Young Guns Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Young Guns" on Blu-ray suffers from a range of technical issues that cannot be overlooked. The 1080p, 1.85:1 presentation reveals its age with a myriad of imperfections. From the outset, viewers are greeted with opening credits that are jagged and pixelated, a problem that lays the groundwork for the subsequent video quality concerns. Throughout the film, one can notice constant noise, random speckles, and dirt on the print which detract from the viewing experience. Edge enhancement is significantly pronounced, leading to a majority of scenes looking unnaturally sharp, only to transition into an overly soft image abruptly. Additionally, color representation is flawed; blacks often appear dark blue, and overall color saturation issues lead to some unnatural-looking scenes, particularly with fleshtones that tend toward a waxy appearance.

Despite these shortcomings, it's important to acknowledge that the video quality does represent an improvement over previous non-anamorphic versions of the film, indicating an effort has been made to upgrade "Young Guns" for the Blu-ray format. The exterior shots present a nice, dusty ambiance that aligns well with the film's setting, though this is somewhat marred by oversaturation and a lack of detail in darker scenes and interiors. This leads to a flattening of the image in mid- to high-range tones and a noticeable reduction in overall depth and detail, particularly in low-light conditions where noise becomes sufficiently distracting.

In its current state, this Blu-ray release of "Young Guns" leaves much to be desired in terms of video quality. Lionsgate's transfer from what appears to be the same master used for the 2002 standard-definition release fails to fully capitalize on the potential of the high-definition format. The presence of noise, edge enhancement issues, and inconsistent color saturation are notable detractors. While this edition might still appeal to die-hard fans due to its status as an upgrade over older versions, it's clear that there is significant room for improvement should a future special edition release be considered.

The audio presentation of the Blu-Ray release of "Young Guns" features both 5.1 Dolby Digital EX and 6.1 DTS-HD High-Resolution audio tracks, underscoring a commendable effort to uplift the film's auditory experience beyond its visual counterpart. The audio remaster shines particularly during moments of dialogue and ambient sounds; horses trotting, birds chirping, and the rustle of wind envelop the viewer in a well-rounded soundscape. Action sequences, while not incessant, are adequately bolstered by the soundtrack, with bullets and explosions benefiting from the multi-channel setup to provide an immersive experience. However, despite its robustness during high-intensity scenes, the track won't likely serve as a cornerstone for audio system demonstrations.

Noteworthy are the mixed feelings towards the dynamic range and the treatment of sound effects; while there's an appreciable clarity and aggression during gunfights, leading to a full-bodied sound experience that is arguably superior for a film from 1988, certain aspects like the front-to-back effects can feel overdone, with sounds almost jumping at the listener and some dialogue coming across as inauthentically ADR'd. There's a solid, though slightly flat low bass presence, complementing a soundstage that occasionally necessitates volume adjustment to mitigate overpowering action sequences. Overall, Lionsgate's audio remastering provides 'Young Guns' with a more lively and engaging auditory experience that outperforms expectations for a mid-budget western of its era, yet it also introduces new quirks that may distract purists seeking an authentic sound profile.

In sum, this dual track offering presents a commendable improvement over the original audio, primarily during scenes abundant with dialogue and ambient effects, bolstering the film's narrative with an auditory clarity that breathes new life into this classic. Action scenes receive a noteworthy enhancement thanks to the surround setup, though certain production choices in the audio remaster may not appeal universally. The balance between volume levels during various scenes generally maintains a good standard, ensuring dialogue remains audible against the backdrop of more intense sound effects. This audio remaster stands out for bringing a surprisingly contemporary feel to a vintage film without completely overshadowing its original auditory essence.

The Blu-ray release of "Young Guns" by Lionsgate presents a modest assembly of extras, somewhat lacking in depth but offering enough to pique the interest of fans and historians alike. The highlight is the "Gunning for Facts" trivia track, which, despite its fleeting appearance and audio limitation to a 2.0 Dolby Digital track, enriches the viewing experience with fun facts and a running death toll. Complementing this feature is "The Real Billy the Kid" documentary (480p, 30:57), an accessible yet informative piece that endeavors to separate myth from fact concerning the infamous outlaw, albeit without contributions from the film's cast. Noteworthy by its absence is a previously included commentary track from key cast members, a feature sorely missed by enthusiasts of the film. The included 1080p trailers for unrelated movies fail to compensate for this omission, leaving the impression of a somewhat bare-bones treatment for this Blu-ray debut.

