The Allnighter Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, "The Allnighter" is now available on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber. The 1080p transfer appears to derive from an older 2K master, likely intended for broadcast and DVD use, and this is apparent in the overall presentation quality. There is a noticeable softness to the image, especially in wider panoramic shots. Grain structure is not as consistent as one would hope, leading to visible density fluctuations. Consequently, darker scenes suffer from unnatural flatness due to suboptimal shadow definition and crushed blacks. Moreover, daylight scenes often appear slightly blown-out, introducing patches of unnatural white that eliminate various supporting nuances.

Despite these issues, the Blu-ray does have its merits. The color scheme, while stable, looks quite dated but manages to avoid recent resharpening attempts that could degrade the visual experience further. Image stability is generally good, with only minor shakiness from time to time that does not significantly detract from the viewing experience. Importantly, the transfer is mostly clean of any significant debris, dirt, or damage marks, with no obvious edge-enhancement.

In summary, while "The Allnighter" does exhibit several notable flaws indicative of its age and the limitations of the master used, it remains free from major artifacts that could distract from the viewing experience. Overall, this Blu-ray release offers a respectable, if not outstanding, visual presentation of the film.

The Blu-ray release of "The Allnighter" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, supplemented by optional English SDH subtitles. This standard audio track delivers stable and clean audio, ensuring that dialogue remains clear and comprehensible. However, the audio tends to exhibit a certain flatness, particularly noticeable during scenes with significant movement and background activity. The music, while generally pleasant, shares this dynamic unevenness, suggesting that a more modern remix could enhance dynamic contrast and overall audio fidelity.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo track reflects its 1980s low-budget Dolby Surround origins. Lacking discrete surround activity, the audio extends music and atmospheric effects to the rear channels without achieving a true immersive experience. The front soundstage is relatively narrow with limited stereo separation, yet it succeeds in maintaining clear and understandable dialogue throughout the film. While the current mix preserves the original audio's integrity, an updated remix could potentially offer a more engaging and dynamically rich listening experience.

The Blu Ray extras for "The Allnighter" provide a comprehensive look into the film's production, enriched by the insights of those closely involved. The package includes both new and archival commentaries, giving viewers multiple perspectives on the movie’s creation and legacy. The commentaries by Susanna Hoffs and Tamar Simon Hoffs delve deeply into casting choices, filming locations, and scoring, which adds valuable context for fans and film students alike. The inclusion of a vintage music video and theatrical trailer rounds out the offering, though the video presentation remains at standard definition, retaining the original analog charm.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary One: Archival discussion by star Susanna Hoffs and co-writer/director Tamar Simon Hoffs.
• Commentary Two: New commentary by critics Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Josh Nelson.
• Music Video: Archival video for Price-Sulton's No T.V. No Phone.
• Trailer: Vintage trailer for The Allnighter.

The Allnighter (1987) on Blu-ray offers a unique, if inconsistent, viewing experience. The film, directed by Tamar Simon Hoffs and starring her daughter Susanna Hoffs, is set over two days before graduation at Pacifica College. It follows roommates Molly (Susanna Hoffs), Val (Dedee Pfeiffer), and Gina (Joan Cusack) as they face the uncertainty of their post-college lives. Molly struggles with writer's block while grappling with her unfulfilled romantic life, Val is focused on her pragmatic and somewhat uninspiring fiancé, and Gina documents their last days of freedom with a video camera. The setting and premise suggest a light-hearted comedy akin to ‘Fraternity Vacation,’ yet the film veers into more dramatic territory than expected.

Critically, the film has often been viewed as uneven and awkward. Susanna Hoffs’ performance is notably criticized for its stiffness, although Joan Cusack delivers a more compelling portrayal. The narrative attempts to weave comedy and drama, but this blend frequently falls flat, resulting in a disjointed tone. Significant criticism also came from the casting of Susanna under her mother’s direction, particularly in more intimate scenes, which adds an uncomfortable layer for viewers familiar with this detail. Despite these issues, there are moments where the film’s exploration of the real world’s unsweetened realities shines through, especially during sequences where the protagonists confront their looming adulthood at odds with their idealized college life.

The film’s visual and thematic components are further complicated by technical flaws and weak storytelling. The plot is thin and feels incomplete, often plagued by scenes that either feel redundant or bizarrely out of place. Nonetheless, the awkward transition into adulthood faced by the characters is poignantly encapsulated in key moments, such as Molly’s decisive attempt to initiate a relationship with C.J. These moments underline the genuine dilemmas young adults face as they step out of their educational bubbles and into the real world, salvaging the film from being dismissed entirely as a stinker.

"The Allnighter" offers a nostalgic dive into 1980s college life with a unique blend of charm and raw authenticity, despite its rough edges. The film captures the unpredictability and emotional turmoil of college experiences, marked by missed opportunities and impulsive decisions. The acting is rough around the edges, contributing to an authentic portrayal of youthful uncertainty and the inevitable transition into adulthood. While some scenes may appear awkward or uneven, they contribute to the film’s overall relatable narrative, reflecting an erratic yet genuine slice of life.

Technically, the Blu-ray release shines with a commendable restoration that enhances the visual quality, breathing new life into the vibrant 80s aesthetic. The sound quality is clean and clear, though it lacks the dynamic range seen in modern releases. Special features, including commentary tracks, add significant value to the package. These insights provide a deeper understanding of the film’s production and context, making it a worthwhile addition for enthusiasts of 1980s cinema and fans of Susanna Hoffs, despite her not performing any songs in the movie.

In conclusion, I don't think I would have been able to tolerate "The Allnighter" without its rough acting and unpredictable emotional ups and downs. Its awkward moments and unevenness make it look mostly authentic, and this is why I enjoyed it. I can't quite tell if it was meant to be an objective film, but the college experience is pretty much as it is portrayed in it—a lot more erratic than exciting, filled with missed opportunities and impulsive decisions, always ending with a sad transition into the 'real world'. If you pick up "The Allnighter" and like it, you should also check out "The Last American Virgin". There is a lot more hilarious content in it, but it is an equally objective film with some timeless lessons. RECOMMENDED.