Joysticks Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Joysticks," released by MVD Visual through its MVD Rewind imprint, features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 1.78:1, sourced from a 2K scan and restoration in 2015 of the original 35mm film elements. This meticulous process aims to provide a faithful reproduction of the movie's visual aesthetic, although the final output reveals a mixed bag in terms of quality. On the one hand, viewers will appreciate the vibrant colors that bring life to the arcade environments and character costumes, with yellows being notably striking and flesh tones maintaining a consistent natural appearance. Contrast levels are commendable as well, delivering deep blacks and shaded areas without excessive crushing, except in the most demanding of scenes set within the dimly lit arcade interior.

However, the presentation is not without its drawbacks; the grain structure is pronounced, lending a coarse texture that might not appeal to all, especially visible in close-ups. While this feature preserves the filmic integrity expected from a restoration of this nature, it also points to some inconsistency in visual clarity across different scenes. Moreover, signs of wear such as scratches and dust are present, albeit minimally intrusive, fading quickly enough not to significantly detract from the overall viewing experience.

Technical aficionados will note slight variations in image quality when comparing this release to its predecessors, with instances where the Blu-ray appears somewhat grainier and exhibiting sporadic splotchiness. Color temperatures also exhibit minor shifts. These discrepancies highlight the inherent challenges in film restoration and transfer processes but do not significantly mar an otherwise adequate presentation. The effort to maintain a stable and consistent encode despite these visual anomalies is evident, ensuring that "Joysticks" is presented in the best possible light within the constraints of its original source materials and restoration techniques employed.

The audio track of the "Joysticks" Blu Ray presentation, delivered in LPCM 2.0 Mono, offers a basic auditory experience that reflects the film's arcade-centric ambiance, albeit with some flaws that detract from its overall impact. The sound design, aimed to capture the chaotic energy of a rowdy group of video game enthusiasts, occasionally suffers from muddiness, particularly in scenes with a higher level of background noise or action. Despite this, the audio mix maintains an adequate balance, ensuring that dialogue and the essential sounds are discernibly present. The rock tunes contributed by Legion infuse a certain vibrancy, adding a layer of enthusiasm to the auditory experience.

However, it is important to note that the mono audio clearly signals the film's modest production values. Described as rough, coarse, and flat, it lacks the depth and clarity one might expect from more sophisticated audio setups. This simplicity, while sometimes diminishing the immersive potential of the film, does not render the experience entirely unenjoyable. The score and sound effects fulfill their purpose without offering anything noteworthy beyond the minimum required to support the on-screen action.

In terms of accessibility, the Blu Ray provides optional English subtitles, a necessary feature that ensures all audiences can follow the film's narrative despite any potential shortcomings in the audio presentation. Dialogue clarity remains one of the stronger aspects of this audio track, ensuring that the film's comedic and thematic elements are effectively communicated. Overall, while the LPCM 2.0 Mono audio may not impress audiophiles seeking a rich and layered soundstage, it adequately conveys the film's energetic and playful spirit.

The extras presented on the "Joysticks" Blu-ray edition spotlight a commendable assortment that enhances the overall appreciation of this cult classic. Notably, the disc features insightful audio commentary by Director Greydon Clark, as well as a unique fan commentary facilitated by Eric D. Wilkinson, Heath Holland, and Jesse Nelson. These commentaries, accessible under the Setup Menu, offer diverse perspectives that enrich the viewing experience. Additionally, an interview with Greydon Clark provides deeper insights into the film's creation. The inclusion of the "Coin Slots" faux trailer short adds a humorous touch, while a selection of trailers for "Joysticks" and other MVD Visual releases rounds out the extras. The packaging details as per MVD's website, including a reversible sleeve and a folded mini poster within a slipcover, exhibit a commitment to aesthetic appeal that matches the high quality of the disc's content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Greydon Clark: Insightful commentary accessible under the Setup Menu.
• Fan Commentary: Commentary by Eric D. Wilkinson, Heath Holland, and Jesse Nelson, available under the Setup Menu.
• Interview with Director Greydon Clark: An in-depth discussion with the director (SD; 17:44).
• Coin Slots Faux Trailer Short: A humorous addition to the extras (HD; 2:49).
• Trailers: Includes "Joysticks" (HD; 2:09) and selections for other MVD Visual releases.

