Never Too Young to Die Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, "Never Too Young to Die" on Blu-ray by Shout Factory arrives with a 1080p transfer encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. Sourced from an older master, the release demonstrates several prominent issues. Both indoor and outdoor footage lack the depth typically expected from high-definition formats. Indoor and nighttime scenes suffer from significant crushing, resulting in a loss of detail and clarity. Additionally, the transfer reveals a marked deficiency in grain structure. The poor encoding renders darker footage excessively noisy, detracting from the viewing experience.

Moreover, the image quality is further compromised by noticeable smearing, likely a consequence of suboptimal filtering corrections. Large panoramic shots and many indoor scenes exhibit an awkward flatness, breaking the immersion. Grain retention is selective, preserving texture during close-ups but faltering in broader scenes. Though primary colors hold some appeal, the overall saturation is unconvincing and essential nuances are missing. Despite good image stability, the lack of organic fluidity undermines the Blu-ray transition.

Overall, viewers should note that this is a Region-A locked Blu-ray release, necessitating a Region-A or Region-Free player for access. The presentation struggles with significant technical flaws, resulting in a compromised visual experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Never Too Young to Die" features a solitary English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, supplemented with optional English SDH subtitles. Despite its limitations, the audio track is free from dropouts and digital distortions. However, there are notable inconsistencies in the presentation. During high-intensity action sequences, especially within crowded environments like the club scenes, the audio can sound unexpectedly flat, losing some of its intended impact. This inconsistency doesn't carry through the entire film; in quieter moments, the soundtrack demonstrates decent to very good clarity and depth.

The overall mix isn't highly immersive, and stereo movement is relatively sparse, but the audio does exhibit some degree of spatial separation, particularly in the sound effects and musical elements. Dialogue remains discernable but lacks absolute clarity at times, which may be attributed more to the original recording quality rather than the current mix. Overall, while the soundtrack's heft is commendable, and it maintains an adequate level of stability and cleanliness, a full audio remaster could potentially address these noted discrepancies. In summary, it provides a functional if unspectacular listening experience for viewers.

The Blu-ray extras for "Never Too Young to Die" offer a thorough and engaging exploration of this unique film from the '80s. These features provide both historical context and contemporary appreciation, making them invaluable for enthusiasts. The Audio Commentary by pop culture historian Russell Dyball stands out with its comprehensive analysis, shedding light on the socio-cultural climate during the film’s release. Meanwhile, the inclusion of a vintage VHS presentation allows viewers to experience the film as originally seen, adding nostalgic value. Lastly, the TV Spot is a brief but enticing glimpse into the film's original promotion.

Extras included in this disc:

• TV Spot: Original TV spot for "Never Too Young to Die."
• Audio Commentary: In-depth analysis by Russell Dyball discussing the '80s socio-cultural climate.
• VHS: A vintage standard-definition presentation of the film.

"Never Too Young to Die" (1986), directed by Gil Bettman, is a quintessential example of '80s kitsch cinema. The plot is a bizarre collage of action-packed subplots that keep viewers entertained with its over-the-top absurdity. Gene Simmons stars as Velvet Von Ragnar, a hermaphroditic villain leading a band of brainwashed savages intent on poisoning a town's water supply. John Stamos plays Lance Stargrove, the son of a slain secret agent (George Lazenby), who teams up with his father’s ex-partner, Danja Deering (Vanity), to thwart Ragnar’s plans. The film oscillates between ridiculous action sequences and moments of unintentional comedy, epitomizing '80s extravagance.

Performance-wise, the cast's enthusiasm for their outrageous roles injects the film with a contagious energy. The eclectic mix of costumes, makeup, and hairstyles enhances the film's wild charm, reminiscent of early MTV’s colorful and audacious style. The actors’ commitment to their exaggerated characters creates an authentically spirited atmosphere despite the movie’s inherent silliness.

Cinematographer David Worth — known for his work on "Bloodsport" and "Kickboxer" — brings a distinctive visual flair to the film. Dee Dee Belson’s seductive track "It Could Be You" stands out in the soundtrack, adding an extra layer to its campy appeal. While the Blu-ray release by Shout Factory features a vintage standard-definition transfer, it includes valuable supplements like an original TV spot and audio commentary from pop culture historian Russell Dyball, providing additional context for this cult classic.

Never Too Young to Die is a rare gem for enthusiasts of '80s action trash cinema. The Shout Factory Blu-ray release, however, leaves much to be desired. Despite the film's cult allure and the passing of co-star Vanity, the technical presentation is marred by significant flaws. Sourced from an older master with evident issues, the transfer shows its age. The video quality suffers from poor encoding, and the inclusion of vintage VHS transfers as bonus features only underscores the lackluster quality of the main presentation.

In terms of film content, Never Too Young to Die remains an unabashedly fun experience, especially for fans of unconventional films. The plot is delightfully over-the-top and showcases charismatic performances, particularly from its leads. Robert Englund’s cameo adds another layer of cult appeal. However, these merits are overshadowed by the underwhelming technical execution of the Blu-ray release. Viewing it in a higher resolution does enhance some aspects, yet the overall experience is undercut by the subpar transfer.

In conclusion, while Never Too Young to Die maintains its status as an '80s classic worth watching, this Blu-ray release from Shout Factory does not do it justice. The outdated and poorly encoded master significantly impacts the viewing quality. Those familiar with bootleg editions may notice some improvement in image clarity, but overall, it is a missed opportunity for a proper high-definition revival. A new master and special edition would better serve this quirky and beloved film. SKIP IT in its current form and hope for a superior reissue.