License to Drive Blu-ray Review

"License to Drive" hits Blu-ray with a commendable 1080p image, particularly notable for an aging catalog title. The AVC MPEG-4 encode shines through with a dirt-free presentation, maintaining the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The image is predominantly crisp, although some areas exhibit a slight softness, especially noticeable in facial features. Despite this, general detailing remains robust, from clothing textures to the vibrant baby blue Cadillac and natural green foliage. The film's grain structure adds to its authenticity, and exterior shots benefit immensely from the rich greenery and iconic vehicle.

Interior and night scenes are equally impressive, surprisingly well-lit with balanced contrast and decent black levels, avoiding the common pitfalls of noisiness in darker sequences. The drive-in diner scene stands out, with neon signs vividly illuminated against the night sky, showcasing the solid overall encode quality. While this isn't a demonstration-quality transfer, it fares well for its genre and era. The Blu-ray's print is in good condition, with minimal nicks or spots.

Overall, though "License to Drive" may not reach award-winning heights, it exceeds expectations given its source material and the limitations of a 25GB disc. The visual clarity and faithful color reproduction make it a treat for fans who will appreciate this satisfactory restoration of a beloved classic.

The Blu-ray edition of "License to Drive" is equipped with a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack that showcases its age and era effectively but falls short of modern expectations. The music delivery stands out as a notable strength, providing fair clarity and solid spacing that includes evident surround elements. This is particularly apparent in various segments, such as the opening title tune, the club scene in chapter nine, Sinatra's invigorating melodies, and Billy Ocean's famous track during the end credits. While the action scenes towards the movie's end feature crisp and accurate sound effects like screeching metal and crashing cars, certain effects, such as a bus crashing through an alleyway early on, lack distinctness and feel somewhat crunchy.

Notably, the ambient effects are minimal, though heavier atmospherics, like the piercing honking of a horn settling into the soundstage's backside, are both precise and satisfying. Dialogue delivery is impressively smooth and consistently centralized, never overshadowed by other sound elements. Overall, the track may not be particularly memorable and aligns with the video quality in this regard. However, it unquestionably supersedes previous home video offerings in terms of lossless presentation.

Comparatively, like the recent "Dead Poets Society" release, this 5.1 Dolby TrueHD track leans more towards an expanded stereo experience rather than exploiting the full potential of a surround sound environment. While dialogue remains crystal clear and well-prioritized, music and effects are full-bodied but restrained, featuring some subtle stereo panning without aggressive dynamics. The low-frequency effects (LFE) are somewhat underwhelming, particularly noticeable during the opening explosion sequence and several crash scenes throughout the movie.

The Blu-ray release of "License to Drive" offers a limited selection of supplementary materials that, while nostalgic, fall short on depth and technical quality. The primary feature is a vintage Electronic Press Kit (EPK) titled "The Making of 'License to Drive'," which runs for 7 minutes and 3 seconds. This piece cobbles together cast and crew interviews interspersed with numerous film clips, but ultimately feels more like an extended trailer, with heavy focus on the star power of the Two Coreys. Additionally, the disc includes the film's original theatrical trailer, clocking in at 2 minutes and 26 seconds, though the source material is notably degraded. While the inclusion of these features offers a glimpse into the movie's original marketing efforts, the overall supplementary content lacks depth and fails to provide substantial behind-the-scenes insights.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of 'License to Drive': A vintage EPK featuring cast and crew interviews and film clips.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer for the film.

"License to Drive," a quintessential 1980s teen comedy, stands as a testament to the era's beloved cinematic style, bolstered by the enduring charm of Corey Haim and Corey Feldman. The film weaves a tale of Les Anderson, a spirited sixteen-year-old consumed by his desire for freedom underpinned by a driver's license. What begins as a straightforward ambition quickly spirals into a cascade of mishaps after Les flunks his driving test. Despite the narrative's improbabilities, the Chemistry between Haim and Feldman is undeniably magnetic, transforming a potentially banal plot into an engaging rollercoaster of adolescent daring and rebellion.

Les's storyline, marked by the thrills of defying parental authority to impress the fetching Mercedes Lane (Heather Graham), is both absurd and relatable. The sequences of closely avoided calamities—set against the neon-tinged backdrop of 1980s Americana—maintain a frenetic pace that matches the impulsiveness of its teenage protagonist. The deft direction by Greg Beeman coupled with Neil Tolkin's snappy screenplay ensures that the comedic moments land with precision, offering ample humor interspersed with light action, making the viewing experience consistently entertaining.

While viewed through a modern lens, "License to Drive" retains its nostalgic charm, standing up well despite shifts in cultural context. The film's essence of youthful exuberance and the inherent chaos of teenage dreams resonate universally. Each character is meticulously crafted, from Haim's earnest portrayal of Les to Feldman's supporting role as the troublemaking Dean. This character-centric approach elevates the film beyond mere situational comedy, providing a textured narrative where each decision, no matter how reckless, contributes meaningfully to Les's wild night out. Indeed, "License to Drive" encapsulates the essence of teenage bravado and freedom with a freshness that defines it as a standout of its genre.

"License to Drive" is an endearing comedy that expertly balances humor, action, and relatable teenage experiences—solidified by strong performances from its lead actors. The film captures the essence of fun movie-making with a well-crafted script, smooth direction, and memorable characters that will resonate with both teens and parents alike. Anyone who has felt the thrill and anxiety of getting behind the wheel for the first time will connect with the story's energetic spirit.

Anchor Bay’s Blu-ray release offers satisfactory video and audio quality, ensuring that the film looks and sounds better than it has since its initial theatrical run. However, the disc is notably sparse on special features, which may be a letdown for fans seeking in-depth extras. Despite these shortcomings, the audiovisual presentation remains a significant improvement over previous formats and captures the film’s vibrant '80s atmosphere effectively.

In conclusion, "License to Drive" is a contagiously fun film that has stood the test of time with its blend of comedy, action, and nostalgic charm. Though the Blu-ray release does not deliver many extras, its enhanced video and audio quality make it a worthy addition to any collection. Highly recommended for fans of the film, especially those who cherish '80s cinema and the iconic duo known as the Two Coreys.