Class Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC for a 1080p transfer, "Class" makes its way onto Blu-ray thanks to Olive Films. This edition utilizes a pre-existing master, yielding a presentation that, while not flawless, displays a commendable organic quality. Noteworthy are the well-lit close-ups that reveal appreciable depth, and the image maintains a good level of clarity even in less illuminated scenes. However, the handling of shadow detail leaves room for improvement, indicating that a transfer from a new master might have offered a more balanced visual experience. The contrast levels are consistent throughout, and movement appears fluid, though it occasionally suffers from minor inconsistencies. Grain is evident across the board, contributing to the film's organic aesthetic, yet it could benefit from finer resolution.

The presentation does not exhibit any signs of recent digital sharpening efforts, which helps preserve the film's original character. Colors are portrayed with stability and naturalness, albeit lacking in subtle shades that could have enhanced the overall vibrancy. In terms of film condition, the transfer is commendably clean, free from significant physical blemishes such as debris, scratches, or any signs of damage, ensuring an image stability that stands up well even on larger screens. Despite these positives, the presence of small visual imperfections suggests that there is potential for enhancement, particularly with a newly sourced master which could significantly refresh the film’s visual appeal.

Conclusively, while this Blu-ray release of "Class" showcases a respectable video quality that remains faithful to its cinematic roots, it evidentially falls short of perfection. The main takeaway is that although this transfer does justice to the film's organic texture and maintains a level of clarity that will satisfy many viewers, it ultimately signals an opportunity missed to fully rejuvenate the film for the modern age. It’s a solid effort that manages to convey the essence of the original cinematography, yet with an evident margin for improvement. Notwithstanding these criticisms, the Blu-ray presents "Class" in a manner that should please both new audiences and long-time fans who can overlook its minor visual shortcomings. The disc’s Region-A locking necessitates appropriate playback capability for accessibility.

The audio presentation for the Blu-ray release of "Class" is available in an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. This choice maintains a classic approach, focusing on delivering a solid stereo soundscape that effectively balances the film’s dialog, score, and ambient sounds without the need for a multi-channel setup. Listeners will appreciate the effort to preserve the original auditory experience, which avoids the complications often associated with remixing into surround sound formats while ensuring the audio remains engaging for modern audiences.

Despite not being remastered for its Blu-ray release, the audio track impresses with its depth and clarity. The segments featuring Elmer Bernstein's score are particularly noteworthy, demonstrating an excellent balance and a richness that underscores the film’s emotional and dramatic beats. The dialog is consistently clean and stable, allowing for easy comprehension without any noticeable issues of balance or integration with the rest of the soundscape.

However, it's notable that this release lacks optional English SDH subtitles, a feature that would enhance accessibility for those with hearing impairments or who simply prefer using subtitles for clarity. Given the clarity and stability of the dialog, this omission feels like a missed opportunity to make the release more inclusive. Future considerations for accessibility features would undoubtedly benefit a wider range of viewers, ensuring that as many people as possible can fully enjoy the nuances of the film’s audio presentation.

The extra presentation of the Blu Ray for "Class" is notably streamlined, focusing singularly on providing viewers with the original theatrical trailer. This inclusion serves as a nostalgic throwback and an essential piece for collectors and enthusiasts looking to experience the film as it was initially advertised. The trailer is presented in its original English audio, without subtitles, preserving the authenticity of its original release. This decision to include the trailer, though minimal, offers a glimpse into the film's marketing approach and serves to enrich the viewer's understanding of its historical context and reception.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer for "Class".

Lewis John Carlino’s 1983 film, "Class," emerges on Blu-ray through the efforts of Olive Films, primarily targeting North American audiences. The Blu-ray edition is quite straightforward, focusing solely on the film's presentation, bolstered by an original trailer but void of any optional English SDH subtitles or additional special features, while being locked to Region-A. This concise offering sets the stage for a revisit to Carlino’s last directorial outing, reflecting his noteworthy transition from a prolific writer to a director. His screenplay prowess, recognized by an Oscar nomination, underpins "Class," blending his narrative skills with his directorial vision.

"Class" navigates the coming-of-age story of Jonathan (Andrew McCarthy), whose enrollment at a prestigious private school thrusts him into the complexities of adolescent friendship and romantic entanglements, particularly through his relationship with roommate Skip (Rob Lowe) and the older Ellen (Jacqueline Bisset). The film eloquently captures the naïveté and ventures into adulthood, framed within the socio-economic milieu of a private school. More than just a sexual awakening, it probes themes of sincerity and identity amidst evolving relationships. Remarkably, the film also serves as a debut platform for future stars like John Cusack and Virginia Madsen, adding a layer of nostalgia and historical significance to its already rich narrative texture.

Distinct from the era-specific sex comedies that it superficially resembles, "Class" sets itself apart by treating its characters with a level of realism and depth often absent from the genre. The fluctuating dynamics between Jonathan and Ellen, coupled with candid depictions of youthful indiscretion and vulnerability, allow the film to resonate with a timeless quality. It navigates the delicate balance between humor and melancholy, offering a poignant exploration of personal growth and the inevitable repercussions of our choices. In essence, "Class" stands as a reflective piece on the complexities of relationships, adorned with performances that encapsulate the nuanced humanity of its characters.

In an era teeming with cinematic experiments, "Class," directed by Lewis John Carlino, emerges as a distinctive narrative journey. This film navigates the intricate terrain of a young student's entanglement with an older woman, charting a course through the emotional mazes and societal games inherent in such a relationship. Contrary to expectations that pigeonhole it into the quirky comedy category typical of its decade, "Class" unfolds as a compelling drama. Its ability to convey profound life lessons and critique interpersonal dynamics sets it apart from the more superficial offerings of its time. The Blu Ray presentation accentuates the film's visual appeal in high definition, offering an enriched viewing experience that underscores Carlino’s cinematic finesse. However, the release falls short in one notable aspect—supplemental features, which could have provided valuable insights into the film's production and thematic exploration, are regrettably sparse.

The absence of a robust selection of special features notwithstanding, "Class" holds its ground as Carlino’s magnum opus among his limited directorial ventures. The clarity and depth brought forth by the Blu Ray's high-definition transfer cannot be understated, presenting both a visual treat and a detailed portrayal of the characters’ emotional landscapes. This critical decision enhances the viewer's engagement with the story and its underlying messages, offering a more immersive experience into the complexity of human relationships depicted in the film.

To conclude, while "Class" might not cater to those anticipating an '80s comedy, it stands as a testament to Carlino's directorial acumen and the enduring relevance of its themes. The Blu Ray release, despite its dearth of supplemental materials, provides an excellent opportunity to appreciate this cinematic gem in high-definition clarity. It is highly recommended for viewers seeking a thought-provoking narrative that transcends typical genre expectations, offering instead a richly layered exploration of personal growth and societal norms.