My take: The Running Man (1987)

HD Goofnut · 07-27-2010, 09:09 AM

Title: The Running Man (1987)
BD-50 Dual-Layer Disc
Video: 1080p/AVC MPEG-4
Audio: 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 (1.85:1 theatrically)
Subtitles: English and Spanish
Run time: 101 minutes
Studio: Lionsgate Films
Rating: R
Region Coding: Region Free
Equipment used for review: Sharp LC-46SB57UN 46" 120Hz 1080p LCD (24fps), Onkyo TX-SR606 7.1 Receiver, Onkyo SKS-HT540 7.1, & LG BH200 Super Blu

Cast/Crew Info:
Arnold Schwarzenegger as Ben Richards
Maria Conchita Alonso as Amber Mendez
Richard Dawson as Damon Killian
Yaphet Kotto as William Laughlin
Jim Brown as Fireball
Jesse Ventura as Captain Freedom
Erland van Lidth as Dynamo
Marvin J. McIntyre as Harold Weiss
Gus Rethwisch as Buzzsaw
Professor Toru Tanaka as Subzero
Mick Fleetwood as Mic
Directed by Paul Michael Glaser

My take: (the breakdown)

Set 30 years in the future in the year 2017 (yes, that's seven years away) The Running Man depicts a world that has taken the form of a police state. Most of America is poor and all they have to keep them informed and entertained is a television network known as ICS, which is of course controlled by the state. The most popular reality TV show in history is a game show called The Running Man, which gives criminals a chance to escape their death through a 400 square block piece of downtown Los Angeles. Hot on the the contestants tails are gladiator-type figures known as stalkers, which always get their man. When Ben Richards is wrongfully committed of a crime he is sent to prison, but upon escaping he is confronted by Damon Killian who manages and hosts The Running Man. Killian forces Richards to participate in the show, but will Ben have the smarts, charisma, and strength to survive the chase of his life. This is pure 80s action bliss and should belong on any fan's shelf. Due to extreme profanity and violence this one is not for children of any age.

The Running Man is now 23 years old and it certainly looks it, but there actually are some positives about this Blu-ray transfer. Colors are well saturated for the most part and I didn't notice any wavering or bleeding. Flesh tones are fairly accurate, but I felt they were a little on the red side at times. Grain is heavy as you would expect from a 80s film, but it is consistent in the majority and I am almost certain that DNR was not used in this transfer. Fine detail is a mixed bag that leans more towards below average. There are a few scenes that are highly detailed, but most of the film features shots that look like a constant haze is present. It's not that it's overly distracting, but it certainly keeps this one from being reference high definition material. Overall I was satisfied with the film and it is actually looks significantly better than the DVD that was released in a few years ago.

As with most Lionsgate action titles The Running Man receives a 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track, but don't get excited just yet. Dialogue is mostly clear and well prioritized, but there just a few outdoor scenes where it is slightly muddled at times. Surrounds see plenty of use in the form of cheering crowds, roaring motorcycles, and explosions. However, I felt that the surrounds lacked any real discrete sounds that should have been present at various points during the run time. I found pans to be accurate though between the front and surround channels so that was nice to hear. The LFE sees some action throughout the film, but I felt that it was a little weaker than it should have been especially during the more intense sequences. Your sub will definitely see some work, but I wouldn't count on this one waking up your neighbors.

The supplemental package for The Running Man is rather mediocre and none of the features stand out whatsoever. There are two audio commentaries, the first is with the producer and director and the second is with the executive producer. Neither commentary is that informative and most of the facts can be found online on your own time. Next up are two documentaries, The first is a liberal piece on why the Patriot Act is evil and why it's evil, but I am not even sure why this feature was included in the first place. The second documentary is a history of reality television in America and is actually somewhat interesting. Both documentaries run about 45 minutes in total. Finally, the film's theatrical trailer is included. All of the above features are presented in 480p.

Movie: 7/10
VQ: 6/10
AQ: 7/10
Supplements: 5/10
Final word: A Purchase For Fans

The screen captures below have a full resolution of 1920 x 1080, but you must click the image provided in the link to see that resolution. Please keep in mind that these are captures and can look slightly different than when the film is in motion. Also, to achieve the most accurate view of the screen captures be sure your monitor is set to a resolution of 1920 x 1080. As always thanks for reading folks.
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TwoPlusTwo · 07-27-2010, 02:06 PM

Thanks for the review Goofnut.

I've never actually seen this one...

HD Goofnut · 07-27-2010, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwoPlusTwo

Thanks for the review Goofnut.

I've never actually seen this one...

