair degree of inconsistency, with certain scenes providing commendable detail and clarity, particularly in close-ups where facial features like smile lines and freckles are pronounced. Conversely, the image can dip into softness and exhibit a pasty quality, especially in darker scenes where noise and film blemishes such as dark brown spots are present. A moderate grain field is maintained, which seems true to the film’s origin but oscillates between being minimally intrusive to distractingly noticeable.

Colors in "Red Dawn" are largely steady and accurate but noticeably lack vibrancy, adhering to the era's typical visual aesthetics. The spectrum ranges from bright white snow to darker apparel, achieving functionality but falling short of being striking. Skin tones maintain an adequate naturalness, though they occasionally appear anemic or too gray, indicating a possible overuse of Digital Noise Reduction (DNR). Blacks are adequate but sometimes crawl with white noise. Edge enhancement is another demerit, intermittently appearing to distract the viewer even if they are not actively searching for it.

While the transfer does offer moments of crispness that fans of the film will appreciate, it never truly dazzles. The moments of heightened definition and sharpness are often countered by distracting artifacts and inconsistencies that undermine the overall viewing experience. As one might expect from a budget-friendly Blu-ray release of an older film, it's a serviceable upgrade over previous DVD versions but leaves considerable room for improvement. The presentation could benefit significantly from more attentive remastering to uniformly elevate its visual quality.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack of "Red Dawn" provides a mixed, yet satisfactory, audio experience. The opening theme impresses with its robust presence and finely integrated electronic elements, albeit slightly muddled. Gunfire and explosions, while lacking the powerful LFE and clarity of modern action films, do deliver a recognizable sonic signature that remains faithful to the film’s original home video releases. Automatic weapons fire in chapter fourteen stands out with more pronounced bass effects, and tank shells and RPG projectiles are effectively rendered, seamlessly traversing the sound stage. Ambient effects, such as natural woodland sounds and background audio from the imprisonment camp, establish an authentic atmosphere during crucial scenes. Dialogue reproduction is notably clear and consistently focused at the center channel.

Despite these positive aspects, there are noticeable areas for improvement. The gunfire can sound muffled, detracting from the overall impact of the action sequences. Explosions lack the deep, booming low-end support characteristic of contemporary mixes and could benefit from better prioritization and spacing. While dialogue clarity is commendable, it sometimes exhibits a high and hollow quality without substantial low-end presence. Pans across the soundfield aren't exceptionally smooth but manage to carry effects adequately during action-heavy moments.

In conclusion, while this DTS-HD MA 5.1 track may not thoroughly excite audiophiles or fans seeking an overhauled, modernized sound experience, it maintains a decently preserved audio integrity that should satisfy longtime enthusiasts familiar with the movie. Still, the presentation leaves room for enhancements, particularly in terms of gunfire clarity and overall prioritization within busy scenes.

The "Red Dawn" Blu-ray's extras offer a comprehensive and detailed exploration of the film's production, capturing the essence of its unique political narrative and behind-the-scenes nuances. Each supplement, albeit presented in standard definition (480p) with one exception, provides insights directly from the cast and crew, enriching the audience's understanding of this iconic 80s film. Notably, "Red Dawn Rising" delves into the script’s ideological stance and Director John Milius' filmmaking approach, while "Building the Red Menace" showcases his meticulous attention to military authenticity. "Training for WWIII" highlights actor preparations, and "WWIII Comes to Town" covers location filming challenges in New Mexico. Despite the lack of a top menu for easy navigation, these pieces collectively offer a substantial look into the making of "Red Dawn."

Extras included in this disc:

• Red Dawn Rising: A retrospective featuring insights from cast and crew on the movie's background and legacy.
• Building the Red Menace: Examination of authentic military props and integration.
• Training for WWIII: Actor training processes.
• WWIII Comes to Town: Challenges of on-location shooting.
• Theatrical Trailer: Provided in HD format.

'Red Dawn,' directed by John Milius, vividly portrays a harrowing World War III scenario unfolding on American soil and the subsequent rebellion. It compellingly juxtaposes youthful enthusiasm with the sobering realities of war. The narrative begins in an idyllic small town in Colorado that suddenly finds itself under siege by Soviet and communist paratroopers, turning previous perceptions of safety and normalcy into chaos. Patrick Swayze stars as Jed, leading a group of high school students, including his brother Matt (Charlie Sheen), as they escape into the mountains, gather supplies, and engage in guerrilla warfare against a formidable and highly equipped enemy force.

What elevates 'Red Dawn' beyond a mere action flick is its emotional depth and dramatic themes. The film delves into the struggles of survival, the grit necessary for resistance, and the psychological toll on the young protagonists—ranging from camaraderie to the loss of innocence. Milius's commitment to authenticity is evident, meticulously conveying survival tactics, armed resistance, and even the mental ordeals faced by individuals thrust into violence. The film's attention to the complexities of human behavior in extreme situations helps it avoid becoming a simple 'rah-rah' patriotic spectacle and instead portrays a more profound narrative about the horrors of war.

Technically, the film excels with well-crafted action sequences and authentic depictions of warfare. Milius captures the essence of combat with a blend of gritty realism—though occasionally interspersed with stylish heroics. The movie also espouses themes of individualism and self-sufficiency, subtly weaving pro-gun stances and criticisms of governmental overreach into its narrative. Politically divisive yet unflinching in its stance, 'Red Dawn' deserves recognition for boldly presenting a vision without succumbing to Hollywood stereotypes. It successfully integrates intense action with deep thematic content, making it an enduring entry in the action-war genre.

"Red Dawn," often misunderstood as a superficial action flick, evolves into a nuanced narrative that explores the complexities of war and the trials of coming of age within such a turmoil-ridden context. The film transcends its "go-get-em and shoot-em-up Wolverines!" reputation by delving deeply into the psychological and emotional ramifications of war, presenting itself as a potent drama where the terrors of conflict are starkly juxtaposed with the resilience of the human spirit. The direction delicately balances overt and subtle elements to convey the hardships endured both physically and spiritually, thus transforming "Red Dawn" into more than just a conventional 1980s action movie—it's a reflective anti-war statement in disguise.

MGM's Blu-ray release of "Red Dawn" brings commendable seriousness to both its narrative and technical presentation. While the video quality is decent, upgrading from the DVD format is evident, albeit not revolutionary. The audio, though passable, carries sufficient clarity to enhance the dramatic undertones of the film. The presentation includes a few older supplements which add nostalgic value but do not significantly elevate the experience.

In conclusion, "Red Dawn" offers a unique and unexpectedly dramatic perspective on guerilla warfare, seen through the lens of teenagers during an imagined World War III scenario. Despite some technical imperfections in its Blu-ray release, this edition represents the best available home viewing option currently. Given its price point and inherent value as both a potent drama and an action-filled spectacle, this Blu-ray release comes recommended for both new viewers and dedicated fans alike.