Fair Game Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Fair Game" features an AVC encoded 1080p image maintaining the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Utilizing a 2K master, this release offers a film-like experience with noticeable detail in both expansive landscapes and intimate close-ups. The color palette is vibrant, with particularly strong blues and reds that enhance the visual appeal of car paint and costume designs. Despite the aesthetic appeal, there is a notable presence of grain, which occasionally leads to blockiness due to encoding inconsistencies. Mild speckling and scratches are observed, though they do not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience.

Black levels, while generally satisfactory, show some noise in nighttime scenes. However, the contrast is moderate, effectively bringing out the warm earth tones of the outback setting. This contributes positively to the film's atmosphere and liveliness, particularly during outdoor sequences characterized by a dominant yellow-brown spectrum. Skin tones are accurately represented, offering modest detail that enhances character portrayals. Close-up shots, especially those featuring wildlife, are detailed and clear, capturing creature specifics effectively.

Overall, while the presentation has its imperfections with grain management and occasional compression artifacts, it successfully delivers a compelling and visually engaging rendition consistent with a high-definition, film-like experience.

The audio presentation of "Fair Game" on Blu-ray offers a dynamic 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix and a 2.0 Stereo track, both designed to enhance the listener's experience through crisp dialogue and robust sound effects. The DTS-HD Master Audio mix is particularly noteworthy for its ability to capture clean dialogue exchanges, ensuring that even the most animated antagonist interactions remain distortion-free. The scoring is especially powerful, with clearly defined synth elements that intensify suspense throughout the film. This audio track expertly balances sound effects, providing distinct atmospherics that enrich the overall auditory experience.

Sound effects play a prominent role in this edition, offering a rich and enlivened listening experience. The pronounced synth rock themes heighten each scene's intensity, notably escalating Jessie’s perilous moments. The mix maintains a sterling balance free from hiss or pop, sustaining clarity across dialogues and background scores. A standout element is the growling sound from "the demon truck's" engine, which reverberates effectively, adding depth to the film's tension and immersing the viewer holistically in its action-driven narrative. These assets assure that "Fair Game" delivers an engaging auditory experience worthy of Blu-ray format standards.

The Blu-ray release of "Fair Game" by Dark Star Pictures offers an extensive collection of extras that significantly enrich the viewing experience, catering to both casual viewers and dedicated cinephiles. Of particular note is the commentary track featuring director Mario Andreacchio and writer Rob George, providing insightful perspectives on the film's production. An extended interview with actress Cassandra Delany delivers a candid reflection on her role and career. Behind-the-scenes enthusiasts will appreciate the substantial "State News Specials," capturing more than two hours of raw, on-set footage. Additionally, the disc includes several short films by Andreacchio, offering a diverse exploration of his earlier work. Visual arts are well-represented through comprehensive still and storyboard galleries, enhancing understanding of the film's conception and design.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Features insights from director Mario Andreacchio and writer Rob George.
• Interview: Extended chat with actress Cassandra Delany.
• On Location: Raw production behind-the-scenes footage.
• State News Specials: Extensive fly-on-the-wall production footage.
• Short Films: Collection from Mario Andreacchio, showcasing early works.
• Still Gallery: Collects poster art and theatrical program pages.
• Storyboard Gallery: Pre-production images and a story overview.
• Official Trailer: Showcases the film's promotional aspect.

Fair Game, a 1986 Australian thriller, delivers a visceral cinematic experience teetering on the edge of action and suspense without bogging itself down with complex storylines or character development. Directed by Mario Andreacchio and scripted by Rob George, this film embraces its exploitation roots, trading narrative depth for stylistic flair and intense sequences. The plot centers around Jessica, played by Cassandra Delaney, who manages a wildlife sanctuary in the Australian outback. Her life takes a dark turn when a trio of poachers—Sunny, Ringo, and Sparks—become her tormentors. Inspired by Mad Max, the film effectively uses intense visual and stunt elements to create a palpable tension as Jessica endures and retaliates against the hunters' cruel games.

Andrew Lesnie’s cinematography merits particular attention for its dynamic camera work that intensifies chase scenes through stark Australian landscapes, highlighting Jessica's isolation. The film's relentless pace is sustained by sharp editing and evocative scoring, which bolster the tension and drive Jessica's evolution from caretaker to avenger. Though some motivations appear hastily developed, the characters engage audiences with their exaggerated good-versus-evil dynamics, reminiscent of classic rural horror motifs. Delaney channels Linda Hamilton's resilience effectively, marking her transition from prey to predator in a compelling narrative arc enhanced by clever editing tricks.

Integral to Fair Game’s identity are its ruthless action sequences that infuse the film with raw energy. Standout stunt work underscores the danger and visceral risk central to this genre piece, with key moments—like the infamous "hood ornament" scene—burning into the annals of exploitation cinema. The film does not shy away from confronting the viewer with cruelty and survival struggles, capturing a uniquely gritty aspect of 1980s Australian action cinema. Fair Game stands as a daring work that values tension and raw authenticity over subtlety, cementing its place within the pantheon of cult thrillers.

"Fair Game" on Blu-Ray is an intriguing mix of audacious storytelling set against the backdrop of the Australian wilderness. The film, steeped in the Ozploitation tradition, is a spectacle of escalation brimming with action and mayhem. Although primarily driven by aggressive and intimidating interactions between its protagonists, the narrative is occasionally punctuated by unsettling instances of sexual violence and animal cruelty. These elements serve to add a layer of discomfort to the viewing experience, contrasting sharply with the film's otherwise cartoonish portrayal of bumbling villains.

Technically, the Blu-ray release from Dark Star Pictures is commendable. Offering a robust audio-visual presentation, the package includes an array of special features that are sure to please fans and collectors alike. The restoration has been handled with care, ensuring that the film's vibrant energy and audacious stunts remain vivid and engaging nearly four decades after its original release.

In conclusion, "Fair Game" delivers a dynamic blend of action and dark humor that aligns seamlessly with the eccentricities of Ozploitation cinema. The Blu-ray release enhances this experience with superior technical quality and enriching bonus content. While the film is not without moments of discomfort, it remains an enduring piece of work that captures the essence of its genre with levity and intensity. This release is highly recommended for fans of 80s action thrillers and those intrigued by cinematic oddities.