Road Games Blu-ray Review

Shout Factory’s Blu-ray presentation of "Road Games" utilizes the 4K master from the 2016 Umbrella Entertainment release, reflecting a solid but not flawless transfer. Presented in its original 2.39:1 aspect ratio with MPEG-4 AVC encoding and 1080p resolution, this edition exhibits a filmic quality with a noticeable but non-intrusive grain structure that enhances texture. The rustic, earth-tone color palette is consistent, though occasionally appearing muted with fluctuations in dynamic range. Instances of dust, debris, and minor compression artifacts are evident but not overly distracting. The print reveals a few signs of age, with faint lines and flickers, but retains a generally pleasing aesthetic.

Detail and clarity are commendable, with the encode achieving a degree of sharpness and refinement superior to earlier Australian imports. Fine detailing is particularly impressive for a low-budget production, though there are segments where depth and density fall short of optimal standards. Blacks are deep yet controlled without crushing, and flesh tones, though a bit warm, maintain stability throughout. Night scenes fare well, complemented by the director’s adept use of limited resources. Despite some inherent limitations of the source material—notably from an older film print rather than original negatives—this Blu-ray transfer offers a robust and enjoyable viewing experience reflective of the film's vintage charm.

The Blu-ray release of "Road Games" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track. It's important to note that while the back cover mentions a 5.1 surround track, this is indeed a packaging error—as only the mono track is present on the disc. Despite its age, the mono track sounds reasonably good, with a clear and understandable dialog throughout. The score by Brian May and sound effects create a moderately active front sound stage, though they are somewhat limited by the single-channel source. The dialog can occasionally sound distanced and harsh but remains clear.

In terms of audio quality, the lossless mono track on this Blu-ray release is superior to the lossy track found on other releases, including the Australian import. It offers improvements in dynamic intensity and nuanced depth without diverging significantly from the native qualities of the original soundtrack. The sound has been remastered to minimize damage, with no significant instances of hiss, distortion, crackle, thumps, or pops, making for a clearer listening experience.

In summary, while the original mono audio does not achieve high fidelity like contemporary surround tracks, it is competently handled and maintains a full-bodied, natural feel that amplifies key elements adequately. Dialogue reproduction is clear and well-balanced with the score, despite some analog hiss. Optional English SDH subtitles are available and stay within the image frame, providing accessibility without intruding on the visual experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Road Games" provide a comprehensive exploration of the film's production and legacy, offering a rich blend of new and archival content. Highlights include interviews with key cast and crew, vibrant audio commentaries, a fascinating script read, and engaging historical documentaries. Particularly noteworthy are the candid insights from Stacy Keach and Richard Franklin, as well as the detailed discussions on the production challenges and successes. Complementing these are composer Brian May’s music demos, extensive stills galleries, and a profile of Richard Franklin. These carefully curated features not only illuminate the film's background but also celebrate its cinematic significance.

Extras included in this disc:

• Australian Long Haul: An interview with actor Stacy Keach.
• Audio Commentary One: With cinematographer Vincent Monton, production coordinator Helen Watts, and costume designer Aphrodite Kondos, moderated by filmmaker Mark Hartley.
• Audio Commentary Two: With producer/director Richard Franklin.
• 1980 Script Read: With producer/director Richard Franklin and actors Stacy Keach and Marion Edwards.
• Composer Brian May Music Demos: Accompanied by a stills and poster gallery.
• Kangaroo Hitchcock: The Making of Road Games: Interviews with director Richard Franklin and actor Stacy Keach.
• Uncut Interviews from Not Quite Hollywood: Featuring interviews with Jamie Lee Curtis, Stacy Keach, Richard Franklin, and others.
• Vintage Lecture on the Making of Road Games: With Richard Franklin, Barbi Taylor, and Brian May, introduced by critic Tom Ryan.
• Profile on Richard Franklin: From 1981.
• Audio Interview with Richard Franklin: 2001 interview.
• Audio Interview with Stacy Keach: Conducted in 2016.
• Audio Interview with Grant Page: Conducted in 2016.
• Promotional Materials: Collection of production stills, storyboards, and more.
• Theatrical Trailer: Vintage trailer for Road Games.

Richard Franklin’s Road Games is a distinctive entry within the 1980s thriller genre. A masterclass in blending Hitchcockian suspense with the eerie atmosphere of 1970s noir, the film is a standout Australian production. Stacy Keach plays Pat Quid, a truck driver navigating the desolate Australian Outback during a nationwide meat strike. His journey takes a dark turn when he becomes suspicious of a mysterious green van, setting off an intense and psychological game of cat-and-mouse. Jamie Lee Curtis, although prominently featured on marketing materials, plays a supporting yet vital role as "Hitch," a hitchhiker drawn into Quid's perilous suspicions.

Keach’s portrayal of Quid is nuanced, oscillating between sanity and paranoia, effectively capturing the viewer's intrigue. The film’s pacing aligns tightly with Hitchcock’s best works, particularly in its first two acts where it meticulously builds tension and curiosity. However, some critiques mention that the resolution feels conventional compared to the movie's intense buildup. Still, experimental elements and risky chase sequences give Road Games a raw energy that modern thrillers often lack.

The film’s technical aspects also shine. The soundtrack by Brian May enriches the suspenseful mood, making the film feel grander than its budget might suggest. While Curtis's role could have benefited from more development, her chemistry with Keach lends a dynamic edge to the narrative. Franklin’s direction is precise, paying homage to his mentor Hitchcock but with a distinct Australian flair. Ultimately, Road Games remains a must-see for fans of psychological thrillers and stands out as one of the better entries from its era.

Rating: PG by the MPAA

"Road Games," directed by Richard Franklin and written by Everett De Roche and Franklin, is an eccentric blend of genres featuring standout performances by Stacy Keach and Jamie Lee Curtis. Combining elements of a family western, horror, and light-hearted comedy, this 80s thriller defies conventional expectations of the era's genre films. The Blu-ray release by Scream Factory enhances the film's enduring appeal with promising technical specifications: a 2.35:1 AVC aspect ratio, English DTS-HD MA 2.0 Mono audio, and English SDH subtitles. Although the audio is merely adequate, the video quality surpasses expectations, providing a visually satisfying experience.

Shout Factory sources their new release from the 4K master initially produced by Umbrella Entertainment, ensuring an impressive technical presentation. While the high-definition visuals could exhibit minor enhancements, the wealth of special features compensates for this shortfall. These extras include a new interview with Stacy Keach and an insightful audio commentary with cinematographer Vincent Monton, filmmaker Mark Hartley, production secretary Helen Watts, and costume designer Aphrodite Kondos. Such inclusions offer a deep dive into the film's production and appeal greatly to dedicated fans.

Conclusively, "Road Games" is a little-known yet captivating thriller that merges suspenseful twists with Keach’s powerful performance and Curtis’s unmistakable charm. Scream Factory's Collector’s Edition not only preserves but enriches this classic film with abundant archival material, reiterating its cultural significance. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to this atypical thriller, this Blu-ray package is highly recommended for its comprehensive features and fascinating insights.