The New Kids Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image presentation for the Blu-ray debut of "The New Kids" offers a mixed visual experience. With an aspect ratio of 1.85:1, the older master brings forth a softer viewing experience that may not be up to contemporary standards. While the detail remains somewhat muted, it does provide an adequate level of immersion for fans, despite limited dimension in facial textures and costuming surface feel. Colors appear aged and lack vitality, particularly in theme park decorations and adolescent outfits. This is most noticeable in scenes where reds, typically vivid in other presentations, come across as subdued.

However, the 1080p video shows significant improvements in texture, detail, and definition thanks to a fairly recent HD transfer provided by Sony. The 1984 production benefits from a crisp, largely film-like transfer from the camera negative. Excellent color tonality and contrast enhance the picture quality, adding depth to the visuals. Flesh tones exhibit a healthy range of warmth and saturation, approaching realism. While exterior shots in bright sunshine maintain superb clarity, the darker scenes experience reduced shadow delineation and occasional noisiness. Encoded at adequate AVC bitrates on a BD-25 disc, grain and film texture are preserved without substantial compression artifacts, though some mild ringing is observed in select scenes.

Overall, this Blu-ray presentation maintains a balance between nostalgic charm and modern enhancement. It stands out as an exception to Mill Creek’s usual video quality, delivering satisfactory visual fidelity despite certain limitations inherent in the source material.

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA audio presentation for "The New Kids" captures the film's essential sounds with clarity and precision. Dialogue remains intelligible throughout, ensuring that character exchanges are clear and accessible. The mix handles both heated encounters and quieter domestic events effectively, maintaining a consistent level of quality. However, it occasionally borders on shrillness, particularly during intense moments, and there is a noticeable lack of fullness. This is particularly evident in soundtrack selections, where sharper highs and limited weight can be discerned.

The stereo mix provides robust sound quality that enhances the film's atmosphere. Notable highlights include the score composed by Lalo Schifrin, which offers satisfying fidelity and extended separation, contributing positively to the suspense without overshadowing performances. Atmospherics such as school commotion and theme park attendance are basic yet effective, neatly registering as intended without any significant deviations from expectations. Sound effects, including gunfire, are present but lack impactful power. Despite this, the audio design remains simple yet effective, complemented by optional English SDH subtitles in a clear white font.

The Blu-ray release of "The New Kids" from Mill Creek Entertainment comes in a retro VHS-style slipcover highlighting striking artwork reminiscent of the original video cassette packaging. Unfortunately, this release lacks supplementary materials or special features, which is consistent with previous DVD editions by Sony. The disc claims to be Region A but has been reported to work in Region B players as well. Fans looking for additional content or significant extras will be disappointed, as this edition is bare-bones. The included screenshots, while unaltered, do provide a glimpse into the visual quality maintained in this release.

Extras included in this disc:

• None: There are no supplementary materials or special features available on this disc.

Sean S. Cunningham, famed for his horror expertise with “Friday the 13th,” shifted genres in 1985 to helm “The New Kids,” a violent teen thriller set in rural Florida. Diverging from typical slasher fare, this film presents a juvenile delinquent narrative infused with heightened 1980s aggression. The storyline follows siblings Loren (Shannon Presby) and Abby (Lori Loughlin), who, after the sudden death of their parents, move in with their Uncle Charlie (Eddie Jones) at a dilapidated amusement park. Cunningham methodically builds tension as the siblings face relentless bullying from local troublemaker Dutra (James Spader) and his gang.

Lori Loughlin delivers an early yet credible performance as Abby, capturing the vulnerability and resilience of her character, while Shannon Presby convincingly portrays her protective brother Loren. Spader's portrayal of Dutra is particularly engaging—his Southern accent and menacing persona amplify the film’s sense of unease. Their interactions escalate from typical high school antagonism to extreme violence, marked by disturbing scenes involving an abused pit bull and attempts at sexual assault. Cunningham’s knack for exploitation cinema shines through these sequences, ensuring the film maintains viewers’ attention.

Despite its blend of clichés and uneven tone, “The New Kids” captures the essence of ’80s thrillers with stylized violence, a training montage, and a cheesy soundtrack. The retro appeal is bolstered by familiar faces such as Eric Stoltz in a minor role and Tom Atkins as the siblings' disciplined father. While not lauded as a pinnacle of ‘80s cinema, the film offers raw action, credible suspense, and memorable performances that solidify its entertainment value, particularly for aficionados of the decade’s distinctive storytelling.

The Blu-ray release of "The New Kids" offers a compelling revisit to a lesser-known entry in the 1980s thriller genre. Directed by Sean S. Cunningham, the film presents a mixture of high school drama and escalating violence, embodied vividly through Lori Loughlin's and James Spader's performances. The transfer to Blu-ray benefits from a thoughtful restoration, which enhances the film's visual fidelity while maintaining the original's gritty aesthetic. Grain structure is preserved, and colors are notably vibrant, providing a fittingly heightened sense of period authenticity. The audio mix is equally commendable, offering clear dialogue and an effective use of the soundtrack to heighten tension.

Despite its technical strengths, "The New Kids" stumbles narratively, especially as it heads toward its climactic moments. Cunningham's direction thrives within confined spaces but falters when tasked with utilizing the intriguing amusement park setting. The climactic showdown fails to capitalize on the unique environment's potential for eerie and surreal encounters, opting instead for conventional and somewhat predictable sequences. These choices diminish the impact of what could have been a highly memorable conclusion, leaving the audience more detached than horrified.

In conclusion, "The New Kids" provides an engaging, nostalgia-laden experience that will appeal particularly to fans of ’80s cinema. While it has its share of narrative flaws, the Blu-ray release excels in restoring the film's visual and auditory impact, making it a worthwhile addition to any collector's library. Cunningham's work here has a raw, mall-multiplex-on-a-Saturday-night charm that, despite its missteps, manages to be both crude and effectively enthralling.