You should rent it at least. It's actually only $9.49 on Amazon though.

TwoPlusTwo · 07-27-2010, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HD Goofnut

You should rent it at least. It's actually only $9.49 on Amazon though.

I wish Netflix had it streaming...you said the A/V quality on BD wasn't spectacular anyway so it's not like I would be taking too much of a hit by watching it streaming...

HD Goofnut · 07-27-2010, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwoPlusTwo

I wish Netflix had it streaming...you said the A/V quality on BD wasn't spectacular anyway so it's not like I would be taking too much of a hit by watching it streaming...

Well, it's not fantastic for a BD, but it still blows the DVD away. I can't hardly watch Netflix streaming because of all the blocking and artifacts. My upconverted DVDs look much better than Netflix streaming even if it's in their so-called HD.

TwoPlusTwo · 07-27-2010, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HD Goofnut

Well, it's not fantastic for a BD, but it still blows the DVD away. I can't hardly watch Netflix streaming because of all the blocking and artifacts. My upconverted DVDs look much better than Netflix streaming even if it's in their so-called HD.

Yeah, but sometimes I will just go ahead and pay the "streaming convenience tax." My actual Netflix queue is often full of TV shows that only my girlfriend will watch, and I don't always feel like running to Blockbuster just to watch a movie...

HD Goofnut · 07-28-2010, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwoPlusTwo

Yeah, but sometimes I will just go ahead and pay the "streaming convenience tax." My actual Netflix queue is often full of TV shows that only my girlfriend will watch, and I don't always feel like running to Blockbuster just to watch a movie...

Thankfully, my wife is not into into movies as much as I am so my Netflix queue actually belongs to me.

**bruceames** · 07-28-2010, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HD Goofnut

You should rent it at least. It's actually only $9.49 on Amazon though.

Worth owning at that price, just picked it up.

HD Goofnut · 07-29-2010, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruceames

Worth owning at that price, just picked it up.

It won't wow you Bruce, but it is still loads better than the DVD.

**PFC5** · 07-31-2010, 06:37 PM

I always liked this movie and own it on BD. I watched it the other day and thought it looked and sounded pretty good considering it's age and how it likely didn't get the red carpet cleaning like some older movies get. It is easily the best this movie has ever looked or sounded IMO.

I would have rated the PQ & SQ about one notch higher than you did, but I appreciate the review, and it got me to finally watch it even though I have owned it for months.

HD Goofnut · 07-31-2010, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PFC5

I always liked this movie and own it on BD. I watched it the other day and thought it looked and sounded pretty good considering it's age and how it likely didn't get the red carpet cleaning like some older movies get. It is easily the best this movie has ever looked or sounded IMO.

I would have rated the PQ & SQ about one notch higher than you did, but I appreciate the review, and it got me to finally watch it even though I have owned it for months.

No problem and I'm glad you were happy with it as well. I imagine if it would have get some restoration treatment it might look a slightly better, but probably not enough to justify the expense.

07-31-2010, 06:37 PM	#10
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 34,768	I always liked this movie and own it on BD. I watched it the other day and thought it looked and sounded pretty good considering it's age and how it likely didn't get the red carpet cleaning like some older movies get. It is easily the best this movie has ever looked or sounded IMO. I would have rated the PQ & SQ about one notch higher than you did, but I appreciate the review, and it got me to finally watch it even though I have owned it for months. __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier PSN: PFC5

