One Crazy Summer Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "One Crazy Summer" is a commendable upgrade from Warner Archive, showcasing a new 1080p transfer likely based on a 2K scan, from what is presumed to be an interpositive source. Cinematographer Isidore Mankofsky's work is highlighted through the detailed portrayal of Cape Cod's sunny landscapes and signature 80s aesthetic captured with spherical Panavision lenses. The 1.85:1 AVC HD image format enhances this visual journey. Details are significantly improved, with noticeable enhancements in texture, shadow detail, and overall picture clarity. Despite the persistence of film grain, it adds beneficially to the modern filmic feel. However, some softness in fine details is observed, yet it does not detract from the overall quality. Notable is the clean MPEG-4 AVC encoding, free of artifacts or processing flaws, resulting in a remarkably stable viewing experience.

This Blu-ray edition excels with its vibrant color palette and balanced contrast. Primary colors are rich and saturated, contributing to the vibrant 1980s aesthetic, though some scenes exhibit duller hues. Black levels are particularly well-rendered, ensuring contrast is both impactful and subtle, devoid of crushing. Skin tones are consistently warm, with facial textures appearing lifelike across various shots. The Blu-ray maintains solid depth of field with smooth motion capture, avoiding any challenges with motion distortions. While some minor image wobble is present during closing credits, it remains an isolated issue.

Overall, "One Crazy Summer" on Blu-ray represents a significant visual leap forward for fans and newcomers alike, arguably offering the best visual presentation of the film to date. Those familiar with previous formats will find this version indispensable, with its engaging mix of vivid colors, balanced contrasts, and clean presentation elevating the viewing experience.

The DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track for "One Crazy Summer" adeptly maintains the integrity of the original two-channel mix, ensuring an authentic audio experience that suits this dialogue-centric comedy. The mix is predominantly front-focused, offering a clean and crisp sonic presentation without significant flaws, such as hiss or distortion, although there are a few moments of awkward ADR and sporadic sync issues. Despite these minor challenges, the track delivers solid channel separation with occasional creative pans and directional effects that add a modicum of depth to the audio experience.

The soundtrack showcases commendable vocal clarity, capturing the unique vocal intonations of characters like Bobcat Goldthwait with particular sharpness. While not overwhelmingly loud, the soundtrack's balance ensures vocal and music elements complement each other effectively. The mid-range might occasionally feel flat, yet the overall acoustical detailing provides warmth and captures the film's comedic nuances well. The music's spatial presence contributes to creating a notable sense of breadth, enhancing the immersive quality of the experience without overpowering the dialogue.

This stereo mix marks a significant improvement over its DVD counterpart, with appreciably robust low-end extensions that give weight to comedic sequences. Although primarily centered, it succeeds in delivering an engaging audio performance that aligns well with the film's tone. English (SDH) subtitles are available only during the main feature, supporting accessibility without cluttering this lightweight yet potent mix. Overall, the track effectively enhances this film's boisterous charm, providing an entertaining audio accompaniment to the visuals.

The extended features of the "One Crazy Summer" Blu-Ray offer a decent, albeit limited, selection of materials, primarily recovered from previous DVD editions. The audio commentary features writer/director Savage Steve Holland alongside actors Bobcat Goldthwait and Curtis Armstrong, providing a lively and engaging session with rich insights into the film's production nuances. Despite its vintage, recorded around 2003, the commentary maintains its charm with humorous anecdotes and behind-the-scenes tidbits, including Holland's personal inspirations for various gags. Notably, it sheds light on the dynamics between the cast and recounts experiences during the low-budget shoot. Gaps in the dialogue hint at possible edits for modern sensibilities. The theatrical trailer is humorously narrated by Goldthwait in character, capturing the film's eccentric spirit with a quirky edge.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: A lively commentary track featuring insights from Savage Steve Holland, Bobcat Goldthwait, and Curtis Armstrong.
• Theatrical Trailer: A Bobcat Goldthwait-narrated piece capturing the film's whimsical essence.

"One Crazy Summer," directed by Savage Steve Holland, is an eccentric blend of animated antics and offbeat comedy, with John Cusack playing Hoops McCann, a teenager caught between art school aspirations and summer escapades. The film bridges teen anxiety with cartoonish flair, echoing Holland's unique style, which drew comparisons to Tashlin's animation-influenced live-action films. Featuring animated sequences parallel to Hoops' misadventures, the film navigates a whimsical world rife with surreal sight gags and expressive animation. Prominent cast members, such as Demi Moore as Cassandra and comedic stalwarts like Bobcat Goldthwait, elevate the film’s quirky energy.

Set in Nantucket, Hoops teams up with friend George (Joel Murray) and rocker Cassandra to thwart the villainous land developer Aguilla Beckerstead (Mark Metcalf), who threatens Cassandra's family property. Amidst this chaotic backdrop, the supporting characters, like Bobcat Goldthwait's memorably bizarre performance as Egg Stork, enrich the comedic tapestry with memorable one-liners and slapstick humor. Moore’s character stands out against conventional romantic interests by being fiercely independent and pivotal in her motivations, enhancing the dynamic narrative.

Despite initial mixed responses to its predecessor, "Better Off Dead," this second collaboration between Cusack and Holland succeeds through its eccentric comedic style and heartfelt undertones. With a new 2K remastered Blu-ray from Warner Archive, "One Crazy Summer" receives polished updating, making its hallmark punchlines and vivid animation shine anew. This revitalized edition ensures that longtime fans and potential new enthusiasts can appreciate Holland’s imaginative world—with Cusack’s deadpan delivery as its backbone—celebrating a distinct era of 80s teen comedy.

"One Crazy Summer," directed by Savage Steve Holland, is an idiosyncratic 80s rom-com that captivates with its eccentric humor, memorable characters, and comically inventive narrative style. While it doesn't vie with the zenith of 80s teen movies, such as those crafted by John Hughes, it retains a nostalgic charm for those familiar with its quirky appeal. Warner Archive's Blu-ray presentation significantly enhances the visual and auditory experience, offering a pristine 1080p transfer that undoubtedly surpasses previous editions. The audio commentary, a delightful bonus, adds depth and further entertainment value, comparable in quality to the film itself.

The film's humor, defined by whimsical cartoon-style sight gags and an offbeat sense of comedy, won't cater to every taste. Characters like Bobcat Goldthwait and Tom Villard's concept as identical twins epitomize this distinct approach. Featuring John Cusack in prime comedic form, supported by Demi Moore, Curtis Armstrong, and Joel Murray, the film comically chronicles a young man's quirky summer misadventures in Nantucket. The moments of hilarity are underlined by nostalgic callbacks to the formative days of teen films, augmented by Demi Moore's early career performance.

In conclusion, "One Crazy Summer" remains a cherished cult classic ideal for 80s comedy enthusiasts. Despite a modest selection of supplementary material, the superior HD video and lossless audio presentation make it a valuable addition to any collection. While not universally critical acclaim, for fans of unconventional teen romance laced with whimsical absurdity, it's a delightful experience deserving of attention. This Blu-ray edition comes highly recommended for anyone seeking a laughter-filled blast from the past—a perfect choice for leisurely end-of-summer viewing.