- Joined
- Jul 3, 1997
- Messages
- 66,776
- Real Name
- Ronald Epstein
ST. ELMO'S FIRE
Aboogadah, Aboogadah, Aboogadah - Ha! Ha! Ha!
Sitting in my practically nonexistent collection
of VHS tapes sits St. Elmo's Fire. Though
as worn as the box may be, the tape inside is even
moreso. During the mid-eighties, St. Elmo's Fire
became the definitive buddy movie of that time.
The film starred a lineup that had become known as
the BRAT PACK. These actors included Emilio Estevez,
Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy and Judd Nelson.
St. Elmo's Fire traces the individual lives
of seven recent college graduates -- all friends --
who suddenly realize they have stepped out into the
real world and must find their places within it.
Every day there are new challenges that face each
of them. Many of them are obnoxiously struggling with
adulthood. Relationships are put to the test and
no-one is certain of their future. The only one
certain haven for all of them is a bar known as
St. Elmo's, where they regularly meet, drink, and
party the night away.
Columbia Home Video has done an outstanding job
with the transfer of this DVD. Of course, I would
not expect anything less. Watching this film for
the first time in over 10 years in full widescreen,
is like watching an entirely different film. The
picture quality is stunning compared to other films
from this era. The widescreen presentation greatly
opens up this film, giving us more of the scenic
beauty of Georgetown. There are illuminating colors
everywhere, and they are vividly brought out in this
transfer. The bright outdoor scenes are very crisp
with only the slightest hint of grain, and the inside
colors of apartments ranging from hot pink to bright
red show absolutely no over saturation.
The film is presented in both 2-channel Dolby
Surround and 4.0 discreet. The sound is extremely
bright and full. Listening to the opening piano
notes of David Foster's love theme really shows off
the clarity of the film's digitally mastered audio.
Surround activity is severely limited to a few
crowd scenes where sound was used for ambiance.
Other than that, most of the audio remains in the
front soundfield.
Included in the supplements is an original
featurette that was produced in 1985. It features
short interviews with all the cast members, Producer
and Director. It's not a great featurette, as it
relies on showing more lengthy scene sequences than
anything behind-the-scenes.
In addition to the original theatrical trailer,
there are trailers included for GroundHog Day,
About Last Night and Jerry Maguire
There is also commentary by Director Joel Schumacher.
St. Elmo's Fire has worn a little thin
since I originally adored it so many years ago.
In fact, I must admit, it was Ally Sheedy that I
adored even more. Watching it today, the film seems
to drag a little in areas, but it still remains
an extremely well made film thanks to the
accomplishments of the cast that interacted so well
with each other.
This disc would receive an overall ovation from
this reviewer if not for the cover art. I think
this is just as a good time as any to bitch about
Columbia tampering with the cover art of their recent
line of releases. Substituting the original poster
art for atrociously ugly substitute artwork is ruining
the overall experience for those of us that collect
DVDs. Wait till you see my review of Murder By Death.
For the rest of you that buy DVDs just for the
content -- you'll be astounded by the transfer quality.
