When a group of crazy college geniuses put their heads together, almost anything can happen. Hold on for a freewheeling, uproarious look at just how much mischief a bunch of high-IQers can concoct. Chris (Val Kilmer) is the top brain who just wants to party, Mitch (Gabe Jarret) is the 16-year-old whiz kid, and Lazlo (Jonathan Gries), America’s number one brain, literally lives in a world of his own … Chris’ closet. Supposedly hard at work on a lab project, they still find time to turn the dorm into an ice-skating rink, and throw a beach party in the auditorium complete with a lagoon and bikini-clad beauties. When the geniuses discover that their unscrupulous mentor Professor Hathaway (William Atherton) has had them working on a secret weapon for the military, they plot an elaborate revenge. Their plan culminates in an incredible scheme that outsmarts the military and convinces the professor that it doesn’t pay to fool with a REAL GENIUS!
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Video Quality
Real Genius has been given a 2160p 4K UHD upgrade with Dolby Vision that has been scanned from the original camera negative and reviewed and approved by director Martha Coolidge. While we do not have the Blu-Ray release from five years, that disc was MOD and from an older master which is almost certainly improved immeasurably here. The included Blu-Ray sports the same 4K master, so even those who are not 4K capable would benefit from picking this up for the new Blu-Ray. This 4K UHD disc offers the perfect amount of natural film grain which resolves well and never fluctuates wildly. Throughout the film you are treated to non stop pleasing texture and detail within each environment thanks to this transfer. You have never seen this film appear so three dimensional – probably not even in theaters.
Skin tones look natural and the clarity of the transfer gives you a great amount of facial detail including some facial fuzz on some of the cast members. There is absolutely no sign of any print damage or other such blemishes that would ruin the look of this title. The improvements in contrast and overall clarity are outstanding, especially when you look around the dorm rooms or explore the textures on the costumes. The UHD disc contains very vibrant, deep colors throughout, especially when it comes to some of the lighting choices. White levels are brighter and offer a greater stability without veering into blooming. Black levels are deep and allow the picture to maintain an excellent amount of depth and detail in darker environments, such as the opening expanse of space of the shadowy conference room. This transfer is a revelation for fans of this classic comedy. Sony continues to top themselves with every release.
Audio Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc utilizes a new Dolby Atmos track and DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track reviewed and approved by director Martha Coolidge, in addition to the DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio stereo track for the purists. The amount of audio and subtitle options Sony provides on this disc is unlikely to upset anyone. The Atmos track is not a night and day difference from the 5.1 presentation, but it does give the overall soundscape extra vitality and a more deeply expansive quality. Dialogue does usually stay anchored up front, but activity extends to the surrounds, rears and overhead speakers when it comes to the music and certain environmental sounds to make these worlds feel more robust and dynamic. The sounds up above are not constant, but they make an impact when it makes sense like the opening spaceship going by. These channels really come in handy during the fun water slide party midway through the film.
The film satisfies when it comes to the music, as the speakers pump in quality tunes which may get you moving a little bit. Dialogue is crisp and clear without ever getting lost amongst the competing elements. The low end effects from the subwoofer are mostly engaged to provide some extra texture to a few more kinetic moments. Directionality is never an issue when it comes to atmospheric effects. For those who choose to go with the original stereo track, you will be treated to a rock solid presentation which captures the original artistic intent. Sony cannot be stopped!
Special Features
Blu-Ray (Disc Two)
- Audio Commentary: Director Martha Coolidge provides a great commentary track recorded a few years back in which she discusses what she wanted to achieve with the opening credits, how she made the most of her limited budget, why she thinks the best comedies come from dramatic themes, the inspiration for the dorms and certain plot elements, the real scientists who were included in the film, the strong feelings she has about romance scenes and more. This is a really great track for fans!
- Television Version (1:34:59): Presented in pillarboxed standard definition and Dolby Digital 2.0 audio. This has been unavailable on physical media, so it is really cool to have yet another cut included in this definitive release of the film. A lot of people likely grew up with this version which cuts out some bits here and there and includes some sanitized edits that are amusing (“Can you hammer a six inch spike through a board with your pinky?”).
- Balloon Chair Deleted Scene: A minute-long unused scene involving Chris floating off into the sky is provided here. There are also 22-minutes of raw takes of the performers shooting this scene over and over.
Final Thoughts
Real Genius is a fan favorite comedy from the ‘80s thanks to the clever script and the charismatic performance from Val Kilmer. Director Martha Coolidge helps bring some nuance and genuine emotional honesty to a feature which easily could have been stripped of everything that makes it special by the powers that be. It may not be the most gut-busting movie these days, but it still provides a good number of laughs and an overall comforting feeling that is hard to maintain in most movies. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray featuring a flawless A/V presentation and invaluable special features such as long-lost alternative cuts of the film. Fans of the film will be delighted to have this one finally treated with this level of respect. Highly Recommended
Real Genius is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray and Digital.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.