Short Circuit Blu-ray Review

"Short Circuit" makes its way to Blu-ray with an ambitious, yet ultimately inconsistent 1080i transfer presented in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio. While moments of vibrant clarity and well-defined colors shine through, particularly in more luminous outdoor scenes, they are overshadowed by the overall inconsistency of the transfer's quality. The first scene post-credits, featuring a visually appealing green field, momentarily sets a high bar with its crisp imaging and acceptable detail, hinting at a modernized touch. Unfortunately, this level of quality isn’t maintained throughout, as viewers are met with varying degrees of film grain, softness, and at times, an image quality that one might struggle to distinguish from an upconverted DVD.

The disc’s visual presentation is plagued by a gamut of issues including heavy grain, especially pronounced within the confines of the military base scenes, which suffer from a plethora of imperfections ranging from soft edges and poor flesh tones to problematic visibility and shadow delineation. Moreover, black levels and contrast exhibit inconsistency, with certain scenes delivering solid performances while others fall flat, compromising the overall viewing experience. Artifacts and minor print blemishes further mar the image, although they're less likely to detract significantly from the enjoyment of the film.

On a more positive note, the increased resolution does offer tangible benefits in terms of fine object detail. This becomes evident in the more refined textures and sharper edges compared to previous home video releases, showcasing the intricate components of Number-5's design with commendable precision. Despite these isolated improvements, the picture quality frequently oscillates, presenting challenges even for the most devoted fans. The Blu-ray does render certain scenes with improved clarity and detail that surpass earlier versions, but these moments are sporadic and overshadowed by the prevalent visual inconsistencies that characterize this release.

The audio presentation of "Short Circuit" on Blu-ray, delivered through a DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack, offers a listening experience that is both engaging and commendable for its age. The opening synthesized music encapsulates a quintessential '80s vibe with clarity and liveliness, while the subsequent S.A.I.N.T. combat demonstration showcases powerful and impressive explosions, enhancing the auditory journey. Dialogue remains clear and precisely anchored in the center, complemented by a consistent surround presence, enriching scenes with ambient and thematic sounds—from thunderstorms that animate #5 to the musical compositions with robots, enhancing the immersive experience. Despite moments where the soundtrack can feel overwhelmingly loud or slightly undefined, the mix demonstrates admirable directionality and sound placement, ensuring action seen and suggested off-screen is met with accurate auditory cues.

However, the soundtrack isn't without its shortcomings. Occasional air noise, looping discrepancies, and less impactful sound effects somewhat detract from the otherwise meticulous audio choreography. While still a decent DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, it seldom reaches moments of awe or significant sonic depth that might distinguish it from other high-definition catalog releases. The rear channels adeptly handle ambient effects, acoustic enhancements, and elements of the musical score, albeit without venturing into truly memorable auditory territory. The LFE support lends respectable weight to the track, contributing to a cleaner and more immersive experience than standard DVD versions, albeit without revolutionizing the audio landscape for vintage film restorations.

Fans of "Short Circuit" are likely to appreciate the attention to detail and faithfulness to the original mix, benefiting from an expanded soundfield that allows for immersive engagement with the film's audio elements. Though it may not stand out dramatically among peers in the high-definition release category, the soundtrack provides a solid audio restoration effort, balancing nostalgia with a contemporary listening experience that respects the film's legacy.

