The Wizard Blu-ray Review

Shout Factory's new Blu-ray release of "The Wizard" boasts a remarkable improvement in video quality compared to its previous 2018 edition. This HD transfer is derived from a meticulous 4K scan, presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio using MPEG-4 AVC encoding, and it offers a profoundly enhanced viewing experience. The colors are particularly noteworthy—bold and saturated, with primary hues rendering period attire and gaming elements vibrantly. The film's environmental settings, from lush green road trip stops to the bright neon arcades in California, exhibit a vivid and natural color palette. Black levels are consistently deep and exhibit no crushing, while skin tones maintain a natural appearance throughout. Grain is retained in a fine, film-like state, avoiding the heavy filtering that plagued the earlier release. Notably, there is an isolated sequence around the 71-minute mark where footage from the older scan is surprisingly used, visible only through close observation.

Detail is another area where Shout Factory's effort shines, presenting clarity that was previously unseen. The new transfer offers sharp, detailed closeups that reveal the minutiae of facial textures, from wrinkles to makeup blemishes, and brings out intricate details in items like the Power Glove. Wide shots maintain excellent depth of field, delivering crisp delineation between characters and backgrounds. The video clarity enhanced by the new resolution elevates even minor elements, such as signage and facial surfaces during various scenes, offering a thorough visual narrative supported by smooth and consistent grain.

Overall, Shout Factory's release effectively reinvigorates "The Wizard" by leveraging modern 4K transfer techniques to produce an engaging and visually satisfying experience. The balance of sharpness, color fidelity, and depth underscores the meticulous care taken in this edition, making it a substantial upgrade for fans and a notable entry in Blu-ray restorations.

The audio presentation of "The Wizard" on Blu-ray comes with a DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo track that capably conveys the audio elements throughout the film. This mix handles dialogue exchanges with clarity and precision, ensuring that all spoken parts are crisp and free of any interference such as static, hiss, or popping. The scoring is appreciable, delivering distinct instrumentation that complements the period's pop beat, subtly enhancing pivotal moments without overwhelming the visual elements. Atmospherics throughout scenes like the studio chases and the Video Armageddon are well-captured, featuring enjoyable crowd bustles and selective panning effects.

Despite being limited to a 2.0 track, the audio remains pleasing in fidelity and occasionally exhibits range, particularly during sequences at arcades and the video game championship. Here, the audio mix energetically utilizes atmospheric cheers, video game effects, and dialogue to immerse the viewer. Although marginal stereo effects appear intermittently, there's an absence of low-end bass which might otherwise provide a deeper sense of depth and rumble during action scenes. Nevertheless, the nuances of quieter moments are effectively highlighted, maintaining a balanced harmony between vocals, effects, and score.

Overall, while a 5.1 option would have been optimal, this DTS-HD MA 2.0 track achieves a surprisingly decent low-frequency emission, making it a balanced audio experience. The vocals, effects, and score are well-integrated, ensuring a coherent and engaging auditory experience. The dynamics are well-handled, offering clean dialogue reproduction with good volume placement within the mix. Though minimalist in speaker output, this track energetically projects the film across the room with commendable effectiveness.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Wizard" deliver an exhaustive and invaluable exploration into the film’s creation and legacy. The commentary by director Todd Holland offers both reflection and insights on the movie's production. Nearly 38 minutes of deleted scenes provide extended and alternate looks at characters and pivotal moments, enriching the original narrative. The Road to Cali-forn-ia documentary gives a retrospective with cast and crew interviews, grounding the film in its historical context. Insights from a Nintendo game play counselor and a clinical psychologist add depth and novelty. Fans get their due with Q&A sessions and a 2019 panel celebrating the film’s 30th anniversary, ensuring both historical relevance and devoted nostalgia are well represented.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Todd Holland reviews themes, casting, and anecdotes.
• Deleted Scenes: Extended takes on characters and storyline.
• Theatrical Trailer: Trailer for the film.
• The Road to Cali-forn-ia: Making-of documentary.
• How Can I Help You? Confessions of a Game Play Counselor: Insights from a former Nintendo hotline employee.
• A Clinical Analysis of The Wizard: A psychologist examines Jimmy’s character.
• Let's Play Gaming Expo 2019: Full panel discussion with cast and crew.
• Post Screening Q&A: Discussion from an Alamo Drafthouse screening.
• Photo Gallery: Film stills, publicity snaps, BTS shots, and poster art.

