Career Opportunities Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Career Opportunities" is showcased in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, utilizing an MPEG-4 AVC encoding with a 1080p transfer, indicative of Kino Lorber's dedication to quality releases. The mastering process, possibly handled by the same team behind the Lost Highway release, exhibits a commendable organic quality reminiscent of its era yet maintaining a modern appeal. Despite some opportunities for enhancement, such as slightly pronounced crushing in darker scenes which affects the nuance in shadows and a grain presentation that could benefit from a more uniform distribution, the overall visual integrity remains largely unaffected. Particularly, on a larger screen, these minor flaws could be more discernible, suggesting that an updated master could further refine these aspects without compromising the film's original aesthetic.

Visually, "Career Opportunities" benefits from a rich palette where primary colors are vibrant and compelling, notably Josie’s blue trench coat and Jimmy’s red Target jumpsuit, which are prominently featured with an intensity that breathes life into each frame. While skin tones occasionally veer towards an overly pink hue and contrast levels appear heightened beyond natural levels, these issues do not significantly detract from the overall viewing experience. Black levels exhibit solidity, contributing to a presentation that exceeds prior home video iterations in depth and complexity. Notwithstanding a few instances of image softness in motion and minor digital artifacts like specks and occasional smoothing that lightly obscure clarity and texture, the film's digital transfer presents a significant upgrade.

This Blu-ray release marries the film’s intrinsic visual elements with modern expectations, striking a balance between retaining the organic film quality and enhancing clarity and color vibrancy. Despite minor inconsistencies and areas ripe for improvement, especially in the treatment of grain and shadow detail, "Career Opportunities" is rendered with an attention to detail that both honors its source material and appeals to contemporary audiences. The overall effect is one of enhanced immersion into the film's world, solidified by stable imagery and a cleanliness that speaks to the care taken in its digital presentation. Note that this is a Region-A locked Blu-ray release, necessitating a compatible player for access.

The Blu-ray release of "Career Opportunities" features an exclusive English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, supplemented by optional English SDH subtitles for ease of understanding. The subtitles, when activated, integrate seamlessly within the image frame, ensuring they do not distract from the visual experience. This stereo track is a commendable effort in preserving the film's auditory essence, with a bright and punchy output that underscores the movie's vibrant energy. Dialogue delivery is notably clear, free from any distracting hiss or pop, allowing each word to be heard distinctly.

Listeners will find the audio quality on this release incredibly satisfying, paralleling the remastered versions of other John Hughes classics on Blu-ray in terms of clarity, sharpness, depth, and balance. The soundtrack, in particular, deserves mention; it captures the early '90s vibe flawlessly with tracks from Tom Newman and Money Talks, offering a nostalgic auditory journey. To fully appreciate the nuanced audio mix, it’s advisable to keep the volume high as some dialogue exchanges may come across softer than anticipated.

While the DTS-HD MA 2.0 track might seem to lack a bit in terms of low-end support, this does not significantly detract from the overall audio experience. The music components, especially, benefit from this audio setup, bursting through with energy and transporting listeners back in time. The balance between dialogue and music is managed well, ensuring that neither overpowers the other. For those looking to immerse themselves in the audiovisual experience of "Career Opportunities," this Blu-ray edition offers a competent and enjoyable auditory presentation that stands on par with larger-scale restorations.

The extra features of the "Career Opportunities" Blu-ray include a modest but compelling selection that offers both a deeper dive into the film's production and context, and a nostalgic look back at its era. Notably, the audio commentary by Erik Childress adds substantial value, providing an in-depth exploration of the film's themes, production stories, and its place within the broader cinema landscape. This commentary is particularly recommended for die-hard fans seeking a richer understanding of the movie. Additionally, the inclusion of trailers, including two original ones for "Career Opportunities" itself, along with trailers for "The Hot Spot," "Bright Angel," "Retroactive," and "Just Visiting," serve as a time capsule for the early '90s cinematic world. The collection may seem slight at first glance, but it delivers meaningful content for aficionados and nostalgia seekers alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Erik Childress: A comprehensive commentary by the Chicago Critics Film Festival producer, offering insights and anecdotes about the film.
• Career Opportunities Trailer: Original trailer for "Career Opportunities."
• The Hot Spot Trailer: Promotional trailer for "The Hot Spot."
• Bright Angel Trailer: Preview trailer for "Bright Angel."
• Retroactive Trailer: Promotional footage for "Retroactive."
• Just Visiting Trailer: Preview trailer for "Just Visiting."