The Blu-ray edition of "Short Circuit" impressively compiles a wealth of supplemental material, reflecting a thoughtful assembly that caters both to fans of the film and enthusiasts of cinema technology alike. The disc features an audio commentary with director John Badham and writers Brent Maddock and S.S. Wilson, providing insightful but familiar anecdotes about the film’s production, from logistical nuances to character development choices. Notably, the collection of interviews encompasses discussions with principal actors, the director, and key technical designers, primarily focusing on the practical challenges and innovations in creating the film’s robotic star, Number 5. Despite a somewhat repetitive focus on the robot's creation across features, the inclusion of an isolated music and effects track adds a unique dimension to watching the movie. Additionally, standard definition behind-the-scenes featurettes offer a nostalgic look back with both their content and ’80s aesthetic flair, while text-based extras such as biographies and production notes supply comprehensive background details, rounding out this disc as a definitive special edition.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: John Badham and writers Brent Maddock and S.S. Wilson share insights into the movie's making.
• Cast Interviews: Conversations with Ally Sheedy, Steve Guttenberg, John Badham, Syd Mead, and Eric Allard focusing on the development and realization of Number 5.
• The Creation of Number 5: A dive into the robot's design and construction, showcasing the technical creativity behind the film.
• Isolated Music and Effects: An option to experience the movie with only its score and sound effects.
• Behind-the-Scenes Featurette: A quick exploration of the filming process and on-set dynamics.
• Press Kit: Includes the original theatrical trailer, a photo gallery, text bios for cast and crew, and production notes for a comprehensive look at the film's background.

"Short Circuit," a seminal film from the 1980s, captures both the technical fascination and the whimsical charm of its era, yet under a contemporary lens, certain elements feel inevitably outdated. The narrative follows an advanced military robot, Number 5, who, after a lightning strike, gains sentience and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Allied with Stephanie Speck (Ally Sheedy) and his creator Dr. Newton Crosby (Steve Guttenberg), Number 5's adventure against military forces intent on reclaiming him provides a mix of humor, action, and heart. Notably, the film is an interesting piece for its exploration of artificial intelligence and autonomy, themes that remain relevant today.

Despite its engaging premise and the iconic status of Number 5 as one of Hollywood's memorable robots, "Short Circuit" struggles in certain areas by modern standards. The special effects, reflective of the time's limitations, coupled with predictably dated technological props and settings, contribute to a viewing experience that can oscillate between charmingly nostalgic and starkly aged. The performances of Sheedy and Guttenberg encapsulate the 1980s cinema flair but do not transcend their era, resulting in a film that struggles to fully captivate newer audiences. Additionally, the film's humor and storytelling sometimes land unevenly, feeling confined by the scope of its period.

Moreover, the understanding and portrayal of robotics and AI have evolved significantly, making some of "Short Circuit's" plot points seem simplistic or naïve. While it succeeds as a cultural artifact, highlighting 1980s pop culture and technological optimism, its impact varies for contemporary viewers. For those immersed in the era's ethos or seeking a dive into retro sci-fi, it offers a delightful journey; however, individuals accustomed to current cinematic techniques and storytelling may find it less engaging. Ultimately, "Short Circuit" stands as a testament to the era from which it sprang, offering a slice of 80s nostalgia while reminding us how far we've come in the realms of technology and storytelling.

The Blu-ray release of "Short Circuit" is a bittersweet affair that leans heavily on nostalgia without fully delivering a contemporary home viewing experience worthy of the film's iconic status. The movie itself, while a fond trip down memory lane for enthusiasts of 1980s cinema, struggles to maintain its charm and comedic impact over time. The video transfer quality is inconsistent, veering from impressive clarity in some scenes to disappointingly lackluster in others, making it a mixed bag for visual purists. The audio presentation, however, is a redeeming feature, offering a sound quality that surpasses the visual experience, paired with a collection of supplements that, though generous and reflective of the era, tend to echo one another in content.

Fans of "Short Circuit" who seek to own a piece of 1980s nostalgia may find value in this release, particularly given its competitive pricing. The Blu-ray edition seems primarily targeted at collectors, completists, and those with a penchant for retro cinema, rather than attempting to win over new audiences or set new standards for home media. The supplements included are ample and nostalgically engaging but suffer from a sense of repetition that does little to complement the film's existing archival material or enhance the overall viewing experience.

In conclusion, while the Blu-ray release of "Short Circuit" capitalizes on nostalgia and serves as a beacon for fans wanting to relive the magic of this quintessential 1980s film, it falls short in terms of technical presentation and innovation. With a video transfer that fails to consistently impress and supplementary materials that offer more quantity than quality, it’s a release best suited for devoted fans rather than newcomers or casual viewers seeking a pristine cinematic revival. Buyer enthusiasm should be measured, considering these limitations, though the allure of owning a pivotal piece of cinematic history may be convincing enough for some.