The Goonies Blu-ray Review

The Blu-Ray video presentation of Richard Donner's The Goonies is encoded in VC-1 and presented in an aspect ratio of 2.40:1, delivering a predominantly satisfactory 1080p high-definition transfer. This transfer mirrors the quality of the UK Blu-ray release, maintaining decent fine object detail, adequate clarity, and consistent contrast levels throughout. The color palette is vibrant, showcasing natural blues, yellows, greens, browns, and blacks. Notably, the reds of Brand's headband and Chunk's jacket, as well as the lush Oregon foliage, appear particularly robust. Flesh tones are consistently accurate, even for the character Sloth. However, certain scenes exhibit a noticeable softness due to sporadic mild to moderate filtering, and some grain is accompanied by noise. Edge enhancement is minimally intrusive, and no serious stability issues like cuts, warps, or large marks are observed.

There are, however, a few visual inconsistencies worth noting. About 17 minutes into the film, a distraction occurs—a long piece of hair or similar object becomes lodged at the top right part of the screen during a key scene. Additionally, some special effect matte shots do not hold up well under high-definition scrutiny, such as when Mikey uses a doubloon for navigation. While blacks are generally accurate, they can occasionally lean towards gray or cause details to be swallowed in darker scenes. Despite these minor flaws, the overall video quality stands as highly commendable and retains a good dose of healthy grain that adds to its nostalgic appeal. This Blu-ray disc is also region-free, ensuring compatibility across different geographical locations and devices such as PlayStation 3 or standalone players.

The Blu-ray release of "The Goonies" features a diverse array of audio tracks, including English Dolby TrueHD 5.1, English Dolby Digital 5.1, and English Dolby Digital 2.0. Additionally, French and Spanish options are available in Dolby Digital 2.0 and Mono, respectively. Notably, the English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track stands out as the premier choice for audiophiles. This track delivers punchy bass and utilizes the rear channels intelligently, contributing to an immersive surround experience. High frequencies are well-managed, ensuring the audio remains clear without becoming harsh. The dialogue is consistently crisp, clean, and stable, ensuring easy following of the storyline. However, it is worth noting that some imbalance issues may occasionally arise, particularly when sound effects overpower softer dialogue segments.

During action scenes, such as the Fratellis' chase in the opening credits, the TrueHD 5.1 track excels. Sound elements are accurately positioned across speakers, creating a dynamic auditory environment. The ambient sounds, such as the running water in the restaurant's basement, are effectively portrayed through the surround channels. The subwoofer provides a commendable low end, adding depth to the audio experience. However, some challenges include occasional muffling of dialogue due to loud effects filling the surrounds and instances where the ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) sounds flat and noticeable. Despite these issues, Dave Grusin's musical score is well-balanced and enhances the overall experience without overwhelming other audio components.

In summary, while there are some minor issues with balance and dialogue clarity in certain scenes, the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track remains a significant upgrade from previous releases. Its robust bass, intelligent use of surround channels, and clear high frequencies make it a compelling reason to choose this Blu-ray edition of "The Goonies."

The Blu-ray extras for "The Goonies" present a comprehensive and nostalgic dive into the making of this beloved classic. From a lively and humorous commentary featuring the director and main cast, to a revealing "Making of" featurette with input from Steven Spielberg, the special features provide rich behind-the-scenes insights. Deleted scenes give additional context, although it's clear certain moments were best left out. Fans will particularly enjoy the inclusion of Cyndi Lauper’s music video, which creatively intertwines with the film’s narrative. The original theatrical trailer and various collectible items round out this robust package of extras, offering an immersive experience for any Goonies aficionado. Most video extras were carried over from the 2001 DVD release, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

Extras included in this disc:

Commentary: Director Richard Donner and main cast members share anecdotes and production stories.
Hidden Treasures: Pop-up video version of the commentary track.
The Making of The Goonies: Featurette with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
Deleted Scenes: Includes additional scenes providing extra narrative context.
Music Video: Cyndi Lauper’s music video “The Goonies R Good Enough.”
Trailer: The original theatrical trailer for the film.
Booklet: Illustrated souvenir magazine with 150 photos and artwork.
Steven Spielberg Presents...: Reprint of an article with updates on the cast and crew.
Storyboard Prints: Ten collectible storyboard prints.
Board Game: Exclusive 25th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition board game.

Warner Brothers presents Richard Donner's iconic 1985 film, "The Goonies," on Blu-ray in an incredibly detailed Collector's Edition. The set features a treasure trove of supplemental materials, including a nostalgic audio commentary with key actors—Jonathan Ke Quan, Corey Feldman, Sean Astin, Kerri Green, Martha Plimpton, Jeff Cohen, and Josh Brolin—alongside director Donner. Additionally, it offers a 1985 making-of featurette, deleted scenes, Cyndi Lauper's music video "The Goonies R Good Enough," and the original theatrical trailer. Fans will also cherish the accompanying memorabilia such as a lavish souvenir magazine and ten collectible storyboard prints.

The movie itself retains its charming appeal, characterized by boundless energy and a classic adventure narrative that follows the Goonies, led by Mikey (Sean Astin) and Brand (Josh Brolin). As their neighborhood faces demolition for a new country club, the intrepid group stumbles upon a pirate map leading to hidden treasure. The action sequences are still thrilling; from evading the menacing Fratelli crime family in an abandoned restaurant to navigating Willie’s intricate booby traps. While certain scenes, like the thrilling water slide chase, resonate well with both kids and nostalgic adults, the plot does rely on familiar clichés and character archetypes, such as Mouth’s (Corey Feldman) wisecracking demeanor and Data's (Ke Huy Quan) gadgetry.

While the film is not without its flaws—some might find it too saccharine and formulaic—the pacing ensures constant engagement with light-hearted humor and inventive set pieces. Although the portrayal of economic disparity may feel a tad exaggerated, and the character stereotypes somewhat simplistic, moments like Chunk’s (Jeff Cohen) iconic Truffle Shuffle or his heartwarming interaction with Sloth (John Matuszak) provide endearing highlights. In summary, "The Goonies" remains a joyous romp tempered by Spielberg’s touch of sappiness, making it a worthwhile revisit on Blu-ray for both sentimental viewers and new audiences alike.

"The Goonies - 25th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition" on Blu-ray is a nostalgia-fueled package that true fans and collectors will find rewarding. Despite offering no new video material, the Blu-ray provides a crisp and vibrant presentation that breathes new life into this classic film. The high-definition transfer maintains the film's beloved charm while enhancing its visual appeal. The set includes a collection of memorabilia that enriches the viewing experience, though it may be seen as superfluous for more casual collectors.

Technically, this edition impresses with its Audio-Visual quality. The picture is free from noticeable artifacts and finely detailed, providing fans with a clear and enjoyable viewing experience. Audio-wise, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track ensures dialogue is crisp and well-balanced against the film's adventurous score. However, those looking for groundbreaking enhancements or new features might find themselves wanting more—this release stays true to its roots without extensive modern augmentation.

In conclusion, while some may find the deluxe packaging of Warner Brothers' releases extravagantly priced, the quality provided by "The Goonies - 25th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition" justifies its place in the collection of devoted fans. Understanding that economic considerations are ever-present, a standard edition would have been a welcomed addition for broader accessibility. Depending on your level of devotion to this iconic film, it's up to you to decide whether to invest in this celebratory release. RECOMMENDED.