Weird Science 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Weird Science" presents an impressive native 3840 x 2160p resolution image, framed in a theatrically correct 1.85:1 aspect ratio, and utilizes 10-bit video depth, WCG, HDR10, and Dolby Vision. Utilizing HEVC/H.265 encoding, the latest restoration offers noticeable improvements over the previous Blu-ray release from 2019. Notably, the grain structure, now more pronounced yet meticulously detailed, contributes to an enhanced filmic and organic appearance. This restoration significantly sharpens fine detail and enriches textures, resulting in a more vivid and precise presentation.

The color grading is another highlight of this release. While the overall color palette is relatively consistent with the previous version, there is a marked enhancement in both shadows and highlights. The expanded color range is particularly noticeable in scenes featuring bold colors, such as the bright red cloud over Wyatt's house or neon backdrops during key moments. Skin tones appear slightly warmer but avoid being overly exaggerated. The improved brightness and depth imbue the film with a renewed vitality. The encoding process effectively manages the grain with an average bit rate of mid-80s mbps, ensuring a stable, clean image with minimal compression artifacts.

However, this release does highlight the variability in grain density due to the original cinematography and special effects. While some scenes exhibit significant grain, especially during optical sequences, the overall visual fidelity remains high with tighter and sharper detail. The HDR implementation, with Dolby Vision support, enhances the contrast and color saturation, particularly benefiting the rich primaries and neon elements. Despite minor instances of speckling and scratches, the film maintains its integrity, looking visually best on this format. This makes it a compelling upgrade for enthusiasts and collectors appreciating its enhanced video performance, despite inherent graininess from its original film source.

Arrow’s 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Weird Science" comes equipped with both DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 tracks, catering to varying listener preferences. The 5.1 track delivers solid low-end frequencies that effectively bolster the eclectic soundtrack as well as high-energy set pieces, like Lisa’s creation scene and the house party in the third act. Surround engagement is pleasant though not exceptional, offering brief moments of immersiveness. Dialogue clarity is reliably high, devoid of distortions or anomalies. Fans of Oingo Boingo’s title track will likely appreciate the surround mix’s ability to capture the song with potency. However, while conveniently immersive at times, this mix tends to prioritize expanding ambient sounds over delivering focused, center-of-action experiences.

Conversely, the 2.0 track offers a more natural listening experience, mirroring the original stereo release's intent. Though it lacks the depth found in the low and high frequencies of its 5.1 counterpart, it excels in mid-range balance, enhancing dialogue clarity and overall cohesiveness. Purists may find this track preferable due to its closer alignment with the original audio presentation, resisting the temptation to overly widen sound effects and score elements. Both tracks are commendably clean, absent of hiss, crackle, or distortion, thus ensuring a satisfying auditory journey whether one opts for immersive surround sound or a more authentic stereo experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the two tracks depends largely on individual listening preferences. The 5.1 mix introduces an extra layer of dynamism and spread but doesn’t radically transform the sonic landscape. In contrast, the 2.0 mix remains faithful to the film’s original audio, offering a robust mid-range that grounds dialogue and integrates seamlessly with the soundtrack. Both options stand as solid audio presentations that do justice to "Weird Science" without overwhelming modern sound systems.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray extras for "Weird Science" remain consistent with Arrow’s 2019 1080p release, though they offer no new additions for this edition. Despite this, the existing features present a solid and enjoyable package. Users will find a variety of highlights, such as newly filmed interviews with key crew members and archival featurettes. Notably included are different versions of the film, an edited-for-TV version, and corresponding split-screen comparisons. The package also contains theatrical trailers, TV spots, radio spots, and extensive image galleries. Fans might miss any fresh content or extras like the pilot episode of the TV series or Oingo Boingo’s music video, but the comprehensiveness of what's included is commendable.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Version: Full theatrical cut available.
• Edited for TV Version: Network television edit with split-screen comparisons.
• Extended Scenes: Additional scenes from the extended cut.
• Casting Weird Science with Jackie Burch: Interview with the casting director.
• Dino the Greek with John Kapelos: Interview with the actor.
• Chet Happens with Craig Reardon: Insights from the makeup effects creator.
• Fantasy and Microchips with Chris Lebenzon: Interview with the film's editor.
• Ira Newborn Makes the Score: Discussion with the film's composer.
• It’s Alive! Resurrecting Weird Science: Archival featurette from the 2008 DVD.
• Theatrical Teaser
• Theatrical Trailer
• TV Spots
• Radio Spots
• Image Galleries

John Hughes' "Weird Science" stands out in his prolific 1980s filmography as a unique departure, blending teen comedy with fantastical elements. The plot is both absurd and entertaining, revolving around two high school outcasts, Gary (Anthony Michael Hall) and Wyatt (Ilan Mitchell-Smith), who use their home computer to create the woman of their dreams, played by Kelly LeBrock. This ostensibly ludicrous premise becomes a hilarious exploration of teenage fantasies and social hierarchies. While the film is a product of its time, complete with elements that might not withstand modern sensibilities—such as objectification and some culturally insensitive humor—it captures the unattainable crushes and wild imaginations of its adolescent characters with a brazen disregard for logic.

Hall and Mitchell-Smith make for a relatable pair of teenage "geeks," struggling to navigate high school while contending with bullies played by Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Rusler. The cast performances are noteworthy, particularly LeBrock's charismatic turn as Lisa and Bill Paxton's iconic role as Chet, Wyatt's overbearing brother. Despite lacking the nuanced emotional depth present in Hughes' other works like "The Breakfast Club" or "Sixteen Candles," the film compensates with its audacious plot and outrageous set pieces, including memorable scenes like Lisa's creation sequence and the chaotic house party.

Visually, Arrow's 4K UHD release brings new vibrancy to "Weird Science," highlighting its iconic 80s aesthetic. The soundtrack remains a highlight, featuring tracks from Oingo Boingo, Van Halen, and Kim Wilde that perfectly encapsulate the era. However, some criticism remains over its narrative coherence and occasional muddled messaging. While it may not possess the heartfelt introspection of Hughes' best works, "Weird Science" offers unabashedly eccentric entertainment, proving its status as a beloved cult classic within his oeuvre.

Arrow's new 4K UHD Blu-ray release of John Hughes' "Weird Science" offers a significant visual upgrade while staying true to the film's original grainy shot-on-film aesthetic. The update to HDR and Dolby Vision notably enhances the richness of the color palette, making an already vibrant film pop even more. However, fans of the earlier 1080p release may find the improvement marginal, potentially not enough to justify a repurchase. The audio presentation and supplements remain identical to prior releases, including a suite of fun extras that delve deep into the making and cultural impact of the film.

The plot of Weird Science drips with teenage testosterone, blending raunchy humor with sentimental laughs. Performances are joyfully excessive, capturing the essence of 80s teen comedies, though some elements may feel dated to modern viewers. Special effects, charming in their datedness, add to the movie's nostalgic appeal. The detailed interviews and documentaries included in the extras provide valuable behind-the-scenes insights, but the omission of certain features like the pilot episode of the TV series and the Oingo Boingo music video might disappoint some hardcore fans.

Conclusively, Weird Science remains one of Hughes' lesser but nostalgically significant creations, its charm stemming from its unabashed embrace of teenage ridiculousness. This new 4K release from Arrow improves on the visuals but regurgitates everything else, so whether or not there’s sufficient value here to double-dip (as most fans will likely already own Arrow’s previous release) will be a judgment call only you can make. For those who missed the previous Blu-ray edition, this is undoubtedly the definitive version, beautifully balancing technical enhancements with the simple joys of 80s cinematic whimsy.