Cooley High Blu-ray Review

"Cooley High" on Blu-ray is presented with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The video quality delivers a solid yet occasionally problematic presentation. The detail and clarity are impressive, marking the best this film has likely ever appeared. Scenes capture crisp wall surfaces and detailed clothing fabrics, with close-ups revealing the fine textures of the wild seventies attire. However, evidence of general wear and tear is noticeable, especially during darker scenes where grain is quite heavy, and shadow detail is often lacking. Some of the nighttime sequences suffer from uneven contrast and modest overall sharpness, though brighter moments compensate with a nicely saturated palette.

Blacks are solid without significant loss of detail, although some night sequences appear darker than intended. The color reproduction is particularly noteworthy, with blues and reds standing out vividly, while dingy teals retain a pleasing natural look. Flesh tones are consistently natural across various shots, enhancing close-up details. Despite occasional grain, specs, and minor scratches, the Blu-ray transfer offers decent depth of field and fluid motion that makes this classic film visually engaging. This release represents a nuanced preservation of "Cooley High," skillfully balancing its inherent flaws with moments of striking visual fidelity.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track of "Cooley High" offers strong support for the film's dialogue, urban sound effects, and memorable soundtrack, which includes hits from The Supremes. The audio quality, while generally solid, occasionally exhibits minor prioritization issues, likely due to the original recording conditions and budget constraints that precluded advanced audio post-processing techniques such as ADR.

Despite the dated nature of the source material, the track provides a satisfactory audio experience with clear and prominent dialogue reproduction. However, the audio can sound slightly muffled at times, a common characteristic of older films that lack extensive restoration efforts. The dynamic range is decent, delivering the necessary impact for the film's limited but effective sound effects.

This audio presentation effectively fulfills the basic requirements for a film of its era, ensuring that key elements such as dialogue remain loud and audible. While it doesn't significantly push the boundaries of modern audio fidelity, it remains faithful to the original experience and successfully supports the nostalgic atmosphere of "Cooley High."

The Blu-ray release of "Cooley High" unfortunately lacks any supplemental materials, providing no additional content beyond the film itself. This absence of extras may disappoint fans looking for further insights into the making of this influential classic. Despite the high-quality transfer and audio presentation, the disc does not include interviews, commentaries, or any behind-the-scenes features. This omission leaves a gap where contextual enrichments and deeper appreciations of the filmmaking process could have been offered. Collectors and enthusiasts who anticipate value-added content will find this release minimalistic and perhaps underwhelming in terms of supplementary material.

Extras included in this disc:

None: The disc features no additional content beyond the main feature film.

Set in the heart of 1964 Chicago, "Cooley High" delves into the lives of two high school students, Cochise Morris (Lawrence-Hilton Jacobs) and Preach Jackson (Glynn Turman), as they navigate a challenging urban environment. Often referred to as the "black American Graffiti," this film provides a vivid, albeit grittier, snapshot of teenage life in a high-crime, lower-class neighborhood. Capacious authenticity is derived from screenwriter Eric Monte's personal experiences and Michael Schultz’s directorial finesse. Despite this, "Cooley High" indulges in stereotypes that the post-sixties generation had aimed to discard, creating an uneven tone that oscillates between harsh social realism and farcical humor.

The film unspools through interconnected vignettes, capturing the duo’s escapades, including school truancy finagled with red fingernail polish, an imprudent zoo visit, a chaotic gambling session, and an ill-conceived car theft. While their antics may seem jovial initially, a menacing shadow looms as these choices lead to dire consequences, culminating in a poignant and tragic climax. The narrative does not shy away from exposing the murky morality faced by these characters, emphasizing their sense of entrapment within a cycle of dysfunctional academic and home lives.

Musically, "Cooley High" is interlaced with an evocative Motown soundtrack that not only invigorates the film but also imbues it with a feeling of nostalgic fondness. Noteworthy performances by Glynn Turman and Lawrence-Hilton Jacobs add a raw authenticity, especially highlighted by Turman's compelling monologue towards the end. Supported by Garrett Morris playing a sympathetic teacher, the cast's synergy greatly enhances the film’s impact. Although some elements have not aged gracefully and structural comparisons to "American Graffiti" identify technical shortcomings, "Cooley High" remains a daring and memorable piece of cinema that continues to resonate emotionally.

Review of "Cooley High" Blu-Ray

"Cooley High" stands as a nostalgic yet significant piece in the history of American cinema, capturing the essence of urban Black youth during the 1970s. The film deftly balances elements of comedy and drama, creating a high school coming-of-age story that remains relevant and emotionally impactful even today. It aims to blend authentic cultural representation with universal themes, albeit its tonal shifts can sometimes disrupt the narrative flow. Despite this, the film's compelling storytelling makes it a worthy addition to any collection.

The Blu-ray release of "Cooley High" showcases a commendable technical presentation. The video transfer is strong, offering a crisp and clean visual experience that highlights the film's period aesthetic effectively. Audio quality, while not extraordinary, is more than serviceable, providing clear dialogue and faithful sound reproduction. The lack of supplemental features on this release is a slight disappointment, but the transition of this culturally important film to a high-definition format is a significant achievement in itself.

In conclusion, "Cooley High" on Blu-ray remains a highly recommended buy for fans of classic cinema and those interested in African-American film history. Its success lies in juxtaposing the playful and poignant moments of youth within a community seldom represented authentically at that time. While additional extras would enhance the overall package, the film's enduring appeal and upgraded visual fidelity make this release a worthwhile consumption for enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.