Stand and Deliver (1988) Blu-ray Review

Teachers are the most underappreciated and underpaid people in the world. It takes a special kind of person to be a teacher, especially when you are dealing with inner city youth.

There have been many films in history that dealt with stories of teachers. I think my favorite teacher movie of all time would have to be Glenn Ford and Sidney Poitier in Blackboard Jungle.

But in 1988 Edward James Olmos and Lou Diamond Phillips starred in 'Stand and Deliver'. At the time of this writing, we have just passed the 35 anniversary of this film's release. So, the good folks at Warner Archive have restored this film and released it on Blu-ray!

Edward James Olmos stars as Jaime Escalante in this inspirational true story about a teacher and the unmotivated East Los Angeles high school students who he inspires, badgers, threatens and humors into learning the most demanding of all math sciences--calculus. But the accomplishment is so utterly fantastic that the students are accused of cheating. Given a choice to accept the allegation or retake an extremely demanding examination to prove themselves, the students decide to Stand and Deliver. 

Stand and Deliver is an inspiring and dramatic film. No wonder it won six Independent Spirit Awards including Best Film and Best Director. Edward James Olmos is a tremendous actor. I have seen him in so many great roles, but here I think he spreads his wings and shows his acting chops. His acting is so great he was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor. Well deserved.

Stand and Deliver has been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p. The film features a 4K restoration of the Original Camera Negative. The film is presented in 1.85:1. The audio is a DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. 

This new 4K restoration of Stand and Deliver is sharp and the colors are bright and vibrant. There is no damage to this print that I could see when screening it. The audio is clear as a bell with no hiss or pops. The picture quality of this Blu-ray blows the DVD release out of the water.

Warner Archive really put the work into this film making this transfer spectacular. Now as for bonus features. We only get the Theatrical trailer. It would have been nice to see some interviews or maybe a classic cartoon. The lack of bonus features is the only thing I can find against this release.

So, if you love the teacher dramas as much as I do, this new Blu-ray release of Stand and Deliver is a must add to your collection. The Blu-ray upgrade is well worth it. Head over to MovieZyng and order your copy today!

 Out of 4 Film Reels (4 being the best) the Blu-ray of Stand and Deliver receives....