My Best Friend Is a Vampire Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "My Best Friend Is a Vampire" from Lionsgate Films' Vestron Video Collector's Series features a digitally restored AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, housed on a BD-50 disc. The transfer, while mostly commendable, demonstrates a few variabilities in image quality typical of older films. In brightly lit exterior scenes, it delivers excellent detail levels with vibrant blue skies and lush green landscapes that pop visually. Interior shots, however, occasionally display a color timing issue, skewing towards yellow or green hues.

The film's overall depth of field is slightly above average, successfully mitigating any flatness with smooth motion and minimal distortion. Black levels are notably deep and rich, though they carry heavier grain in darker areas. The restoration maintains a filmic appearance with a consistent grain structure, though some sequences exhibit washed-out colors. Nevertheless, vibrant elements like stained glass windows and car tail lights provide a welcome visual pop amidst a generally solid palette.

Details are sharper than previous releases, rendering practical makeup effects and costume textures with clarity. While skin tones remain natural, they appear brighter for vampires, showcasing rosy cheeks and heightened contrast. Despite occasional noise and minor artifacts in darker scenes, age-related wear is minimal with few blemishes noticeable. Overall, the Blu-ray upgrade offers a nostalgic visual experience with an enhanced level of detail for fans of 1980s films.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "My Best Friend Is a Vampire" offers two configurations: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. The 5.1 surround track significantly enriches the viewing experience with immersive soundscapes, excellently capturing environmental noises like student chatter and locker slams, which complement the on-screen action. The track's energized midrange and low-end frequencies notably enhance the film's music and supernatural elements, immersing the viewer in its distinctly 1980s ambiance. The dialogue is consistently rendered with clarity across both audio options, ensuring clean and easily discernible speech.

Both audio tracks are solid, though the 5.1 surround option excels as the preferred choice, delivering fuller and more robust sound. The low-frequency extension modestly punctuates scenes, with music cues receiving noticeable enhancement, contributing to a balanced yet dynamic auditory experience. While the track is predominantly front-heavy, occasional use of rear channels supports a fuller surround effect, subtly enhancing musical sequences and providing moderate ambient effects without overpowering the main audio features.

Subtitles are available in English and Spanish, aiding comprehension for diverse audiences. The audio design effectively bridges fidelity to its time period with contemporary technology, preserving the film's vintage feel while offering a modernized auditory experience. With clear dialogue reproduction and robust environmental sound effects, this Blu-ray release manages to capture the film's essence while utilizing technical advancements for an engaging auditory presentation.

The Blu-ray extras for "My Best Friend Is a Vampire" offer an engaging glimpse behind the scenes, providing both nostalgic value and insightful commentary. Users can delve into the creative process through the Audio Commentary featuring director Jimmy Huston and film historian Nathaniel Thompson, where discussions revolve around social themes and on-set experiences. A Most Alternative Lifestyle interview highlights how the film resonated with the LGBTQ+ community, with writer Tab Murphy and production executive Ken Aguado reflecting nostalgically on its development. Actor Paul Willson offers memorable anecdotes from production in Gabbing with Grimsdyke, adding depth to the viewing experience. Additionally, visual memories are encapsulated in the Still Gallery, and promotional intrigue is maintained through both theatrical and teaser trailers. This comprehensive selection of extras enriches the collector's series, ensuring both entertainment and a deeper appreciation for fans and newcomers alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful discussion with director Jimmy Huston and historian Nathaniel Thompson.
• A Most Alternative Lifestyle: Joint interview with writer Tab Murphy and production executive Ken Aguado.
• Gabbing with Grimsdyke: Actor Paul Willson shares production stories.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original film trailer.
• Teaser Trailer: Initial promotional teaser.
• Still Gallery: Includes promo art and behind-the-scenes photos.

My Best Friend is a Vampire," directed by Jimmy Huston and penned by screenwriter Tab Murphy, is a charming blend of teenage sex comedy and vampire lore. The film distinguishes itself from its contemporaries like "Teen Wolf" and "Fright Night," not by escalating tension or mystery but by embracing its comedic and satirical roots. The storyline revolves around Jeremy Capello, portrayed by Robert Sean Leonard, whose transformation into a vampire following a romantic encounter sets him on a journey of self-discovery marked by typical adolescent challenges.

Murphy’s screenplay cleverly incorporates the absurdities of its premise, championing light-hearted humor over suspenseful ambiguity seen in films like "Vampire's Kiss." The narrative interweaves themes of prejudice, gender identity, and personal growth with classic comedic beats, offering a subtle social satire reflective of 1980s culture. Supporting performances from veterans like David Warner, Rene Auberjonois, and Fannie Flagg lend gravitas, though it's Auberjonois who truly shines, elevating scenes with his charismatic presence.

While the core teenage cast falls short of making a lasting impact, the adult ensemble keeps the film buoyant. The film tackles issues that resonate today, albeit with an often clumsy execution marred by some homophobic undertones and dated tropes. Yet, the film retains charm—a B-side companion perfect for audiences familiar with or nostalgic for 80s teen horror comedies. Despite its flaws, "My Best Friend is a Vampire" entertains as a curious relic of its era, capturing the essence of lighter vampire narratives before the genre was redefined by entries such as "Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

The Blu-ray release of "My Best Friend Is a Vampire" by Lionsgate's Vestron Video label presents a refreshing revisit to an underrated gem of the 1980s teen sex comedy genre. This film offers a unique blend of humor and a heartwarming narrative, effectively tackling themes that remain relevant today. The release benefits from a strong technical presentation, featuring a crisp 1080p HD image and immersive DTS-HD 5.1 audio, enhancing the viewing experience. Although the movie did not achieve major box office success upon its original release, it endures as a charming cult classic with fun moments and engaging performances.

The supplement materials, while not extensive, add value by providing insight into the early days of Kings Road Entertainment. These features highlight the production's historical context and the early aspirations of the company following hits like "All of Me". This context enriches the viewing experience, offering viewers a perspective on the film industry’s transformations during that era. While other releases in the Vestron Video series might be more supplement-heavy, this release maintains quality and interest for dedicated fans of genre mashups and those seeking something off the beaten path.

In conclusion, "My Best Friend Is a Vampire" serves as a delightful artifact of 80s cinema, capturing the essence of teen comedies with a supernatural twist. Lionsgate provides a rock-solid release that both new viewers and longtime fans will appreciate. Given its affordable price point, this Blu-ray is an enticing option that comes recommended for those looking to explore beyond mainstream horror-comedies—a perfect addition to any collection.