Dream a Little Dream Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Dream a Little Dream," presented by Lionsgate Films' Vestron Video Collector's Series, features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. This presentation is characterized by a generally robust color palette, although some scenes suffer from an apparent loss of detail and clarity, particularly during the film's opening sequence. The digital restoration appears generic, failing to elevate the film's visual fidelity to what one might expect from a premium release. Notably, the dream sequences employ an ice blue tint that occasionally compromises fine details and contrasts with other sections’ inconsistent color grading. Small blemishes persist through the transfer, despite the restoration efforts.

Technical attributes such as depth and black levels are adequate, delivering an average field of depth with decent pushback and spacing in certain shots. However, the overall immersive quality is somewhat limited. The transfer maintains smooth and natural movement without noticeable motion distortion. In terms of color reproduction, hues are fairly saturated but generally muted, potentially aligning with the production design choices. Nevertheless, dream sequences diverge with more vibrant displays against an otherwise subdued palette. Skin tones remain natural and consistent throughout, with discernible facial textures.

In conclusion, while the film presents a reasonable restoration for its debut on Blu-ray, there is room for enhancement through future, more elaborate restoration efforts. Current imperfections are not overly detrimental but do prevent the transfer from achieving a higher standard of visual presentation. Overall, this rendition functions adequately for now, but anticipated improvements could significantly benefit its visual appeal.

The Blu-Ray for "Dream a Little Dream" features a well-executed DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track that highlights the diverse audio elements of the film effectively. The soundtrack is enriched by Mel Tormé's vocals, with Jason Robards at times offering a compelling lip-sync experience. Music pieces like the chart-topping cover of "Rock On" deliver a robust, distortion-free auditory experience. Dialogue throughout the film is delivered with clarity and precision, ensuring that speech is cleanly audible without needing to rely on subtitles.

The sonic landscape created is immersive and thoughtfully balanced, making it easy to appreciate the musical interludes without requiring constant adjustments in volume levels. The audio performance embraces dynamic sound delivery, offering a pleasant depth and fullness across various scenes. This presentation is notably loud for a stereo track, infusing the environment with the film's vibrant musical presence. While subtitles are optional in English and Spanish, they may rarely be needed given the track’s effective dialogue reproduction, which emerges crisp and coherent across consistent usage.

The technical execution of the audio track successfully enhances the viewer's experience, capturing the essence of the film's engaging and evocative musical identity. Although limited by its stereo configuration, the presentation manages an impressive range with a well-maintained balance between dialogue and music elements. The overall structure of the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track not only complements the visual narrative but further amplifies it through a meticulous auditory arrangement.

The Blu-ray extras for "Dream a Little Dream" offer a robust set of features that significantly enhance the viewing experience. The highlight is the insightful interview titled "Young at Heart," where Corey Feldman offers a unique look behind the scenes, sharing both his personal anecdotes and aspirations for a director’s cut. Feldman's articulate and engaging storytelling, coupled with his unique perspective on the film's evolution, makes this special feature particularly captivating. Complementing this is the interview "When Lightning Strikes," featuring Lawrence Kasanoff. Kasanoff offers an intriguing history of home video production, adding depth to understanding the film's context and impact. The audio commentary by film historian Jarret Gahan further enriches the extras by providing extensive insights from a scholarly perspective. The disc also includes trailers, TV spots, and a still gallery, rounding out a comprehensive package for enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful analysis by Film Historian Jarret Gahan.
• Young at Heart: Corey Feldman's engaging behind-the-scenes interview.
• When Lightning Strikes: Lawrence Kasanoff provides a fascinating production history.
• Theatrical Trailer: Official promotional footage.
• TV Spots: Vintage commercial snippets.
• Still Gallery: A curated collection of still images from the film.

"Dream a Little Dream" stands as a peculiar entry within the body swap genre, diverging from conventions by integrating a psychological and dreamlike narrative that only broadens its mystical atmosphere. Jason Robards delivers an intriguing performance as Coleman Ettinger, an elderly man enmeshed in dream psychology. His consciousness unexpectedly finds itself nested in the body of a teen, Bobby Keller, played by Corey Feldman. This film borrows typical '80s movie elements—teen angst, an intertwining adolescent romance, and an eclectic soundtrack—melding them within a fantastical framework.

Director Marc Rocco's narrative is both ambitious and disorganized, characterized by head-scratching narrative turns and often puzzling edits, which seem to emulate an extended trailer. While Corey Feldman and Corey Haim together bring the mischievous energy synonymous with their previous collaborations, it's the adult ensemble cast, featuring Piper Laurie and Harry Dean Stanton, who truly lend weight to the surreal plot developments. However, Gena Ettinger’s murkily portrayed relationship with Coleman detracts from their emotional core, oddly set within fractured dreamscapes.

Overall, "Dream a Little Dream" communicates its story through an array of incongruent but intriguing visual and narrative pieces. While it fails to align its many concepts into a coherent whole, its unique take on generational disconnects and meditative explorations into consciousness infuse it with undeniable charm. Meredith Salenger's performance adds a vibrant energy that helps to illuminate this narrative labyrinth. Despite its flaws, the film offers viewers a nostalgic glimpse of innovative storytelling from its era, balancing between introspective exploration and whimsical entertainment—a film that's more of a memorable curiosity than a flawless execution. As an experimental venture, it reminds us of a time when risk-taking in cinema was both celebrated and explored.

"Dream a Little Dream" on Blu-ray is an intriguing yet uneven blast from the past, embodying both charm and fractures typical of cult classics from its era. Corey Feldman's spirited involvement is both nostalgically amusing and unexpectedly solemn, given his reflective take on his character’s evolvement from roles like that in "The Goonies." The screenplay flirts with depth but ultimately succumbs to conventional body-swap antics. The video quality hits a few technical snags but largely remains serviceable, while the audio delivers a consistently satisfactory performance.

Assessing Vestron Video's effort, it becomes evident that this release prioritizes accessibility over grandeur, appealing predominantly to die-hard fans of the era. Priced affordably, the package swaps premium enhancements for valuable yet modest features, including insightful commentary and interviews that offer unique perspectives on the film's production. Fans looking to complete a Vestron Video collection, or those with a fondness for retro cinema quirks, will find this release a pleasantly nostalgic dive.

In conclusion, "Dream a Little Dream" on Blu-ray serves as a curious relic rather than a comprehensive revelation. It’s a venture worth exploring for enthusiasts ready to embrace 80s oddities and indulge in supplementary content, but those seeking cinematic rejuvenation may find it lacking. The package stands as a testament to niche appreciation rather than critical achievement—perfectly tailored for fans who thrive on nostalgia and cultural relics of its kind.