The Idolmaker Blu-ray Review

The Idolmaker is presented on Blu-ray by Shout! Factory with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.84:1 aspect ratio. The video presentation benefits from well-preserved elements that offer a moderately good upgrade from previous home video releases. The color saturation is particularly noteworthy, providing a beautiful display that captures the period-specific aesthetic of the film well. Fine detail is also generally impressive, especially in close-up shots where textures and fine lines are easily discernible. However, the image does exhibit a generally soft appearance and some slight smoothness, potentially due to applied DNR, which may not be ideal for those seeking the most authentic filmic experience.

The 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer manages to present a clean and vibrant display, effectively capturing the feel of the early '80s with a light but noticeable grain that denotes the film's era. Fine detail maintains terrific quality throughout, enhancing the texture and lines in both the actors' faces and period-specific clothing. Particularly, costumes benefit greatly from the enhanced resolution, from Tommy Dee's initial cardigan to his later tailored suits, all portrayed with notable clarity. Colors are vivid and vibrant, yet avoid unnecessary saturation, maintaining a balanced visual authenticity. The contrast is strong, providing nice gradation between dark and light elements, though some scenes appear a bit darker than ideal.

Overall, this Blu-ray transfer for The Idolmaker offers a great visual experience that balances its age with modern enhancements. Despite some minor shortcomings, such as soft appearances and possible DNR application, the vivid colors, strong contrast, and detailed textures provide an engaging viewing experience. This characteristic preservation makes it a noteworthy upgrade for fans of the film and those who appreciate a well-done HD transfer that honors its original look while enhancing visual quality in subtle but significant ways.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track on the Blu-ray release of "The Idolmaker" significantly enhances Jeff Barry's vibrant song score. Musical sequences, a crucial aspect of the film, are given a rich, robust treatment. The audio mix beautifully elevates the low end, enhancing the dynamism during musical numbers while maintaining clean and clear dialogue throughout. The soundfield benefits from greater spatiality, allowing for an immersive auditory experience. Fidelity remains excellent, with the track offering significant dynamic range, particularly noticeable during high-energy performances.

Furthermore, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix captures atmospheric elements well, especially through the rear speakers, enriching dialogue-heavy scenes and amplifying crowd sounds to convey an authentic concert-like feel. Despite minor instances of tinniness, the overall clarity and range—spanning vocals and instrumental layers—remain impressive. The included DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 option also provides exemplary performance, suiting smaller speakers or simpler audio setups without sacrificing sound quality.

Overall, the Blu-ray’s audio mix is a superb enhancement that ensures "The Idolmaker" sounds fantastic across different playback environments.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Idolmaker" provide an insightful deep dive into the film's production and artistic vision. The standout feature is the commentary by Director Taylor Hackford, who delivers comprehensive background information, discussing his conceptual approach of the movie as a musical, vital preproduction details, script rewritings, and notable performances by the cast. His insights extend to the challenges involved in the music production, including the transition from original music producer Phil Spector to Jeff Barry. Additionally, the inclusion of high-definition photo galleries and an original theatrical trailer enhances the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the film's historical and visual contexts. This carefully curated selection of extras not only enriches the viewing experience but also serves as an invaluable resource for film enthusiasts and scholars.

Extras included in this disc:

• Original Theatrical Trailer: Preview of the movie in 1080p.
• Photo Gallery: High-resolution stills from production.
• Commentary by Director Taylor Hackford: Detailed analysis and background information by the director.

"The Idolmaker" is a compelling 1980 drama directed by Taylor Hackford, focusing on the meteoric rise of music manager Vincent Vaccari, portrayed with exceptional skill by Ray Sharkey in a Golden Globe-winning performance. Loosely based on the career of Bob Marcucci, the film casts a spotlight on the manufactured glamour and synthetic allure of the late '50s and early '60s music industry. Hackford deftly navigates this era through a micro examination of Vaccari’s ambition, evolving from an eager yet overlooked songwriter to the architect behind the sudden fame of teenage heartthrobs like Tommy Dee (Paul Land) and Caesare (Peter Gallagher).

Central to "The Idolmaker" is its exploration of the contrast between genuine talent and fabricated stardom, underlined by the industry’s longstanding tradition of prioritizing marketable image over musical ability. Sharkey’s Vaccari is portrayed as a man driven not only by commercial success but also by a deeply personal desire to project his own aspirations through his protégés. This complexity is brought to life in scenes such as Tommy Dee’s debut performance at a junior high school dance, where Vaccari's off-stage mimicry underscores his deep connection and unfulfilled yearning for the limelight.

The film’s musical sequences, despite their anachronistic sound leaning more towards the 1980s than the 1950s, provide an energetic backdrop that propels the narrative forward. While the supporting characters occasionally serve more as plot devices, Sharkey’s performance ensures that Vaccari’s journey from obscurity to control over his idols remains engaging. Hackford’s direction brings into clear focus the dichotomy between personal ambition and the often harsh realities of the music industry, cementing "The Idolmaker" as a nuanced study of fame in a time when image could eclipse substance.

"The Idolmaker," directed by Taylor Hackford, presents a compelling mix of exuberance and introspective angst through its central character, Vincent Vaccari. Vinnie is a remarkably nuanced character, whose driving ambition is mirrored by his deep-seated insecurities. The film serves as an excellent showcase for Ray Sharkey, whose performance is marked by a masterful balance of aggressive energy and vulnerability. Despite Sharkey's personal struggles and untimely death at 40, his role in "The Idolmaker" stands as a testament to his talent. The supporting cast delivers strong performances, and Hackford stages the musical numbers with commendable flair.

This Blu-ray edition delivers generally excellent video quality and outstanding audio fidelity. The musical sequences are presented with exceptional clarity, heightening the overall viewing experience. However, while the film is undeniably entertaining and worthy of multiple viewings, there remains a sense that it missed an opportunity to dive deeper into the cultural and personal dynamics it hints at. The character arc of Vinnie is well-drawn but tends to peter out in the third act, glossing over narrative elements that could have offered deeper insights into both the character and the music industry.

Nevertheless, "The Idolmaker" remains a fascinating exploration of ambition and personal identity. Taylor Hackford's direction brings vibrancy to the story, and Ray Sharkey's performance alone makes this film significant. The Blu-ray’s technical merits, combined with its engrossing director’s commentary, render this release recommended for both enthusiasts of cinematic storytelling and audio-visual quality.