Weird Science [Blu-ray]

The 1985 PG-13 teen comedy "Weird Science" followed on the heels of writer/director John Hughes' acclaimed directorial efforts "Sixteen Candles" (1984) and "The Breakfast Club" which were big successes both critically and financially. "Weird Science" did well at the box office but at the time received a more mixed critical reception than his prior two films. It is definitely nowhere near as thematically serious as "Sixteen Candles" or "The Breakfast Club" were. "Weird Scrience" did show a different side of John Hughes in that he was not afraid to just kick back and have zany fun. The cast is excellent with the sadly deceased Bill Paxton in my opinion stealing the movie with a scene chewing performance as Chet. Kelly LeBrock as the dream woman created in a computer by the two male teen leads is positively gorgeous, luminous and incredibly sexy while also delivering an excellent performance in her own right. Anthony Michael Hall is just as good as he was in John Hughes' previous two films and he is matched step for step by Ilan Michael-Smith. "Weird Science" is definitely a product of its time but has aged well in terms of its overall comedy and approach in my opinion.Universal initially brought "Weird Science" to DVD back in 2008 in a decent special edition. The film made its blu-ray debut back in 2013 which mirrored the DVD release's special features but upgrading the picture quality to HD of course. Sadly though the HD transfer done for the DVD release is what was used for the first blu-ray which by 2013 was sorely lacking and had huge room for improvement. Arrow Video in 2019 came to the rescue with a new special edition blu-ray release of the film which presents it in style with a huge upgrade in picture quality over the original blu-ray.Arrow Video for their edition oversaw a brand new 4K restoration from the original camera negative in the film's theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 utilizing the AVC codec at a very high bit rate staying in the mid to upper 30's for the most part. Simply put the film looks amazing on this new blu-ray. Detail is markedly increased and colors look fantastic and natural. Contrast and black levels look close to perfect. No digital tinkering was done so the film retains its natural grain structure. Arrow Video's transfer blows away Universal's initial blu-ray without breaking a sweat.Audio is presented in 2 channel master audio sounding clear and punchy with dialogue levels coming through very clear. English subtitles are included for the hearing impaired.As far as extra content goes, the new disc offers 3 different cuts of the film including the theatrical cut (94 min.), an extended cut (96 min. 36 sec.) and the television cut (94 min. 6 sec.). Both the theatrical and extended cuts are from the 4K restoration and presented in widescreen whereas the television cut is in 1.33:1 standard definition full frame. The extended cut consists of 2 extra scenes which I am not sure why they were cut out other than to perhaps tighten the movie up a bit more. The television cut also can be watched using a picture in picture option to see how alternate lines of dialogue and censoring techniques were used to make the PG-13 teen sex comedy conform to at the time more restrictive television standards.The rest of the extraa are as follows:- Additional Scenes (2m 45s, HD) These are the two scenes that are found in the extended version of the film.- Casting Weird Science (6m 3s, HD) A all-new interview with casting director Jackie Burch, explaining how the film’s ensemble cast was assembled.- Dino the Greek (6m 55s, HD) A newly filmed interview with actor John Kapelos on his experience playing Dino in the film.- Chet Happens (19m 38s, HD) A newly filmed interview with special makeup effects creator Craig Reardon on how the infamous “Chet-blob” was created.- Fantasy and Microchips (10m 46s, HD) A newly filmed interview with editor Chris Lebenzon on his experience cutting the film together.- Ira Newborn Makes the Score (13m 43s, HD) A newly filmed interview with composer Ira Newborn on his experiences working with director John Hughes and producer Joel Silver.- It’s Alive! Resurrecting Weird Science (16m 41s, SD) An archival featurette produced for the film’s 2008 DVD release, featuring interviews with cast, crew, and admirers, including Anthony Michael Hall.- Theatrical Teaser (2m 37s, HD, 1.33:1)- Theatrical Trailer (1m 34s, SD, 1.33:1)- TV Spots (1m 1s, SD, 1.33:1)- Radio Spots (4m 50s, SD)- Image GalleriesShooting Script (133 images)Production Stills (119 images)Poster and Video Art (22 images)The film comes in a slip case featuring newly commissioned cover art. The actual sleeve can be flipped around to have the original poster art too. Lastly a 43 page booklet is also included with additional critical insight into the film as well as its production.While the lack of any commentary tracks is a little bit disappointing, Arrow Video's special edition of "Weird Science" is superb in every way. The new 4K restoration is a thing of beauty and the new extras are plentiful and informative with the prior DVD and blu-ray extras being ported over too. Fans should pick this new blu-ray edition up without any hesitation.

One of the best movies I've seen growing up! very favorable memories watching this with some of my friends and dad.

Great 80's movie

Awesome Product

This is a great movie and I'm happy to own it in 4k, but I'm trying to figure out the decisions made here:Why release a 4k with a blu-ray and without a digital copy, and WHY would you send a SINGLE disc in a two disc case (you can see the clips for the middle "tray" that usually exists).This could have easily been sent in a single 4k disc box if it was only going to be one disc, but a blu-ray would have been nice for those people that might be planning on upgrading to a 4k player in the future but wanted to own this now before it goes out of stock.

I am very happy with my choice to get this. It is in great condition with no scratches or marks.

...you know chips, dip, chains, whips. You know you basic high school type thing"This overlooked, John Hughes 80's classic has it all.It's laugh out loud funny, heart touchingly sweet & tons of hysterically quotable lines.It's that rare movie that both myself & my other half, equally enjoy.As 80's kids ourselves we lived through it & really not much has changed when it comes to HS.We all want to be accepted & find love.Two loveable high school nerds want to date popular girls but lack confidence.While watching Frankenstein, they decide to simulate their own live girl.The give her the beauty of a cover girl, brains of Einstein, magical powers of Houdini and,the party loving personality of Van Halen's David Lee Roth.The antics ensue, as Lisa played by 80's Kelly LeBrock give them what they want.Her magical powers give them cool clothes, cool cars, fake id's & make them popular, kinda.There's the obstacles of bullies via a big brother, and high school jocks.One a very hot, young Robert Downey, Jr.It all leads up to a monster, out of control, wreck the parents house party.Grandparents suspended in frozen animation. Motorcycle chain gangs.You know your average high school soiree.Of course in true John Hughes style, their dreams come true.Not bc of a magic computer model but the magic they had inside all along.Yeah, I got a little corny but it's John Hughes.He makes movies to let your corny, romantic fly high & proud.

who doesn't love this movie? its an 80's classic.. I saw it when it came out and I just watched it with my kids.. they laughed and thought it was great.. I mean Kelly Lebrock is in it.. she is in her prime in this movie.. wow.. she's hot in this movie.. what young boy wouldn't want to smooched by her.. I mean c mon. the premise is two teen nerds that cant get a woman make one.. and she supposedly is their slave with magic abilities, Anthony Michael Hall is awesome in this. as well as Robert Downey Jr.. he is just a baby in this movie. oh and Chet.. who is one of my favorite actors Bill Paxton.. so good !! its got good 80s music by oingo boingo which is danny elfman which does so many movies.. and the style in this movie.. wow so 1980, I mean nostalgia city, you need to make your kids watch this so they can really see how you used to dress.. LOL its great I love it you need to watch it again with the kids..