Pretty in Pink Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray of "Pretty in Pink" offers a stellar video presentation, leveraging a brand new 4K remaster that significantly revitalizes the film compared to previous releases. The 1080p transfer stands out for its exceptional clarity and well-preserved film grain, which enhances the viewing experience with a natural and authentic filmic quality. From the rich, vibrant colors to the consistent, fine grain field, the transfer manages to capture the essence of the original film while elevating it for modern viewers. The fine detailing is particularly notable, bringing out intricate textures in facial features, clothing, and various settings, such as the highly detailed TRAX record store.

The presentation does have a few minor drawbacks, such as occasional grain spikes and some soft shots. However, these issues are minimal and do not detract significantly from the overall quality. Black levels are deep and solid, while colors are robust, offering a wide palette ranging from pastels to bold tones. Skin tones maintain a natural appearance, and despite some hot contrast areas noted during specific scenes, this issue is not pervasive enough to impact the overall viewing experience severely.

Overall, this release is a significant improvement over the previous DVD, providing superior resolution and color saturation that breathes new life into "Pretty in Pink." The depth and clarity are exceptional, revealing new details in well-known settings. With its meticulous restoration and faithful adherence to the original film’s textures and colors, this Blu-ray release is a commendable effort by Paramount. Fans of the film will be delighted with this upgrade, enjoying an almost pristine visual experience that remains true to its 80s roots.

The audio presentation of the "Pretty in Pink" Blu-ray demonstrates a compelling and era-authentic 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix. The soundtrack is predominantly front-heavy, highlighting the stylized 80s pop-rock score with vivid clarity and balanced low-end support. Dialogue reproduction remains clear and well-prioritized at the center channel, ensuring it seamlessly integrates with the high-energy soundtrack. This approach underscores the film's dramedy nature, where narrative exchanges are essential.

While the surround channels are used sparingly, they selectively enhance atmospheric elements, such as ambient sounds in school or club scenes. Crowd sequences in the school, parties, and the final dance benefit from a greater surround presence, subtly expanding the soundscape and providing a sense of immersion. The LFE channel, although minimally engaged, complements musical moments with a sufficient bass response, adding depth without overwhelming. This nuanced application of sound delivers a faithful and nostalgic listening experience, aligned with the film’s original intent and reflective of its period charm.

The extras on the "Pretty in Pink" Blu-ray, part of the Paramount Presents line, are limited yet valuable for fans. The disc includes a newly produced retrospective featurette where Director Howard Deutch discusses the film's legacy, casting choices, and original ending. This featurette is insightful but brief at just over seven minutes. Additionally, the disc offers an isolated musical score, allowing viewers to experience the film's iconic soundtrack in a new way. A highlight is "The Lost Dance," a 12-minute segment revisiting the original ending, which provides behind-the-scenes insights and reactions. The original theatrical trailer is also included. Unique packaging features a transparent case and slipcover with original artwork that partially opens to reveal an additional image. The presentation follows the consistent design of the Paramount Presents series, aimed at collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

• Filmmaker Focus: Director Howard Deutch on Pretty in Pink.
• The Lost Dance: The original ending.
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Isolated Score Track: Watch the film with music only. Presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 audio.

"Pretty in Pink" is a quintessential John Hughes film, emblematic of 1980s high school romance and drama, crafted from his astute script and directed by Howard Deutch. The film captures the universal themes of love, social class disparity, and teenage angst through well-defined characters and a simple yet impactful narrative. Molly Ringwald plays Andie, a creative and determined high schooler from a modest background who finds herself caught between her loyal friend Duckie (Jon Cryer) and the affluent Blane (Andrew McCarthy). Deutch's directorial debut, complemented by legendary cinematographer Tak Fujimoto, provides a visually cohesive representation of suburban Chicago’s socioeconomic divides.

Despite its critical acclaim for encapsulating adolescence's raw emotions, the film isn't without its controversies, especially concerning its ending. Originally deviating from the typical Hughes formula, the unexpected conclusion undercut the film's central theme of authenticity, catering instead to audience expectations. This decision left a mixed legacy among fans and critics alike. Ringwald's performance stands out, supported by Jon Cryer's energetic portrayal of Duckie and Annie Potts’ vibrant performance as Iona. Complementing them is Harry Dean Stanton’s poignant depiction of Andie's father, whose struggles add depth to the narrative, anchoring it in genuine, relatable emotional experiences.

While the narrative treads familiar ground, Hughes' sharp writing and well-paced storytelling ensure that "Pretty in Pink" maintains a spirited simplicity. The film's exploration of teenage life in the '80s remains relatable, transcending its era through sincere character development and an authentic depiction of young love and its inherent conflicts. The technical proficiency in cinematography and production design enhances this authenticity without overshadowing the characters' personal journeys. Ultimately, "Pretty in Pink" remains a beloved piece of 1980s cinema, embodying Hughes' knack for resonating teenage dilemmas and emotional maturity.

"Pretty in Pink," a quintessential John Hughes film, has been revitalized in this stunning 4K restoration. The Blu-ray release showcases impeccable picture quality with a crisp 1080p video presentation that brings out the film’s vibrant colors and iconic 80s aesthetic. The audio experience is equally impressive, featuring a DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix that breathes new life into the movie's memorable soundtrack.

The film itself remains an engaging exploration of teenage angst and social hierarchies, led by strong performances from Molly Ringwald, Jon Cryer, and James Spader. Although the ending may not fully align with the narrative’s initial message, Hughes' acute understanding of teenage life and struggles shines through every scene, making the movie both relatable and timeless. While "Pretty in Pink" might not resonate as deeply as some of Hughes' other works like "The Breakfast Club," it is undeniably an 80s gem, focusing on themes that remain relevant today.

Despite its impressive A/V presentation, the Blu-ray’s lack of comprehensive legacy extras is a letdown for long-time fans. Paramount's decision to exclude most of the original DVD extras in their "Paramount Presents" lineup is puzzling, though this shouldn’t deter potential buyers looking for a high-quality rendition of this classic.

As a huge John Hughes fan (especially his 80s works), "Pretty in Pink" is one that I like, but don’t love. It borrows a lot from "Sixteen Candles," but tries to pull a twist ending that somewhat undermines the narrative. It’s still fun, still iconic, but one of the movies that I have a hard time LOVING from his works. As for the Blu-ray itself, it’s generally amazing. The new 4K master is stunning and the audio is no slouch either. Despite my reservations about the extras, this Blu-ray release of "Pretty in Pink" is highly recommended. Check it out.