Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins" is both a technical and nostalgic achievement, considering the age and budget of the original film. Presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, this high-definition transfer offers a compellingly clear look at a somewhat dated yet entertaining feature. The 1080p/AVC-encoded video ensures the highest fidelity for home cinema audiences, managing to balance a suitably filmic grain with solid detail throughout. Though occasional softness and minor damage are noticeable, these factors do not hinder the overall viewing experience. The colour scheme is largely authentic to the 80s aesthetic, presenting a somewhat faded palette, yet skin tones appear healthy and black levels are satisfactory.

In terms of image stability and depth, the Blu-ray holds steady throughout with no significant large cuts, debris, scratches, or stains, although attentive viewers might notice some light noise in darker indoor scenes or minor halo effects in overly lit areas. Contrast levels remain consistent, though grain resolution might occasionally falter under dim lighting conditions. Nevertheless, this Blu-ray manages to preserve the integrity of the original film without resorting to excessive digital noise reduction (DNR), which ensures a faithful replication suitable for HD screens.

Overall, while there remain some areas for technical improvement, Arrow Video's release presents "Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins" in the best possible light for contemporary audiences. This is a commendable effort to balance historical authenticity with modern high-definition clarity, ensuring the film looks better than it ever has before. Note that this is a Region-B locked Blu-ray release, requiring a Region-B or Region-Free player for access.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins" remains faithful to the original source material while enhancing the experience with an uncompressed LPCM 2.0 track. This setup ensures that dialogue takes precedence, typically dominating the fronts and center channels, maintaining clarity and coherence throughout. The sound effects, albeit limited by the film's budget constraints, come through effectively during key sequences such as gunfire and body blows, providing brief but impactful moments. Surround activity is modest, creating a somewhat restricted arena, yet the score impresses with its prominent presence, lending significant punch and vibrancy to the overall audio landscape, even if the score’s exuberance occasionally contrasts with the film's toned-down action.

Moreover, Arrow Video's inclusion of optional English SDH subtitles is a valuable addition for accessibility. The audio mix showcases notable clarity and dynamic range in many sequences, particularly those involving nuanced interactions, such as Fred Ward’s first encounter with Joel Grey. There are no detectable balance issues, and the dialogue remains clean, crisp, stable, and free from background hiss, making it easy to follow. The soundtrack benefits greatly from the lossless treatment, allowing for an enriched listening experience that doesn’t compromise on detail or stability. The blend of high-fidelity dialogue and well-managed sound effects offers a polished presentation that stays true to its roots while delivering a compelling auditory experience for modern audiences.

The Blu-ray release of "Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins" delivers an impressive array of extras that cater to fans and film aficionados alike. The collection starts strong with an insightful Audio Commentary from producers Larry Spiegel and Judy Goldstein, discussing the film's production and shooting locations. The highlight is the feature-length documentary "Remo, Rambo, Reagan, and Reds," examining '80s action cinema through political and social lenses. Complementing this are several engaging interview pieces: "When East Met West" with Joel Grey, "Changing Faces" with make-up artist Carl Fullerton, and "Notes for a Nobleman" featuring composer Craig Safan. The disc also includes an isolated music and effects track, the original theatrical trailer, and a comprehensive booklet full of production trivia. This release stands out for its depth and range, making it a must-have for enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Producers discuss production history and filming locations.
• Remo, Rambo, Reagan, and Reds: Documentary on '80s action films with political insights.
• When East Met West: Joel Grey discusses his role as Chiun.
• Changing Faces: Make-up artist Carl Fullerton on his influences and work.
• Notes for a Nobleman: Composer Craig Safan discusses the film's soundtrack.
• Isolated Music and Effects Track: Presented as an LPCM 2.0 track.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original Orion Pictures trailer.
• Coverwork: Reversible sleeve with original and new artwork.
• Booklet: Featuring articles and further production trivia.

"Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins" endeavors to present a unique blend of action and comedy but ultimately misses the mark. The film follows New York cop Remo Williams, played by Fred Ward, who is recruited by a secretive black ops unit after a faux death and facial reconstruction (strangely impacting only his moustache). Under the tutelage of a peculiar Korean martial arts master Chiun, portrayed by Joel Grey, Remo learns to perform outlandish feats such as walking on water and dodging bullets. Despite promising elements, the narrative is riddled with incoherent plot points and awkward humor, further impaired by brazenly incongruous music and forced drama.

The film is notorious for its lack of meaningful action scenes and insufficient use of its budget, most notably the anticlimactic showdown atop the Statue of Liberty. Even the film’s attempts at gravitas are undermined by poorly executed action sequences and uninspired one-liners. Visual flair is substantially lacking, despite the cinematography efforts of Andrew Laszlo, known for his work with Walter Hill on cult hits like "The Warriors". The direction of Guy Hamilton falls short of cohesive storytelling, leading to an uninspired mix of ideas that fails to resonate on any significant level.

In essence, "Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins" pales in comparison to the films it seeks to emulate or parody. Its ambitious premise and well-intentioned performances by Fred Ward and Wilford Brimley do little to salvage a script riddled with inconsistencies and inept execution. The film delivers neither impactful action nor substantial comedy, making it a forgettable attempt at creating a lasting franchise. Despite its nostalgic value for a select few, it holds limited appeal for a modern audience, failing to stand up to more mature scrutiny.

Arrow's release of "Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins" on Region B-locked UK Blu-ray is a lovingly crafted package that will appeal particularly to longstanding fans of the film. The Blu-ray boasts faithful video and audio transfers that reproduce the film's original look and sound with commendable accuracy. This release also features an extensive array of extras, including a new audio commentary by producers Larry Spiegel and Judy Goldstein, who describe Remo as a "blue-collar James Bond."

However, "Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins" may not resonate with all audiences today. While the technical presentation is solid, the film itself is unfortunately quite dated, lacking the enduring appeal many remember. Some have noted that Remo's character feels reminiscent of figures from John Carpenter's cinematic universe, yet he falls short on charisma. For newcomers to the film, these elements may be obstacles in understanding why Remo Williams was ever celebrated.

In conclusion, Arrow's meticulous Blu-ray release of "Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins" is best suited for fans who hold a nostalgic fondness for the movie. The supplemental features are robust and enriching for those already invested in Remo’s universe. New viewers might find it challenging to appreciate the film's dated charm, making this release less compelling for a broader audience.