DVD Review “Vision Quest”

Directed by: Harold Becker
Starring: Matthew Modine, Linda Fiorentino, Michael Schoeffling, Ronny Cox
Charles Hallahan, Harold Sylvester, Daphne Zuniga
Distributed by: Warner Bros. Archive
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 107 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

If you are wondering why we are reviewing this title from 1985, it is because Warner Bros Archive has released a new edition of it. It is not a fully remastered edition instead it is taken from the best-quality master available. This release still looks and sounds good especially for a film which is almost 20 years old.  It is also the first time that this film has ever been released in widescreen on DVD.  Overall this movie still makes wrestling look bad ass.

Matthew Modine really nails this performance. Linda Fiorentino wears the 80’s hairdo well but otherwise I am not a big fan of her. One of the main draws for this film has to be its killer 80’s soundtrack featuring Journey’s “Only the Young” and Foreigner’s “Hot Blooded”. It even includes a cameo from Madonna performing her hits “Gambler” and “Crazy for You”. Honestly that is enough for me.

This film was a modest success but since has developed quite a cult following. I am sure that fans would be looking for this film with a massive amount of special features but unfortunately this release does not include any. In fact, I would love to see this film converted to HD and released on Blu-ray…you hear that Warner Brothers? If you don’t own this film prior, it is a good way to pick it up cheap for now and enjoy till then.

Synopsis:
High school wrestler Louden Swain is a man obsessed, trying to shed 23 pounds in a dangerously short time and take on Shute, the undefeated, tough-as-nails 168-pound champion who’s the best wrestler in the state. Matthew Modine stars as the mop-headed student undeterred in his Vision Quest…until the day a sexy drifter (Linda Fiorentino) threatens to pin Louden and his dreams to the mat of unrequited love. The hit soundtrack features Journey’s “Only the Young”, Foreigner’s “Hot Blooded” and John Waite’s “Change”. In her first film, Madonna shines while performing “Gambler” and “Crazy for You”. You’ll go crazy for Vision Quest.