Miami Connection Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray transfer of "Miami Connection" presents a mixed bag in terms of visual quality, reflecting the challenging preservation process due to the loss of the original negative in a hurricane. Assembled from diverse existing materials, the AVC-encoded 1080p video exhibits a patchwork quality, where segments show commendable clarity while others appear marred by scratches, blotches, dirt, and dust. Particularly during night scenes, detail and sharpness take a significant hit, showcasing the film's original low-budget constraints. The graininess inherent in the film stock is further accentuated by an overlay of video noise, especially noticeable in background details of long shots. Yet, Drafthouse Films made a crucial decision to retain this noise rather than strip it away at the cost of losing the original detail.

Colors on the Blu-ray generally lean towards being muted and washed out, though there are isolated instances where vivid hues break through. For example, the exaggerated redness of blood and the vibrant greens of palm trees occasionally stand out starkly against otherwise subdued tones. Unfortunately, contrast levels often falter—whites tend to blow out while blacks become murky, frequently swallowing details in low-light scenes. The contrast's inconsistency aligns with the overall visual quality, portraying the struggles and limitations faced in preserving this near-lost cult classic.

Despite these technical imperfections, the Blu-ray serves as an authentic homage to "Miami Connection's" Grindhouse roots, where its gritty and erratic visual texture enhances rather than detracts from the viewing experience. While perfection in image quality is not achieved, and probably was never intended given the film's origins and history, this release encapsulates the raw charm that has continued to endear "Miami Connection" to its fans over decades. Thus, any lapses in visual fidelity only contribute to the cult status and unique appeal this film commands.

The audio presentation of "Miami Connection" on Blu-ray offers a Dolby Digital 2.0 mix that, while not groundbreaking, serves its purpose adequately. Despite the Blu-ray jacket's misleading indication of a DTS-HD MA 2.0 format, the track is encoded at a standard DVD bit rate of 192 kbps. The original audio was recorded in Ultra Stereo, a generic form of Dolby Surround. The beginning of the disc reveals some scratchiness, suggesting the audio elements have seen better days, though this may reflect the original recordings. Voices exhibit a thin and compressed quality, likely unaffected by lossless encoding. Similarly, sound effects have an artificial feel, resembling a poorly dubbed Hong Kong film, while the synth-heavy score is muddied and blurred.

The nostalgia-inducing elements of the Dolby Digital 2.0 mix may appeal to fans of '80s media. The soundtrack excels during Dragon Sound’s musical performances, where tracks like "Friends" and "Against the Ninja" showcase surprising clarity and depth, with easy-to-understand vocals. The dialogue, despite its often stilted and exaggerated nature, remains clear and well-defined. Particularly memorable are lines delivered with surprising precision, bringing an unintentional charm to the film’s overall auditory experience. However, sound effects retain an '80s B-movie character—fights lack realistic impact and motorcycle roars seem fabricated.

Ultimately, the decision not to craft a modern 5.1 surround sound mix aligns with preserving the film's unique charm and authenticity. The 2.0 mix highlights the original effort put into the recording and mixing process, reinforcing the film’s nostalgic appeal rather than transforming it into a contemporary home theater test piece. The audio quality reflects a balance between maintaining original integrity and delivering a clear, if occasionally flawed, auditory experience to viewers.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "Miami Connection" offer a rich and engaging dive into the film's vibrant history and production process. Most notably, the commentary by Y.K. Kim and Joseph Diamond provides an insightful recount of their experiences as novice filmmakers. The making-of featurette, "Friends for Eternity," presents a heartfelt look back at the movie's creation through candid interviews with key cast and crew. Fans will enjoy the alternate ending and deleted scenes, which offer fascinating insights into the original vision and creative adjustments. The Dragon Sound reunion concert and self-help infomercials showcasing Y.K. Kim's motivational programs add a unique flavor that perfectly complements the quirky charm of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary With Star/Producer Y.K. Kim and Writer/Star Joseph Diamand: In-depth retrospective on the film's production.
• Friends For Eternity: The Making of Miami Connection: Cast and crew reminiscing about filmmaking.
• Alternate Ending: Original downbeat ending before revisions.
• Deleted Scenes: Collection of cuts and extended sequences.
• 25th Anniversary Dragon Sound Reunion Concert: Performance at Fantastic Fest 2012.
• Who is Y.K. Kim? Promo Video: Advertisement for Kim’s motivational series.
• The New American Dream Promo Video: Full infomercial on health and financial fitness programs.
• Trailers

