Joysticks (1983) MVD Rewind Collection Blu-ray Review

When I was a young kid, I remember our family going to the Pizza Hut and they had arcade games. We went for a great pizza dinner, but for me the best part was the video games. I wasn't interested in pizza I wanted to play Mrs. Pac-Man. 

Back in the day arcades were more than just a place to play video games they were hangouts. Kids and teens would go there not only to play games, but to talk about things going on and hit on the one they had a crush on. 

In 1983 Greydon Clark (Star Games) directed a comedy film all about the craziness arcade business. It's hard to believe this film is now over 40 years old. And for the 41st anniversary of the film's release. MVD Rewind Collection have given this cult classic an epic Blu-ray release! 

Jefferson Bailey (Scott McGinnis) runs the town's most popular hangout, the video arcade. Joseph Rutter (Joe Don Baker), the local businessman hates the arcade, so with the help of his two bumbling nephews, Rutter aims to frame Bailey and have his business shut down. Bailey, however, is wise to Rutter's plan and teams with best friends Eugene Groebe (Leif Green) and McDorfus (Jim Greenleaf) to stop this scheme.

In the 80s R rated comedies were a bit on the raunchy side, especially when we look at them now from older eyes. There is a lot of sexual content and female nudity in this film. So, viewer beware. But there is no denying the entertainment value of this film. The story is off the wall crazy fun! And the nostalgia value of this film is through the roof. If you were a teen or a kid of the 80s this film is going to take you on a trip in a Deloren time machine to the past for one great time.

Joysticks has been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p in 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The audio is a LPCM 2.0 Mono. There are also English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. Now the best part of this transfer is it is from the 2015 2k scan and restoration from 35mm film elements.

Now in all honesty the 2k scan of this print is not in pristine condition. There is some specks of dirt and lines, but you have to realize this is not an MGM or Warner Brothers release. This is a small studio independent film. And when you think of that it is amazing that it looks as good as it does. As most of these films are not usually stored in the greatest way possible! 

Now one thing that I love about MVD Rewind Collection Blu-rays is that they always add some cool bonus features to their releases, and Joysticks is no different. Take a look at what is included in this release.

* 2 Audio Commentary the main one featuring Director Greydon Clark and a fan commentary featuring MVD Rewind Collection's Eric D. Wilkinson, Cereal at Midnight host Heath Holland and Diabolik DVD's Jesse Nelson

* Interview with Director Greydon Clark

* "Coin Slots" - "faux" trailer short written and directed by Newt Wallen and starring Mr. Lobo & Eric D. Wilkinson

* Trailers: Joysticks, Ski Patrol, Hardware Wars, Dirty Laundry and Hail Caesar

* Collectible 2-Sided Mini-Poster

* Reversible Artwork

* Limited Edition Slipcover (First Pressing Only)

As a fan of artwork I always love when MVD adds the mini posters, reversible artwork Blu-ray insert and slipcovers. Now this Blu-ray was to be release by now but because of a printing error, MVD decided to pull this release till that was fixed. Major kudos to them for want to release the best possible product! Some studio just wouldn't care... buy not MVD!

This is why I love MVD so much. They truly love their costumers and want to provide the best products possible. So you can rest assured that when this Blu-ray ships it will be great!

If you would like to read the latest on this release from MVD. Read this amazing press release here!

Joysticks is the Rocky of arcade movies! And if you are looking for a nice copy of this film for your collection, I definitely suggest this Blu-ray release. Head over to Amazon and pre-order your copy today!

Out of 4 Film Reels (4 being the best) MVD Rewind's Blu-ray of Joysticks recieves.....