07-27-2010, 09:09 AM	#1
HD Goofnut The Official HDF Reviewer Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mississippi, U.S.A. Your resident Dune, Star Wars, and war film expert Posts: 8,254	My take: The Running Man (1987) Title: The Running Man (1987) BD-50 Dual-Layer Disc Video: 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 Audio: 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 (1.85:1 theatrically) Subtitles: English and Spanish Run time: 101 minutes Studio: Lionsgate Films Rating: R Region Coding: Region Free Equipment used for review: Sharp LC-46SB57UN 46" 120Hz 1080p LCD (24fps), Onkyo TX-SR606 7.1 Receiver, Onkyo SKS-HT540 7.1, & LG BH200 Super Blu Cast/Crew Info: Arnold Schwarzenegger as Ben Richards Maria Conchita Alonso as Amber Mendez Richard Dawson as Damon Killian Yaphet Kotto as William Laughlin Jim Brown as Fireball Jesse Ventura as Captain Freedom Erland van Lidth as Dynamo Marvin J. McIntyre as Harold Weiss Gus Rethwisch as Buzzsaw Professor Toru Tanaka as Subzero Mick Fleetwood as Mic Directed by Paul Michael Glaser My take: (the breakdown) Set 30 years in the future in the year 2017 (yes, that's seven years away) The Running Man depicts a world that has taken the form of a police state. Most of America is poor and all they have to keep them informed and entertained is a television network known as ICS, which is of course controlled by the state. The most popular reality TV show in history is a game show called The Running Man, which gives criminals a chance to escape their death through a 400 square block piece of downtown Los Angeles. Hot on the the contestants tails are gladiator-type figures known as stalkers, which always get their man. When Ben Richards is wrongfully committed of a crime he is sent to prison, but upon escaping he is confronted by Damon Killian who manages and hosts The Running Man. Killian forces Richards to participate in the show, but will Ben have the smarts, charisma, and strength to survive the chase of his life. This is pure 80s action bliss and should belong on any fan's shelf. Due to extreme profanity and violence this one is not for children of any age. The Running Man is now 23 years old and it certainly looks it, but there actually are some positives about this Blu-ray transfer. Colors are well saturated for the most part and I didn't notice any wavering or bleeding. Flesh tones are fairly accurate, but I felt they were a little on the red side at times. Grain is heavy as you would expect from a 80s film, but it is consistent in the majority and I am almost certain that DNR was not used in this transfer. Fine detail is a mixed bag that leans more towards below average. There are a few scenes that are highly detailed, but most of the film features shots that look like a constant haze is present. It's not that it's overly distracting, but it certainly keeps this one from being reference high definition material. Overall I was satisfied with the film and it is actually looks significantly better than the DVD that was released in a few years ago. As with most Lionsgate action titles The Running Man receives a 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track, but don't get excited just yet. Dialogue is mostly clear and well prioritized, but there just a few outdoor scenes where it is slightly muddled at times. Surrounds see plenty of use in the form of cheering crowds, roaring motorcycles, and explosions. However, I felt that the surrounds lacked any real discrete sounds that should have been present at various points during the run time. I found pans to be accurate though between the front and surround channels so that was nice to hear. The LFE sees some action throughout the film, but I felt that it was a little weaker than it should have been especially during the more intense sequences. Your sub will definitely see some work, but I wouldn't count on this one waking up your neighbors. The supplemental package for The Running Man is rather mediocre and none of the features stand out whatsoever. There are two audio commentaries, the first is with the producer and director and the second is with the executive producer. Neither commentary is that informative and most of the facts can be found online on your own time. Next up are two documentaries, The first is a liberal piece on why the Patriot Act is evil and why it's evil, but I am not even sure why this feature was included in the first place. The second documentary is a history of reality television in America and is actually somewhat interesting. Both documentaries run about 45 minutes in total. Finally, the film's theatrical trailer is included. All of the above features are presented in 480p. Movie: 7/10 VQ: 6/10 AQ: 7/10 Supplements: 5/10 Final word: A Purchase For Fans The screen captures below have a full resolution of 1920 x 1080, but you must click the image provided in the link to see that resolution. Please keep in mind that these are captures and can look slightly different than when the film is in motion. Also, to achieve the most accurate view of the screen captures be sure your monitor is set to a resolution of 1920 x 1080. As always thanks for reading folks. Screen Capture #1 Screen Capture #2 Screen Capture #3 Screen Capture #4 Screen Capture #5 __________________ Living Room Sharp LC-46SB57UN 46" 120Hz 1080p LCD (24fps)-Onkyo TX-SR606 7.1 Receiver-Onkyo SKS-HT540 7.1-Phillips OTA HD Antenna-Nintendo Wii-LG BH200 Super Blu-Toshiba HD-A20 Bedroom Sanyo DP46848 46" 60Hz 1080p LCD-Terk OTA HD Antenna-Magnavox NB500MG9 Office HP G60 Laptop-HP 2159m 21.5" 60Hz 1080p LCD-Logitech X-540 5.1-Sony 40 GB PS3-ASUS SBC-06D1S-U External BD Drive-Toshiba HD-A2 My Movie Collection 420~136 Latest BD Review: *After.Life*

07-27-2010, 02:06 PM	#2
TwoPlusTwo Chocobo Rider Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Academia Posts: 1,685	Thanks for the review Goofnut. I've never actually seen this one... __________________ Game Room: Panny TC-P50VT25 plasma 3DTV, Onkyo HT-S9100 w/ Onkyo TX-SR608 receiver, Panny DMP-BDT350 3D BD player, DirecTV HD DVR, Playstation 3, XBOX 360, and Nintendo Wii Currently Playing: Super Street Fighter 4 (PS3), Metroid Other M (Wii), Eternal Sonata (PS3), Tales of Vesperia (360)