"The Wizard," originally dismissed as nothing more than a 100-minute commercial for Nintendo, has grown into a cherished cult classic over the past three decades. While it unapologetically showcases nearly every aspect of the NES—highlighting controllers, new games, and the infamous Power Glove—the film cleverly intertwines this with a heartfelt narrative. The story follows Jimmy (Luke Edwards), a young boy trying to cope with trauma, alongside his brother Corey (Fred Savage), and Haley (Jenny Lewis), a spirited teen with her own difficult past. Director Todd Holland and screenwriter David Chisholm attempt to balance the whimsical joy of gaming with heavy themes such as family separation and grief. The result is a film that, despite its tonal inconsistencies, offers an interesting mix of entertainment and emotional depth.

The true craft of "The Wizard" lies in its ability to present genuine emotion amidst what can feel like an overtly commercial framework. The cross-country journey of the three kids, dotted with Nintendo game hustles and a quest to reach a gaming competition in Los Angeles, enhances the film's blend of whimsicality and serious drama. Performances by Savage, Lewis, Beau Bridges, and Christian Slater add depth to their characters' backgrounds, layering the simplistic plot with authentic struggles of loss and abandonment. Moreover, Robert D. Yeoman’s cinematography brings out the nostalgia-flavored charm, making the movie aesthetically delightful.

Despite featuring extensive product placement, "The Wizard" manages to seamlessly integrate profound moments of childhood trauma and family issues. The narrative suggests that video games can serve as both an escape from harsh realities and a medium for connecting loved ones. The feel-good camaraderie among the protagonists, coupled with over-the-top antagonists like Lucas (Jackey Vinson) and a sadistic bounty hunter, adds to the film's entertaining yet heartfelt tone. In retrospective viewings, "The Wizard" is not only a nostalgic trip down memory lane but also a testament to the enduring appeal of its sincere storytelling amidst its commercialized exterior.

Shout! Factory's Blu Ray release of "The Wizard" is a remarkable and reverential trip down memory lane for fans of 1980s children’s adventure films. The special features provide an unparalleled depth, leaving no stone unturned, creating a richly engaging experience for the viewers. The 4K transfer is impeccably done, yielding crystal-clear visuals that highlight the nostalgic journey through classic gaming and familiar locations like Universal Studios Hollywood. The audio quality is similarly top-notch, delivering a clean and immersive experience that significantly enhances the viewing pleasure.

This release stands out not only for its technical prowess but also for its approach in presenting "The Wizard" beyond its commercial roots. While the film is undoubtedly a love letter to Nintendo, its core narrative centers around family and emotional trauma, giving it a surprisingly heartfelt dimension that resonates even today. Shout! Factory’s efforts to include comprehensive bonus features enrich the historical and cultural context of the film, while the striking cover art serves as a visual treat and a perfect homage to the movie's charm.

In conclusion, "The Wizard" is kept afloat by its cast, with Fred Savage and Jenny Lewis providing unexpected energy, supported by Beau Bridges and Christian Slater. The film's nostalgic appeal is undeniable, whisking viewers back to a simpler era in gaming. While it may not be a fulfilling dramatic masterpiece, its nostalgic road trip mode and charming escapades make it a memorable adventure. This Blu Ray release is not just for die-hard fans but anyone with a soft spot for 1980s children’s adventure films. With its perfect blend of technical quality and comprehensive special features, this Shout! Factory release is a must-own!