Bryan Gordon's "Career Opportunities," a creation marked by John Hughes' involvement, signifies an attempt to capture the quintessential elements of Hughes' distinctive narrative style, yet it stumbles in execution and thematic depth. Presented in high definition by Kino Lorber, the Blu-ray accentuates this early '90s film with crisp visuals and clarity that highlight its setting—the ubiquitous American convenience store, Target. Despite boasting a 1080p transfer that promises to immerse viewers into Jim Dodge (Frank Whaley) and Josie McClellan's (Jennifer Connelly) overnight escapade, the Blu-ray's focus on the movie segment underscores the inherent weaknesses in narrative cohesion and character development, leaving much to be desired beyond its technical presentation.

The film endeavors to weave a tale of youthful disillusionment and romantic adventure within the confines of a single night in Target, where Jim, a dreamer and habitual job loser, encounters Josie, a wealthy runaway seeking liberation from her oppressive life. Their unlikely confinement sets the stage for personal revelations and a superficial romp through adolescence and petty crime. However, "Career Opportunities" flounders in melding its comedic aspirations with genuine emotional resonance. The inclusion of slapstick humor and awkward encounters with cartoonish robbers dilutes the potential for a meaningful exploration of its protagonists' desires and anxieties. While Whaley and Connelly deliver performances that fleetingly capture the essence of Hughes' flawed yet endearing characters, their dynamic lacks the authenticity and chemistry necessary to elevate the narrative beyond its contrived circumstances.

The film's auxiliary characters, from the custodian portrayed by William Forsythe to John Candy's cameo as the Target manager, offer fleeting moments of humor and insight but ultimately serve as underutilized assets in a script cluttered with unresolved subplots and thematic ambiguity. "Career Opportunities" emerges as a relic of potential unfulfilled, ensnared by its identity crisis between a coming-of-age story and a teen comedy. This Blu-ray release, while technically proficient, lays bare the film's struggle to find its footing amidst nostalgic allure and the specter of what could have been had it fully embraced the heart and humor characteristic of Hughes' most celebrated works.

The Blu-ray release of "Career Opportunities," while showcasing a vibrant A/V transfer, brings to light the film's inherent shortcomings, particularly in character dynamics and narrative coherence. Fans of John Hughes may find themselves drawn to the nostalgia and isolated charm of this 30-year-old film, yet they might also be disappointed by the lack of substantial bonus content. The presentation is anchored by a strong performance from Jennifer Connelly, whose efforts to inject romance into the plot are unfortunately undermined by Frank Whaley’s less convincing portrayal of the nighttime janitor. This disconnect results in a palpable lack of chemistry, critical for the film's central premise to fully engage the audience.

Kino Lorber has sourced the Blu-ray transfer from an older but commendable master provided by Universal Pictures. Although the master shows its age, it's a robust foundation that enhances the viewing experience, particularly when compared to prior home video iterations. The crisp and clean transfer reaffirms the visual flair of the era, even if the film’s narrative and character development leave something to be desired. The biggest letdown, though, is the sparse selection of bonus material, with only a commentary track standing out as a meaningful addition for enthusiasts and fans seeking deeper insights into the film's production and legacy.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Career Opportunities" by Kino Lorber is a mixed bag that will appeal mainly to die-hard fans of the genre and John Hughes’ oeuvre. While it boasts a satisfactory A/V package that elevates the movie above its previous home video releases, it falters in offering a comprehensive suite of special features. The film itself may not represent Hughes' finest hour due to uneven character performances and a disjointed narrative. However, for those willing to overlook its flaws for moments of charm and nostalgia, this edition comes recommended, albeit with tempered expectations.