Weird Science 4K Ultra HD

"Weird Science" is a film where every teenage boy' wildest fantasies come to life. Perennially picked-on high school nerds Gary (Anthony Michael Hall) and Wyatt (Ilan Mitchell-Smith) are sick of their status at the bottom of the social chain. Using Wyatt's computer, the two hatch a plan to create their dream woman –– and following a massive power surge, that woman unexpectedly appears in the form of Lisa (Kelly LeBrook). Gorgeous, intelligent, and blessed with limitless magic power, Lisa makes the boys' dreams come true....but what Wyatt's gun-toting psycho older brother Chet (Bill Paxton), and the two bullies (Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Rusler) determined to put them back in their place? (Gary Reber)

Special features include the archive documentary "It's Alive! Resurrecting Weird Science" (SD 16:38); the featurettes: "Ira Newborn Makes The Score" (SD 13:43), "Fantasy And Microchips" (SD 10:44), "Chet Happens" (SD 19:38), "Dino The Greek" (SD 06:55) and "Casting Weird Science" (SD 06:01); edited-for-TV version of the film (SD 94:06); option to watch scenes from the Extended Version (97:00) separately; image galleries; theatrical teaser; TV spots; radio spots; reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Tracie Ching; double-sided fold-out poster and an illustrated collector's booklet featuring writing on the film by Alexandra Heler-Nicholas and Amanda Reyes.

The Extended Version 1.85:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 4K Ultra HD HDR10 picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed on film stock using the Ultracam 35 camera system and sourced from a 4K Digital Intermediate scanned from the original 35 mm camera negative. Film grain is heavy and at times distracting. Overall, the picture is very bright with a. color palette that is aggressively saturated with rich and warm hues that exhibit intense primaries such as reds. Colors pop but are not always realistic. Flesh tones are a bit reddish and exaggerated at times. HDR contrast exhibits deep blacks, revealing shadows, and naturally bright white levels. Resolution is excellent with fine detail revealed through the heavy grain. The film grain detracts from the color intensity but otherwise this is pleasing visual experience. (Gary Reber)

The Extended Version's DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 channel original stereo soundtrack and the Theatrical Version's repurposed DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1-channel or original 2.0-channel soundtracks are derived from the original sound elements. No matter the format the fidelity is at times distorted, especially with respect to dialogue. The original stereo soundtrack has sonics that extended well beyond the soundstage, which is otherwise wide. The 5.1-channel repurposed mix provided a generally enjoyable surround listening experience, with noticeably bass energy. Atmospherics sound realistic. Foley sound effects keep pace with the action. Sound effects enhance the bullying and action. Dialogue is intelligible and generally well integrated spatially, but at times can be a bit distorted. The soundtrack reflects the limitations of fidelity and recording technique but nevertheless enjoyable. (Gary Reber)