The Running Man Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Running Man" features a 1080p transfer utilizing the AVC codec with an average bitrate of 28Mbps. The upgrade from standard definition is apparent, though it falls short compared to other contemporaneous films like "Red Heat" and "Big Trouble in Little China." The inherent soft film style typical of mid-80's action movies, such as "Predator" and "Robocop," contributes to the lack of fine detail. Skin tones and colors slightly push toward yellow and red but are more natural than previous versions. Black levels are appropriately dark, contrast is improved, and shadow detail in nighttime footage is enhanced. Notably, edge enhancement, Digital Noise Reduction (DNR), and artifacting are absent, retaining the film's original grain structure.

Despite its merits, Lionsgate did not undertake a significant restoration effort, which is evident in the soft image quality that retains acceptable detail but remains unremarkable. The film is presented at a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, a minor divergence from the original 1.85:1 that doesn't impact the viewing experience. The transfer maintains appropriate grain without artificial sharpening or obvious edge enhancement. However, the picture can appear overly dark, contributing to some oversaturation in colors. A slight video stutter at the 29:04 mark was detected, though it may be an isolated issue.

Overall, this Blu-ray release is a noticeable improvement over DVD versions and is adequate for fans seeking better quality. Still, it lacks the pristine clarity found in higher-budget restorations, making it a modest presentation that serves its purpose without standing out as a visual showcase.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "The Running Man" brings forth a mixed bag of results. Lionsgate's remixing of the original Dolby Stereo soundtrack into DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround is impressive in certain aspects, notably with its superb clarity and effective directional effects. The immersive sequences, such as the tube slide, showcase the potential of the sound mix. However, the reproduction quality becomes inconsistent, exemplified by gunshots that lack the requisite crackle and exhibit hollow characteristics. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the overall use of the surround field elements offers an engaging, if not wholly uniform, audio experience.

In tandem with the mid-80s production limitations, fans will find that Harold Faltermeyer's synth score maintains adequate fidelity, though it seldom excels. The newly minted track doesn't suffer from issues like hiss or dropout, which assures no loss in auditory detail throughout the film's duration. While there is commendable use of subtle LFE signals that add depth without overwhelming, the bass tends to be overly boomy yet never reaches sufficient depth. Even though the audio enhancement does not transform the film into an acoustic marvel, it represents a notable effort that establishes a standard acceptable within the context of its era's technological constraints.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "The Running Man" present a mixed bag of insightful commentary and somewhat anachronistic inclusions. The dual audio commentaries provide a deep dive into the production intricacies, with the first track featuring Tim Zinnemann and Paul Michael Glaser, who discuss Glaser’s last-minute directorial takeover and various production challenges. Rob Cohen’s commentary focuses on thematic elements and pre-production efforts. "Lockdown on Main Street" takes on a post-9/11 America, touching on privacy erosion under the PATRIOT Act, albeit seemingly out of place with an '80s action film. "Game Theory" offers a retrospective look at reality TV's evolution in light of the film’s predictive narrative. These features are well-rounded by an SD trailer that harkens back to the VHS era.

Extras included in this disc:

• Lockdown on Main Street: Examination of American civil liberties post-9/11.
• Game Theory: Analysis of reality TV in the context of the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer.
• Audio Commentary 1: Producer Tim Zinnemann and director Paul Michael Glaser.
• Audio Commentary 2: Executive producer Rob Cohen.

"The Running Man," Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 1987 dystopian sci-fi thriller, remains an intriguing mix of bold satire and raw action that has garnered a cult following despite its shortcomings. Set in the year 2017, the film takes viewers to a future where freedom of speech is suppressed under a totalitarian regime that uses a brutal reality TV show to pacify the masses. Schwarzenegger stars as Ben Richards, a helicopter pilot framed for crimes he didn’t commit, and pitted against fierce competitors in a gladiator-style contest aired on national television. His physical prowess and the film’s carnival of eccentric villains are a substantial draw, supplemented by Richard Dawson's charismatic portrayal of the sleazy TV host Damon Killian.

While "The Running Man" excels in campy entertainment and provides numerous nostalgic nods to the '80s, its often-criticized elements cannot be overlooked. The special effects, while ambitious for their time, come off as dated now. With low-budget matte paintings, bulky CRT monitors, and laughably archaic hacking scenes, the technological aspects of the movie have aged poorly. The plot, too, is riddled with holes and underdeveloped ideas that may leave critical viewers unsatisfied. Schwarzenegger’s performance is servicable but lacks the gravitas seen in his more iconic roles like "The Terminator" or "Predator." His co-star, Maria Conchita Alonso, though visually striking, is let down by a script that reduces her character to an irritating stereotype rather than a fleshed-out persona.

Nevertheless, "The Running Man" continues to shine as an emblem of '80s sci-fi cheese. Its relentless action sequences, complete with bad puns and bone-crunching moments, cater perfectly to fans seeking nostalgic thrills. Richard Dawson's turn as the villainous TV host adds an enjoyable layer of satire that resonates even today, given our reality TV-saturated culture. With appearances from notable names like Yaphet Kotto and Jesse Ventura, and quirky details such as choreography by Paula Abdul, the film presents a cornucopia of 1980s pop culture. Despite its flaws, "The Running Man" endures as an entertaining snapshot of its era's cinematic style.

The Blu-ray release of "The Running Man" presents a commendable effort in bringing the 1987 cult classic to the high-definition format. Fans of '80s sci-fi action will appreciate the transfer, which, while not groundbreaking, effectively preserves the grittiness and vibrancy of the original cinematography. The video quality showcases a balanced color palette and maintains a decent level of detail despite some limitations inherent from the source material. Audiophiles may find the audio tracks satisfactory, if not spectacular, carrying forward the robust sound effects and quintessentially energetic score that contribute to the film's dynamic atmosphere.

While the Blu-ray doesn't offer an abundance of new supplementary features, it does retain the key extras from previous DVD releases. This continuity will be appreciated by long-time fans who enjoy the nostalgic commentary and additional materials. The presentation is clean and professional, making this version a reliable addition to any physical media collection, particularly for those nostalgic about late '80s Arnold Schwarzenegger films.

Conclusion paragraph:

The Running Man may not be the greatest 80's action flick, but it's still a relevant entry in the genre and well worth your time. I wish the technical upgrades on this Blu-ray release were a bit more pronounced, but considering the limitations of the source material and the affordable price point at which it's being offered, this is a no-brainer addition to the collection of any long-time fan. Head to your closet, grab the first spandex jumpsuit you can find, and run to your favorite retailer for a copy of The Running Man.