Miami Connection is a fascinating blend of sincerity and ineptitude that offers unparalleled entertainment value. The film’s lead, Y.K. Kim, was a successful Tae Kwon Do instructor turned novice filmmaker who, along with Korean director Woo-Sang Park, embarked on creating this martial arts extravaganza. The plot centers around Dragon Sound, a synth-rock band in Orlando, who unwittingly find themselves battling a bizarre array of antagonists, including motorcycle-riding ninjas and cocaine dealers. The storyline meanders with little coherence, leaving large gaps filled only by the passion and enthusiasm of its creators.

The technical aspects are unapologetically amateurish, from the non-scripted dialog delivered by inexperienced actors to the jarring transitions between scenes. Yet, these shortcomings contribute to the film's unique charm. Period-accurate synth-pop music by Dragon Sound adds both hilarity and an endearing quality. The film's sincerity is perhaps epitomized in the heartfelt 'Jim finds his father' scene, delivering emotional beats with a level of earnestness rarely captured in more polished films. Maurice Smith's unexpectedly poignant performance adds a memorable touch.

The legend of Miami Connection's revival is nearly as engaging as the film itself. After languishing in obscurity post its brief theatrical release in Orlando, it was rediscovered by Zack Carlson of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in 2009. The re-released film garnered a cult following, thanks to its raw, unpolished authenticity and the sheer enthusiasm it radiates. Whether viewers are drawn to the poorly executed martial arts sequences or the charmingly naïve plot twists, Miami Connection manages to captivate and entertain. This Blu-ray release preserves its '80s nostalgia, complemented by supplemental materials that shed light on its tumultuous journey from forgotten misfire to beloved cult object.

The Blu-ray release of "Miami Connection" offers a surprisingly robust presentation of a cult classic that has garnered newfound appreciation among audiences. The film, originally slipping into obscurity, was resurrected thanks to enthusiastic reactions at a Drafthouse event and word-of-mouth buzz. This Blu-ray edition capitalizes on its revitalized popularity, providing a better-than-expected transfer that preserves the eccentric charm and vibrant energy of the original.

Technically, the Blu-ray delivers a clean and sharp picture with vibrant colors, essential to showcasing the cheesy yet endearing 1980s aesthetic. The audio, featuring the anthemic songs of Dragon Sound, is clear and punchy, providing an immersive experience during the film’s action-packed sequences. The disc is also laden with a generous selection of special features, including insightful interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, enhancing the viewer's understanding and appreciation of this offbeat martial arts tale.

Cult classics are made by the audience, not the filmmakers, and certainly not by critics and reviewers. According to Zack Carlson, Miami Connection was lifted from obscurity by the audience at a Drafthouse event known as a Reel One party, where a non-paying audience watches the first twenty minutes of four or five films and their reaction dictates whether the theater adds the film to its future schedule. According to Carlson, the Reel One audience went bananas for Miami Connection, and subsequent bookings at the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin sold out on word of mouth. The magic seems to have carried over to the limited theatrical release in November of this year. At Rotten Tomatoes, the movie currently has a score of 80% fresh (with 10 reviews) and an audience rating of 79% (with 149 user ratings). Maybe it's your thing. If so, the Blu-ray is a decent presentation with an informative crop of extras. Don't say you weren’t warned.