St. Elmo’s Fire 4K Review: Brat Pack Movie Turns 40
A step past the teen comedies that made a lot of the cast famous, St. Elmo’s Fire is an interesting look at the adjustment from graduating into the working world and the struggles that come alongside it. Featuring a truly stacked cast of Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, Demi Moore, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Andie MacDowell, and Mare Winningham, the film became a hit when it was released in 1985 despite largely negative reviews from critics. Now, for its 40th anniversary (and ahead of a possible sequel), the St. Elmo’s Fire 4K release allows fans to enjoy it in its best quality yet at home.
“Seven friends, recent college graduates, are searching for a place in the real world, as they face issues of career and commitment. Leslie and Alec (Ally Sheedy and Judd Nelson) try to save a crumbling romance. Wendy (Mare Winningham), a shy virgin, hides a love for Billy (Rob Lowe), a reluctant father/husband still searching for goals. Kevin (Andrew McCarthy) is a cynical writer who scorns love until he realizes he’s in love with his best friend’s girl. Kirbo (Emilio Estevez), a law student, obsessively pursues an older woman. The beautiful, neurotic Jules (Demi Moore) paints a poignant picture of life in the fast lane. Against the backdrop of St. Elmo’s, their local hang-out, they save, betray, and love one another as only the closest of friends can,” says the official description.
The cast of St. Elmo’s Fire has aged like fine wine, and it’s really fun revisiting this early role for them. All of the characters are heavily flawed — although most have it somewhat together, besides Rob Lowe’s Billy — and it’s a refreshing look at the struggles of young adulthood. Joel Schumacher and Carl Kurlander’s script is filled with some great lines and sequences, and it’s a film with some really strong moments, even if it’s not quite as profound as it aims to be overall.
The St. Elmo’s Fire 4K looks great in ultra-high definition. The film’s transfer is sharp, allowing you to fully enjoy the cast’s performances, and it also features a Dolby Atmos audio track. There’s also HDR support, allowing for more vivid color, which works out since the bar scenes and Jules’ pink apartment really stick out as vibrant.
The special features for the St. Elmo’s Fire 4K are nearly identical to the previous Blu-ray release. That means it includes a solid commentary track with the late Joel Schumacher, plus a 14-minute video of Schumacher discussing the film’s themes and cast. There are also a handful of 480p special features carried over from the DVD release, which include 12 deleted scenes, an eight-minute behind-the-scenes featurette, and the music video for Joe Parr’s “Man in Motion.” The content with Schumacher (who is quite eloquent) is the highlight, as fans will have to check out the Brats documentary if they want some reminiscing from the cast.
St. Elmo’s Fire 4K Review: Final Verdict
While the film is as messy as the real-life struggles it presents, the St. Elmo’s Fire 4K release is very good. With a great commentary track, a solid amount of bonus features (although sadly none new), and a strong visual transfer, this is an easy recommendation and upgrade for fans of the film. It’s a very rewatchable movie, especially with its talented cast, so you’ll definitely get your value out of it over time.
Disclosure: ComingSoon received product from the distributor for our St. Elmo’s Fire 4K review.
Source: Comingsoon.net