Extras included in this disc:

• Out of the Blue Trivia: A pop-up trivia track offering interesting facts about the real story behind the movie and on-set anecdotes.
• The Real Billy the Kid: A documentary providing a basic background on Billy the Kid, presented in an engaging manner suitable for a wide audience.

"Young Guns," a 1988 cinematic escapade into the Wild West, amalgamates the youthful zeal of the Brat Pack with the age-old American frontier narrative, fostering an entertainment spectacle anchored more in its star-studded ensemble than historical precision or depth. The film weaves the tale of Billy the Kid (Emilio Estevez) and the Regulators, a band of young gunslingers seeking vengeance under the employ of John Tunstall (Terence Stamp), contrasting sharply with traditional Westerns through its blend of 1980s glam and ostentatious performances. While Estevez shines with a compelling portrayal of Billy the Kid, Charlie Sheen’s attempt at an accent and the overall pandering to youthful aesthetics over authenticity detracts from its potential impact. Nevertheless, performances by Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips, and a brief but memorable appearance by Tom Cruise add layers to this otherwise straightforward narrative.

Technically, "Young Guns" attempts to captivate with a blend of synthesized scores and striking visuals, albeit overshadowed by its less-than-stellar treatment on Blu-ray. The movie’s action sequences and dramatic plot points—centered around revenge and camaraderie in the face of adversity—offer a good mix of fun and tension, even if they verge on being over-the-top. This aesthetic choice frames the film more as a product of its time, characterized by its "MTV crowd" appeal and a flamboyant yet inconsistent approach to violence. The inclusion of icons like Jack Palance as the villainous rancher adds gravitas to a cast otherwise dominated by youthful exuberance, though its commitment to historical events remains loose at best.

Despite its flaws, the film is undeniably entertaining, buoyed by dynamic performances and a certain nostalgic charm that winks at its audience through a modern rendition of the Old West. However, the film’s aspiration for a greater semblance of believability is marred by its overtly stylized presentation and narrative choices, relegating "Young Guns" to a realm where historical accuracy is sacrificed on the altar of entertainment. It remains a cultural snapshot of the late 1980s, encapsulating a moment when Hollywood's inclination toward glitz over substance was in full swing, offering a ride that is as bumpy as it is joyously reckless.

"Young Guns" emerges as an iconic '80s action flick, encapsulating a blend of humor, thrilling sequences, and a narrative that, despite its simplicity, effectively carries the movie from start to finish. Its cast, brimming with actors who would ascend to Hollywood stardom, offers a nostalgic journey through a Western adventure that also serves as a cross-genre blend appealing to fans of varied cinematic tastes. However, the Blu-ray presentation by Lionsgate fails to match the film's status as a cult classic. The video transfer significantly lacks in quality, hovering around the lower end of the high-definition spectrum, making it barely an improvement over older formats like DVD, laserdisc, or VHS. The audio performance is deemed adequate at best, lacking the depth and clarity expected from a modern Blu-ray release.

Supplemental materials on this Blu-ray are disappointingly sparse, suggesting a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the making of this quintessential '80s movie. This scarcity of extras, coupled with underwhelming technical specs, might not justify an upgrade for those already in possession of the film in any preceding format. Moreover, the overall package leaves much to be desired for diehard fans and collectors who might have anticipated a more substantial offering that pays homage to the film's legacy.

In conclusion, while "Young Guns" holds its ground as a delightful mix of action and humor wrapped in a nostalgic Western shell, this Blu-ray release from Lionsgate does not do justice to its cinematic value. The lackluster video and audio quality, combined with a meager selection of extras, make it hard to recommend as a definitive upgrade. Fans might be better off waiting for a future edition that hopefully addresses these shortcomings and delivers the comprehensive treatment this cult classic deserves.