Cherry 2000 Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Cherry 2000," encoded in AVC with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, captures the sci-fi essence of the film well, despite showing its age through a somewhat flatter viewing experience. The cinematography, limited by its low-budget origins, exhibits a noticeable softness, though details remain largely intact. The visual appeal is heightened by the production's use of vivid neons and bold costumes, ensuring stable and satisfying primary colors. Even though some scenes exhibit minor debris and scratches, the filmic grain is well-managed, contributing to a genuinely cinematic look.

The high-definition transfer, likely derived from a fresh remaster, is presented in 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 and provides an appreciably clearer picture than previous iterations. While minor white specks and dirt appear occasionally, they do little to detract from an overall improved viewing experience. Skintones are rendered naturally, revealing every subtle wrinkle and blemish on the actors' faces. Contrast is effectively balanced, with very few highlights appearing overly intense. This balance helps maintain excellent visibility even in distant shots. The delineation within darker scenes is commendable, preserving the shadowy intent without sacrificing detail.

Richly saturated colors imbue the film with an energetic and rejuvenated feel, remaining faithful to the original aesthetics. The Blu-ray retains a consistent layer of natural grain that allows every fine line and detail, from tiny rocks on the road to nuanced facial expressions, to be distinctly visible. Despite a few scenes looking less refined, this release undoubtedly represents the best visual rendition "Cherry 2000" has ever seen on home video.

The 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack for "Cherry 2000" on Blu-ray provides a commendable audio experience that showcases its chaotic and kinetic nature. While the mix does necessitate a volume boost to achieve a cinematic level of engagement, it rewards listeners with a dynamic soundstage filled with gunfire, explosions, and an energetic score. Basil Poledouris's music benefits significantly from the extra breathing room, crafting an engaging wall of sound. Dialogue clarity is generally maintained, though it occasionally seems passive, thereby requiring greater attention during intense action sequences. Despite this, all dialogue remains intelligible even amidst mayhem.

The soundstage is wide and welcoming, effectively creating convincing off-screen activity and smooth transitions between channels. The background effects are primarily discrete and detailed, enriching the overall auditory experience. Low-end frequencies add palpable depth and weight to selected scenes and to the score itself. Nevertheless, the mix isn’t perfect; during high-octane moments, the mid-range can falter, leading to minor noise and distortion in higher frequencies which can be slightly bright and ear-piercing. There are also occasional distractions such as unsourced clicking sounds in specific scenes, though these are intentional. Despite these drawbacks, the DTS-HD MA track provides an enjoyable audio landscape that complements the visual aspects of this sci-fi cult classic effectively.

The extras on the "Cherry 2000" Blu-ray provide a solid overview of the film's production and offer engaging content for enthusiasts. The commentary features director Steve De Jarnatt and film critic Walter Chow, diving deep into the creative decisions and themes of the movie. Tim Thomerson's interview, "Greetings From Sky Ranch," supplies personal anecdotes including on-set tensions, while the vintage "Making Of" featurette offers behind-the-scenes footage and a look at the film's Nevada locations. The inclusion of a theatrical trailer completes this robust package, enhancing the film experience with additional context and production insights.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Steve De Jarnatt and critic Walter Chow discuss production details and thematic elements.
• Greetings From Sky Ranch: Tim Thomerson reflects on his time on set and his co-stars.
• The Making Of: Vintage EPK highlighting behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with cast & crew.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer in high definition.

"Cherry 2000" vividly captures the essence of its era with a post-apocalyptic adventure driven by imaginative design, energetic stuntwork, and quirky production choices. Set in the year 2017, society has resorted to sex robots to satisfy romantic and carnal needs. The narrative revolves around Sam (David Andrews), who seeks a replacement for his malfunctioning robot, Cherry 2000 (Pamela Gidley). The pursuit leads him to hire the rugged tracker, Johnson (Melanie Griffith), to navigate perilous territories and retrieve a new robot unit. Directed by Steve De Jarnatt, the film infuses low-budget resources with creative flair, laden with neon glows, unique automotive designs, and evocative set pieces like the Hoover Dam, all enveloped in a hyper-stylized vision of tomorrow's world.

Griffith’s portrayal of Johnson is particularly compelling, blending elements of classic western heroes with a sci-fi twist. Her character exudes toughness matched by vulnerability, injecting a layer of depth into the otherwise action-centric storyline. The dynamics between Griffith and Andrews are woven with limited chemistry, yet they manage to engage as action-oriented counterparts rather than romantic leads. The film transitions smoothly from synthetic-themed dystopia to an action-packed western, maintaining a balance of chase sequences, shootouts, and explosions. The antagonist, Lester (Tim Thomerson), adds a tangible threat to their mission, ensuring the pace remains brisk and the stakes continually high.

"Cherry 2000" thrives on its genre-blending premise, offering a cinematic experience underscored by feminist undertones and dark humor. Despite the absurdity inherent in its story, it remains grounded through serious directorial execution and enthralling visual identity. Performances, especially Griffith’s, shine amid the chaotic narrative landscape, contributing to an unconventional yet captivating film. The Blu-ray transfer should enhance De Jarnatt’s effort by emphasizing the visuals' retro-futuristic aesthetic and highlighting the character-driven drama that punctuates the action.

"Cherry 2000" delivers a unique fusion of science fiction and western genres, teetering between themes of consumerism and human connections. While Melanie Griffith’s performance stands out, it is David Andrews' steady portrayal of an aging tracker that anchors the narrative. The film revels in its eccentricity, particularly with Lester's gang, a group of outlaws partaking in whimsical hokey pokey dances amid their desert hideout. This odd blend amplifies the sense of adventure and entertainment value. Director Steve De Jarnatt successfully administers a taut storyline brimming with creativity and quirks, which keeps the viewers engaged despite certain inherent limitations and occasional bouts of silliness.

The Blu-ray release of "Cherry 2000" garners praise for its technical merits: exceptional video quality and commendable audio presentation ensure an immersive viewing experience. Though the supplementary features might appear somewhat lacking, they do not overshadow the overall high-caliber presentation that cult enthusiasts will undoubtedly appreciate. The film's colorful supporting cast, brisk pacing, and unique storytelling make it a nostalgic treasure, securing its place in the collection of fans and newcomers alike.

In conclusion, "Cherry 2000" offers a satisfying blend of adventure and humor underpinned by strong performances and a resonant plot. Although constrained in some aspects, the film’s quirky character and dynamic direction make it a delightful watch. The Blu-ray enhances this experience with superior audiovisual quality, ensuring that both long-time devotees and new viewers find plenty to enjoy in this cult classic.