Matthew Broderick (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off) and Ally Sheedy (The Breakfast Club) star in this compelling drama filled with action, suspense and high-tech adventures! Featuring superb performances by Dabney Coleman and Barry Corbin, WarGames is “brilliant … funny … and provocative” (New York) – a fast-paced cyber-thriller.
Computer hacker David Lightman (Broderick) can bypass the most advanced security systems, break the most intricate secret codes and master even the most difficult computer games. But when he unwittingly taps into the Defense Department’s war computer, he initiates a confrontation of global proportions — World War III! Together with his girlfriend (Sheedy) and a wizardly computer genius (Tony Award winner John Wood), David must race against time to outwit his opponent … and prevent a nuclear Armageddon.
For thoughts on WarGames, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:
Video Quality
Shout! Factory presents WarGames with a terrific 2160p transfer in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio sourced from a 4K scan of the Original Camera Negative with Dolby Vision/HDR. This film was last released on Blu-Ray a decade ago by MGM, but we do not have that disc for comparison. For those who are not 4K capable, the included Blu-Ray has been sourced from the same new master. While the new Blu-Ray is a great representation of the film, this 4K UHD presentation is a stunning improvement.
The Dolby Vision presentation brings so much depth and nuance to the hues that make up this world. Much of this film is David and Jennifer traveling throughout the country where you can see vivid bursts of foliage. There are also elements of the ‘80s production design in the arcade or in the clothing that make an impression. Moments taking place within NORAD are less visually striking with the shift to more metallic sheens, but even those colors offer greater accuracy. The new presentation reaches a level of precision and color detail which likely tops the original theatrical run.
This disc displays a magnificent amount of natural film grain which brings out an abundance of distinct texture in the production design and other craft elements. This grain resolves without a hiccup as nothing ever appears unnatural, frozen or spiking throughout the changes in environment. The transfer can run slightly heavy from a grain perspective, but never to the point where it looks noisy. This is the texture you want. Black levels are formidable with no blatant crush present, and white levels come close to blooming. This new master has eliminated nearly all print damage with hardly any specks remaining. Fans of this classic tech-adventure will be blown away by the quality delivered with this one.
Audio Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc comes with a really amazing pair of tracks with DTS-HD 5.1 and 2.0 Master Audio tracks that capture this material quite well. The respectable score from Arthur B. Rubinstein sounds great without any signs of damage. The full surround sound presentation packs a punch in the low end when it comes to some musical cues and a surprise helicopter. Dialogue comes through with undeniable clarity even when sequences are getting more chaotic. Environmental noises such as the chattering of workers at the facility or the blaring of sirens are given a notable place within the mix. Every aspect of the audio experience comes through with great fidelity. Shout! Factory has provided a top notch audio experience for this one. English SDH subtitles are provided for those who want them.
Special Features
- Audio Commentary: Director John Badham And Writers Lawrence Lasker And Walter F. Parkes provide a really engaging track in which they discuss the origins of the project, the benefit of having actual computer images on the computers, how they found exciting ways to showcase their exposition dumps, details about the performers, working with the technology of the time, striking the right tone for the narrative and more. This is well worth a listen for any fans.
- Loading WarGames: A 45-minute archival retrospective in which the cast and creative team reflect on the themes of the film, the state of the world at the time of the film’s release, the troubled history of the production, the continuous rewrites, how the cast came to be involved with the project, the special effects work, the cinematography of the picture, the creative arguments and more.
- Inside NORAD – Cold War Fortress: An 11-minute featurette which establishes a rough history of the Cold War followed by a tour of the Cheyenne Mountain facility which served as inspiration for the film.
- Attack of the Hackers: A 14-minute look at depiction of “hacker culture” and how reality paralleled fiction in various ways. There are some engaging insights from a few of the experts they have rounded up.
- Tic-Tac-Toe – A True Story: A five-minute piece which humorously details the history of the pivotal game.
- Theatrical Trailer: The two-and-a-half minute trailer is provided here.
Final Thoughts
WarGames has the premise of a cheesy teen movie, but it is executed with the gravitas of an adult drama. That is not to imply that the movie is humorless or lacking in fun, but it complements the lighthearted moments with narrative stakes that actually make you concerned for the characters. It is refreshing to be watching a film of this sort and finding yourself reflecting on deeper political and philosophical themes. The creative team did not come to make a mindless endeavor by any stretch of the imagination. This film has earned its ‘80s classic distinction honestly. Shout! Factory has provided the film with a 4K UHD Blu-Ray release that delivers a fantastic A/V presentation and a pretty solid array of special features. This is a really entertaining film, and those who have been waiting for it to finally hit the optimum format should be thrilled by the results. Highly Recommended
WarGames is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD + Blu-Ray Combo Pack.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Shout! Factory 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.