Streets of Fire Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Streets of Fire" is a commendable high-definition release that faithfully retains the film's original aesthetic. Utilizing a 2K scan of the interpositive, this transfer is encoded in MPEG-4 AVC and presented in 1080p with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 on a BD-50 disc, boasting an impressive average bitrate of 32,000 kbps. The visual treatment harmonizes primary and secondary colors effectively, ensuring clean depictions and a coherent blend with the source material. Sharpness and clarity maintain a stable presence, enhancing details in characters, set designs, and notably the gritty street visuals. Black and white levels are accurate, providing good contrast and depth to both bright scenes and shadowy backgrounds.

Depth perception is particularly praiseworthy, especially during stage performances where character movements remain fluid without any noticeable blur or jitter. The transfer captures the essence of the mid-80s setting with vivid neon signs and vibrant 80s fashion that pop against the urban decay. Skin tones remain natural throughout, presenting intricate facial details like stubble and make-up accurately in close-ups.

Contrary to the occasional specks and minor blemishes that surface, the presence of film grain adds to the film’s aesthetic rather than detracting from it. These artifacts complement the rough, weathered look that aligns well with the film's gritty atmosphere. Although not flawless, this Blu-ray transfer is a solid effort from Shout! Factory, delivering a visually engaging and authentic representation of "Streets of Fire."

The audio presentation of the "Streets of Fire" Blu-Ray shows substantial technical prowess, particularly with its new DTS-HD Master Audio 4.1 Surround track created from the 70mm six-track magnetic audio master. This mix emphasizes clarity in dialogue with discernible intonation and above-average room penetration. The front-heavy design effectively leverages left, right, and center channels to deliver seamlessly integrated panning sequences. While dynamic range is commendable, it is somewhat limited by the film's dated elements. Additionally, the surround channels, though used sparingly, introduce discernible spatial ambiance and discrete directional sounds when active. The LFE channel enriches the lower bass frequencies, amplifying the impact of active elements and music within the film.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track (4707 kbps, 24-bit) and the original DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo (2114 kbps, 24-bit) from previous releases remain available. The auditory experience during collective concert scenes and other crowd noises showcases excellent multi-directional sound from side to side, with notable horizontal sound generated by motorcycles and car screeches. The 4.1 track enhances musical ballads which render excellent fidelity but remain largely front-focused. This track adds raw energy to sequences, particularly in concert scenes, offering listeners a more authentic and fresh rendition compared to the prior 5.1 remix.

Overall, the audio mix delivers a significant enhancement, maintaining a high level of fidelity while preserving the essence of the original sound. The concurrent use of various DTS-HD Master Audio tracks allows for a versatile listening experience that can cater to audiophiles seeking intricate sound details or casual viewers enjoying a rich and impactful audio presentation. The dialogue reproduction remains clear and crisp, subtly mixed to reflect the realism of loud environments, enhancing the immersion for the audience.

The Extras on the "Streets of Fire" Blu Ray are meticulously curated, offering a deep dive into the film’s production and legacy. The two-disc set includes comprehensive feature-length documentaries filled with engaging interviews from key creative figures such as Director Walter Hill, Producer Lawrence Gordon, and actors like Michael Paré and Deborah Van Valkenburgh. These extras aren't mere fluff; they provide candid insights into the script development, casting, and the artistic choices that defined the movie’s aesthetic. Significant attention is given to various production aspects—ranging from costume design to stunts—presented in a remarkably clear and detailed manner. Moreover, the inclusion of vintage featurettes, music videos, and promotional material offers a nostalgic touch for longtime fans. Each element piece adds to an immersive viewing experience, making this edition a must-have for enthusiasts of 80s cinema and film production aficionados.

Extras included in this disc:

• Shotguns & Six Strings: The Making Of A Rock N Roll Fable: A feature-length documentary with extensive interviews.
• Rumble On The Lot: Walter Hill's Streets Of Fire Revisited: Another extensive documentary revisiting the film.
• Vintage Featurettes: EPK shorts covering various production aspects.
• Music Videos: Original music videos produced for the movie.
• Theatrical Trailer: An anamorphic widescreen trailer.
• On Air Promos: Promotional material for the film's release.
• Still Gallery: A collection of still images, lobby cards, and posters.

Set against a brooding rock & roll landscape, "Streets of Fire" showcases a visually striking, hybrid world combining elements of the past, present, and future. The Bombers motorcycle gang, led by the menacing Raven Shaddock, disrupts this dark urban fantasy by kidnapping the singer Ellen Aim. Her rescue falls to the unlikely trio: soldier of fortune Tom Cody, spirited McCoy, and Ellen's manager, Billy Fish. Walter Hill's direction immerses viewers in rain-splattered streets, hot cars, and pulsating action set to an unforgettable rock-infused soundtrack that evokes nostalgia while adding a unique 1980s twist.

Michael Paré delivers his most commendable performance as Tom Cody, though his star never fully ascended in Hollywood afterward. Diane Lane takes on a challenging role as Ellen Aim, confidently limping through her scenes despite being rather young at the time. Notably, her impressive lip-syncing captivates, managing to bridge her youthful vigor with the maturity required. Rick Moranis offers a departure from his usual roles, delivering a refreshingly different performance. As Raven Shaddock, Willem Dafoe commands the screen with his unsettling presence, while Amy Madigan stands out as McCoy, delivering one of the movie's most engaging performances.

The soundtrack is a standout feature of "Streets of Fire," boasting original compositions that blend 1950s noir and energetic 1980s power rock. The song "I Can Dream About You" remains memorable, eclipsing the film's own fame in popular memory. Contributions from notable artists like Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty add depth to the score. Despite its imperfections and occasional narrative dullness, "Streets of Fire" remains a cult classic. Its innovative blend of music, dynamic characters, and Walter Hill's visionary direction make it a must-watch for enthusiasts of genre-blending adventures.

The latest Blu-ray release of "Streets of Fire" offers a compelling upgrade for both new and existing collectors. This limited edition SteelBook, priced only marginally higher than the Collector's Edition from 2017, brings notable enhancements to both audio and visual components. The 4.1 stereo mix provides a marked improvement over previous lossless 5.1 and 2.0 tracks, delivering an enriched auditory experience that captures the film’s dynamic soundscape with greater fidelity and depth.

While some might argue against the necessity of upgrading if they already own the previous release, the new edition’s refinements make it worthy of consideration. The SteelBook packaging adds a touch of prestige to the collection with its appealing artwork, although opinions may vary on the preference between this and the original’s modern art design. Regardless, the overall presentation and quality solidify its standing as the definitive high-definition edition currently available.

In conclusion, for those who have yet to add "Streets of Fire" to their collection, this new release is undeniably the prime choice. With superior audio enhancements and striking packaging, it represents the pinnacle of what high-definition Blu-ray has to offer for this cult classic. Existing owners might deliberate on the upgrade, but new collectors will find this edition to be essential. Highly recommended for any serious cinephile or fan of the film.