The Breakfast Club Blu-ray Review

The new Blu-ray release of "The Breakfast Club," presented by Criterion, showcases a stunning 1.85:1 aspect ratio and benefits from an MPEG-4 AVC encoded 1080p transfer. This presentation originates from a thorough 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative, performed on an ARRISCAN film scanner. The result is a visually captivating experience free of speckles, debris, and digital anomalies, enhancing both image stability and density levels. The color grading is wonderfully handled, yielding clean, slightly muted primary colors along with a fair mix of secondary hues that resonate well with the film’s nostalgic theme. Black levels are elevated yet controlled, adding depth and dimension without crushing finer details.

This high-definition transfer has also been carefully restored under NBCUniversal Studio Post’s supervision to remove clicks, thumps, hiss, hum, and crackles using Pro Tools HD and iZotope RX. While the overall enhancement from the previous VC-1 encode is subtle, there are appreciable improvements such as more natural facial complexions and inky blacks. The film predominantly retains its inherent grain structure, ensuring the classic film-like quality remains intact. Moreover, although the native 1080p resolution impresses with sharpness and definition, upscaling to 4K noticeably augments these characteristics, showcasing even finer stitching and minute details clearly.

The contrast and brightness levels are balanced to perfection, providing crisp, clean whites and deeper reds and oranges. Criterion's disc may exhibit slight bit rate variations compared to Universal’s 2015 release—27 mbps versus 30 mbps—but these differences are purely technical with no observable impact on visual quality. The innate softness present in parts of the cinematography remains, complementing the film’s original aesthetic appeal. Overall, this release likely represents the quintessential version of "The Breakfast Club," offering fans an excellent reason to upgrade from previous editions.

The audio presentation of "The Breakfast Club" Blu-ray offers two soundtracks: a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix and the original uncompressed PCM 2.0 monoaural track. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix effectively broadens the soundstage by using the rear channels selectively, enhancing both the music and key ambient noises, while keeping the dialogue centered and clear. The front channels carry the bulk of the mix, providing excellent separation, imaging, and directional spacing. The LFE channel is employed mainly for subtle impacts and to complement the upper bass frequencies from the film’s iconic soundtrack, delivering a satisfying listening experience that enhances viewer engagement.

Alternatively, the PCM 2.0 mono track presents an exceptionally clean and distortion-free audio experience. This track maintains superb detailing and dynamic range, ensuring excellent fidelity for each song and sound effect. Dialogue in the mono mix is of high priority, delivering clear intonation and precise pitch variations, making it a strong option for audio purists. Though the 5.1 conversion does offer a more immersive experience particularly during musical sequences, the mono track retains the integrity of the original audio and may be preferable for those seeking authenticity. Both options reflect a meticulous remastering process from the original 35mm elements, providing listeners with versatile choices to suit their preferences.

The Blu-ray release of "The Breakfast Club" boasts an impressive suite of extras, offering fans a comprehensive dive into the film’s production and legacy. Notably, the collection features robust content such as a 4K digital restoration, multiple audio commentary tracks, new video essays, and extensive interviews with key cast members like Molly Ringwald and Ally Sheedy. These extras provide valuable insights, from behind-the-scenes making to reflective interviews with the surviving cast. Archivally sourced materials, including a 1985 American Film Institute seminar with John Hughes and fifty minutes of never-before-seen deleted and extended scenes, add historical depth. Video quality of older footage may be variable, as they are digitally transferred from videotape sources, preserving the authenticity of the original elements.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted and Extended Scenes: Fifty minutes of additional scenes cut from the rough cut.
• Sincerely Yours: Archival documentary focusing on director John Hughes’s style and the film's making.
• Cast and Crew Interviews: New and archival interviews with key cast and crew members.
• John Hughes Audio Interviews: Two archival recordings covering Hughes’s career and vision.
• Electronic Press Kit: Archival promotional material featuring various clips and raw footage.
• Today Show Excerpt: 1985 episode featuring cast interviews.
• Describe the Ruckus: New video essay with Judd Nelson reading Hughes’s production notes.
• This American Life: Audio interview with Molly Ringwald reflecting on her experiences.
• Commentary Tracks: Including 2008 commentary with Anthony Michael Hall and Judd Nelson.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Essay by David Kamp: Critical analysis of the film included in an illustrated booklet.

Criterion Collection’s release of "The Breakfast Club" Blu-ray delivers a refined 4K digital restoration of John Hughes' seminal 1985 film, capturing the authentic adolescent angst and character-driven drama that defined a generation. Hughes deftly channels the genuine experiences and emotional intricacies of teenagers, bestowing them with respect and an authentic voice that many films fail to achieve. The plot, centering around five high school students with varying stereotypes who undergo transformative self-discovery during Saturday detention, remains poignant while merging comedic and serious elements seamlessly. The film's structure brilliantly evolves from witty banter to profound revelations about identity, societal roles, and personal fears, underscoring Hughes' unparalleled ability to connect with both his characters and audience.

The narrative’s success lies in its deft handling of teenage archetypes—each character’s initial societal label gradually unveils complex personal backgrounds and shared vulnerabilities. Estevez’s athlete, Ringwald’s princess, Hall’s brain, Sheedy’s basket case, and Nelson’s criminal each confront their stereotypes in a space that mandates introspection and candid dialogue. Hughes' direction never resorts to condescension; instead, it develops a timeless rapport, ensuring continued relevance. The Criterion edition supplements this timelessness with valuable extras, including archival interviews with cast and crew, unseen deleted scenes, AFI seminar audio commentary featuring Hughes, along with modern interviews providing new insights. This edition not only commemorates the film’s legacy but enriches its cultural discourse, illuminating why "The Breakfast Club" maintains its influential status among teens and adults alike.

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of "The Breakfast Club" captures the enduring appeal of John Hughes' 1985 classic, a film that quintessentially defines 1980s youth culture. Known for its sharp wit and deeply relatable characters, this release leverages an excellent 4K restoration, originally prepared by Universal Studios for the film’s 30th anniversary. Both the picture and sound quality are highly commendable, maintaining the integrity of the original cinematic experience. The authenticity in voice and portrayal of adolescent struggles reinforces why "The Breakfast Club" continues to resonate across generations.

What truly sets this edition apart is the wealth of supplementary content. New and archival bonus features offer an immersive dive into the film's production and cultural impact, making this release a treasure trove for fans and collectors alike. It's noteworthy that while the audio-visual presentation sees only minor enhancements from previous editions, the addition of exclusive content markedly elevates the overall value of the package. These supplements provide a richer understanding and appreciation of Hughes’ work, aligning perfectly with Criterion’s reputation for curatorial excellence.

In conclusion, Criterion's Blu-ray release of "The Breakfast Club" serves as a definitive collection for any appreciator of classic '80s cinema. The combination of high-quality restoration and extensive bonus features makes this a must-have. This meticulously crafted edition ensures that John Hughes’ iconic film remains highly engaging and relevant over three decades since its debut. Highly recommended for purchase.