‘Better Off Dead’ 4K UHD Review
Stars: John Cusack, David Ogden Stiers, Diane Franklin, Kim Darby | Written and Directed by Savage Steve Holland
The 1980s were a red-letter decade for cinema. Iconic films, franchises were established. Films from every genre: sci-fi, horror, drama, comedy, action, adventure, you name it. But probably teens of the 80s remember the teen comedies more than anything.
Now-iconic teen comedies like Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, Weird Science, Adventures in Babysitting, Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. These films seem to be on everyone’s”80s teen movies” list, but what about 1985’s Better Off Dead? Paramount Home Entertainment hasn’t forgotten about it, and now, for the 40th anniversary of the film’s theatrical release, comes a new 4k/Blu-ray/digital release.
After his girlfriend (Amanda Wyss, NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET) ditches him for a boorish ski jock, Lane (John Cusack, HIGH FIDELITY) decides that suicide is the answer. However, his increasingly inept attempts bring him only more agony, not to mention embarrassment. Filled with the wildest teen nightmares, a family you can’t help but identify with, and a host of extremely comic characters, BETTER OFF DEAD is an essential 80s classic, and a painfully funny teenage tale.
Better Off Dead really captures the feeling of life as a teenager in the 80s. It was a different time. A time without internet and cell phones. When everyone hung out at the mall, instead of in a chat room. Granted, the absurdity is amped up for the hilarious moments. But all in all, this is life in the 80s.
John Cusack is gold in this film, as well as the entire cast. Savage Steve Holland expertly brought this film to life. He is also known for another cult teen comedy that he would direct a year after this film, One Crazy Summer [and followed that up with the tremendous How I Got Into College in 1989 – Editor Phil].
Better Off Dead has been transferred to 4K in 2160p and in Blu-ray in 1080p and presented in widescreen format. The audio options are English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and French mono Dolby Digital. Finally, there are English SDH and French subtitles for those who would like them.
The film looks literally spectacular in 4K. Now, while no details are given on whether this film has been restored or not, one thing is for sure: it looks great on this disc. The picture is crisp and clean, there are no signs of damage to the print that I could see, and the audio is clear with no hiss or pops. This is definitely an upgrade from any previous release you have.
Now for bonus features! There is only the theatrical trailer and the addition of the digital code for a copy of this film you can take with you anywhere. That is a bit disappointing! I was hoping for this 40th anniversary edition 4K that we would have seen a retrospective, making of featurettes, audio commentary, and interviews. These would have made this release SO much better.
All in all, though Better Off Dead is still a wonderful snapshot into an era of time we will never see again. Technology has changed our lives forever. Sometimes not for the better. But with this film we can travel back to the mid-80s and visit for a while.
Better Off Dead is out now on 4K UHD from Paramount Home Entertainment; order your copy on Amazon now.
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