Skateland Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Skateland" is a commendable effort, particularly due to its 35mm film origin, which cinematographer Peter Simonite harnesses to evoke a lush, summery aesthetic that lends the film an organic and warm visual appeal. The 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer exhibits rich and natural tones with no overt use of digital noise reduction or edge enhancement. Clarity of the image remains robust, although there's a noticeable drift in focus at times, and nighttime scenes can appear somewhat soft. The depiction of fine details stands out, from fabric textures to facial hair, with most scenes bathed in a pleasant, golden hue. The vivid color spectrum, especially purples and blues in the skating rink, are well-represented.

Despite these strengths, certain elements of the visual presentation are less consistent. Some sequences suffer from a blend of noise and grain, particularly in darker scenes, which can be mildly distracting. Contrast levels exhibit variability; although punchy and well-calibrated in numerous instances, they sometimes falter in scenes with shadow detail, causing crushing. Additionally, the brightness and black levels show inconsistency, oscillating between deep and defined to murky and flat, notably affecting interior sequences with poor lighting. The 2.40:1 aspect ratio enhances the cinematic experience yet struggles with occasional lack of sharpness and detail.

Overall, while "Skateland" doesn't always maintain visual perfection and faces challenges in several areas of contrast and detail sharpness, it delivers a rich and vibrant representation that captures the film's essence effectively.

The audio presentation of "Skateland" on Blu-ray features an exceptionally well-executed DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. While the film's sound design is relatively restrained, the audio track adeptly handles its requirements. Key moments, such as a dynamic car chase scene, utilize cross-channel swooshes and pans effectively, demonstrating precise spatial deployment. However, the film does not frequently demand intense sound effects. Rear channels provide subtle ambient noises—such as party chatter and outdoor sounds—that enhance the environment without overwhelming the soundstage.

The standout element is undeniably the rich musical selection. The soundtrack, teeming with iconic 1980s hits from artists like Blondie and Lipps Inc., performs exceedingly well, enveloping every channel with high fidelity and warmth. The music's distribution across the front channels creates a broad, engaging soundstage that brings the roller rink and house party sequences to life. Low-frequency effects, primarily reserved for enhancing the music, offer the subwoofer intermittent yet impactful moments to shine, contributing to an overall lively auditory experience.

Dialogue throughout the film is clear, balanced, and intelligible, with no issues of drop-outs, hisses, or buzzes. The integration of dialogue with the music maintains clarity without either element overshadowing the other. Optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles are provided for additional clarity and accessibility. Overall, this audio delivery offers a satisfying lossless mix that significantly elevates the nostalgic 80s atmosphere of "Skateland."

The Blu-ray release of "Skateland" offers a solid selection of extras, though there is room for improvement. One central feature is the extensive collection of deleted scenes which total over 34 minutes. These scenes provide insight into the film's editing process and reveal revisions made to achieve its final cut. However, opinions on the value added by these scenes are mixed, with some viewing them as enriching, while others see them as non-essential. The technical presentation of the extras is standard, ensuring they are accessible and adequately formatted without any advanced enhancements.

Extras included in this disc:

Deleted Scenes: Half-hour collection offering insight into film revisions.

"Skateland" offers a nostalgic yet conventional trip back to the early 1980s, affluent in atmosphere but deficient in originality. Shiloh Fernandez leads as Richie Wheeler, a 19-year-old stagnating in small-town Texas who spends his summer working at a dimly lit roller rink, Skateland, while grappling with the disintegration of his family and looming adulthood. Fernandez compellingly captures Richie's aimless charm, yet the character lacks depth due to underdeveloped narrative threads.

Director Anthony Burns, in his debut, effectively recreates the period's essence with meticulous production design and an evocative soundtrack featuring Blondie and New Order. However, the story adheres strictly to well-trodden coming-of-age tropes without offering fresh perspectives. The film drifts episodically from party scenes to ponderous conversations, striving for poignancy but often landing in predictability.

The supporting cast, especially Heath Freeman as the melancholic motocross idol Brent and Ashley Greene as Richie's love interest Michelle, deliver grounded performances that hint at greater complexities. Unfortunately, "Skateland" falters by failing to deeply explore these characters and their dynamics. The film’s few attempts at distinguishing itself, like exaggerated interview montages, further detract from its emotional resonance.

Overall, "Skateland" is a polished yet formulaic homage to '80s teendom, competently executed but ultimately limited by its inability to transcend genre conventions.

"Skateland," directed by newcomer Anthony Burns, is a nostalgic coming-of-age film set in early 1980s small-town Texas. The narrative follows a teenager grappling with the rapid pace of life changes, accentuated by a well-curated soundtrack that underscores the film's atmospheric and temporal authenticity. However, although the film aims for depth and insight, it falls somewhat short in delivering a meaningful or original storyline. Its strength lies in the engaging performances and the palpable "last epic summer" vibe, which is hard to dislike despite its familiar tropes.

Technically, Fox's Blu-ray release of "Skateland" excels with impressive video quality and audio that complements the film's nostalgic tone. The visual presentation is clear and vibrant, aptly capturing the retro aesthetic, while the auditory experience is enhanced by a soundtrack that vividly reminds viewers of the era. However, the disc's collection of supplemental materials is lackluster, providing minimal added value beyond the main feature.

In conclusion, while "Skateland" may not rival similar films like "Adventureland" in-depth or originality, it remains an enjoyable viewing experience for those yearning for a trip back to the '80s. With strong acting, a nostalgic setting, and high-quality Blu-ray presentation, it merits at least a rental.