‘Rad’ Blu-ray Review (Mill Creek)
Stars: Bill Allen, Bart Conner, Talia Shire, Jack Weston, Lori Loughlin, Ray Walston | Written by Sam Bernard, Geoffrey Edwards | Directed by Hal Needham
There are many films that revolve around biking. Some of the most entertaining film would have to Breaking Away (1979), BMX Bandits (1983), American Flyers (1985) and Turbo Kid (2015). But there is another film that focuses on a BMX bike, a race and a kid with big dreams. That film is 1986’s Rad.
The film Rad is coming up on its epic 40th anniversary. So, for this amazing anniversary, there needs to be a just as amazing release. Enter Mill Creek Entertainment, that have released a wonderful looking Blu-ray perfect for cult film fanatics.
Cru Jones (Bill Allen) is the best BMX biker in Cochrane. He’s got the talent to become the best BMX daredevil in the world. Bart Taylor (Bart Conner) is the best BMX biker in the world, and he’s in town to race in the $100,000 Helltrack competition, the most grueling BMX race in history. Cru wants a shot at winning the title, but his mom (Talia Shire) insists he take his college entrance exams which fall on the same day. He decides to go for Helltrack, but the race promoter (Jack Weston) has a dirty scheme for keeping the local whiz kid out of the race and away from his prized champion. Only the gorgeous Christian (Lori Loughlin), a member of the opposite team, can get Cru on track for Helltrack! And teach him a few other things while she’s at it!
In the 80s, all the kids wanted to do crazy BMX stunts. But few could do it like the real pros. And when we tried, we would get nasty scars. Watching this film in 2025 is such a cool, nostalgic experience. There are so many familiar faces in this movie. First off, there is Jack Weston, who was in one of my favourite films, Wait Until Dark, Ray Walston (My Favourite Martian), Lori Loughlin (Full House) and Talia Shire (Rocky).
The story is wonderfully written, the acting is very believable, and the stunts are just what you would expect from kids in the 80s. There are some really cheesy, good vintage special effects Although, as was custom with films in this era, these “teens” in this film were actually in their twenties. I really enjoyed this film! Rad is easily one of the better films of the 80s.
Rad has been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p and is presented in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The audio track is an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and there is English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. This Blu-ray transfer really left me impressed. The colours are bright and vibrant, and the skin tones are correct. The picture is crisp and clean with no damage to the print that I could see. Also, the audio is as clear as a bell! Mill Creek Entertainment didn’t just throw a movie on a Blu-ray. They added some amazing bonus features. Take a look at what is included.
Special Features:
- Includes the all-new feature-length A RAD Documentary
- Against The Odds: Bill Allen on RAD
- Ace in the Hole: Hal Needham in the 80’s
- Breakin’ the Ice: Sam Bernard on RAD
- “RAD” Q & A Session featuring Bill Allen, Talia Shire, Bart Conner, and writer Sam Bernard. Hosted by Jorma Taccone.
- Archival Video Interviews with Cast and Crew
- Original Behind-the-Scenes Featurette
- “Break the Ice” Music Video
The number of bonus features seen above is spectacular. A full-length documentary, in addition to the feature film, is just great! But then there are interviews, featurettes, the Q&A was really nice, and the music video is also a great touch. In addition to all these bonuses, Mill Creek Entertainment added a simply gorgeous holofoil O-Card seen above, that is different artwork from the Blu-ray insert. If you enjoy 80s cinema, Rad is a highly enjoyable experience. And this Blu-ray brings so many cool bonus features that are highly rewatchable.
***** 5/5
Rad is out on Blu-ray now from Mill Creek, so no more paying extortionate prices for the old Vinegar Syndrome release!
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