Producer-director Greydon Clark's "Joysticks" is a notable entry in the early '80s arcade culture wave, celebrated for its top box office spot during its opening week. Derived from Clark's own encounters with the burgeoning arcade video game technology, the film capitalizes on a dedicated demographic, evident in its commercial success. The 2015 Blu-ray release by Scorpion Releasing, previously reviewed by Brian Orndorf, offered audiences a chance to revisit the cultural artifact, comparing its quality and supplements with past iterations. Clark's repetitive anecdotes across commentaries and interviews highlight an evident personal pride in "Joysticks," serving as a testament to its unexpected success and foundational inspiration drawn from the arcade-infused lifestyle of its era.

"Joysticks" stands as a quintessential '80s product, characterized by its exploitative humor, gratuitous nudity, and a stereotypical portrayal of teen rebellion against societal norms. The movie's plot, revolving around a local businessman's crusade against an arcade's perceived immorality, mirrors genuine societal debates of the time. However, its execution—laden with cliches ranging from nerds to punks, and an overly enthusiastic attempt to mimic successful contemporaries—reveals a lack of subtlety and a reliance on surface-level engagement with its youth audience. Despite aiming to capture the essence of arcade culture, "Joysticks" often reduces it to a backdrop for cheap laughs and outdated stereotypes.

In juxtaposition with other '80s films that celebrated video game culture, such as "WarGames" and "Tron," "Joysticks" offers little in terms of innovation or critical exploration of its themes. Instead, it embodies the excesses and simplistic narrative choices of its time, inadvertently serving as both a nostalgic relic and a cautionary example of the era's cultural and cinematic limitations. The film's occasional humor, emerging more from absurdity than wit, alongside its casual sexism, encapsulates a period starkly different from contemporary sensibilities. "Joysticks," for all its flaws, thus remains an emblematic specimen of how far popular culture has evolved, marking a curious if not critically acclaimed milestone in the lexicon of video game-related cinema.

The release of "Joysticks" on Blu-ray by MVD is a beacon for fans of this quintessentially '80s pop culture artifact, particularly in light of the Scorpion Releasing version becoming somewhat of a rarity. This newer iteration not only stands as the de facto option for enthusiasts but also boasts technical upgrades that merit attention. The video quality preservation is commendable, with indications suggesting it matches, if not surpasses, the original Scorpion Releasing's presentation. Audio improvements are a significant aspect, providing a more immersive experience that aligns well with the nostalgic essence of the film. Moreover, the inclusion of original supplements alongside new additions and tangible collectibles enriches the overall package, offering a comprehensive tribute to the film's legacy and enhancing the value proposition for potential buyers.

The film "Joysticks" is an encapsulation of a particular zeitgeist, immersing viewers in the arcade fever of the 1980s. Its context and content may provoke varying reactions, ranging from amusement to disbelief at its portrayal of the era's arcade culture. Regardless, its representation remains an unfiltered snapshot of a bygone era, making it a fascinating study for those interested in the evolution of gaming culture and its intersection with mainstream entertainment.

In conclusion, MVD's Blu-ray release of "Joysticks" serves not only as a nostalgic trip down memory lane but as an improved viewing experience with enhanced audio and visual quality. The thoughtful inclusion of previous and additional extras, along with memorabilia, makes this the definitive edition for collectors and new fans alike. Despite its divisive content, "Joysticks" captures a unique moment in time, making this release an essential addition to the library of anyone fascinated by the intersection of video games and cinema during the neon-lit decade of the 1980s.