'Wargames', the 1983 action/thriller from director John Badham, has always struck me as something of a contradiction. From a purely critical standpoint, 'Wargames' is a completely ludicrous premise peopled by characters that are little more than one dimensional stereotypes. So why then do I find this film so entertaining, even on multiple viewings? Certainly there are films that require one to completely suspend disbelief to enjoy. I suppose 'Wargames' is such a film.
For the three or four people out there that are unfamiliar with this film, the premise is a rather simple one. Matthew Broderick plays David Lightman, a Seattle highschool student and erstwhile computer genius who inadvertantly accesses a top secret NORAD computer system while trying to break into a computer game company's system. Once in, he sets off a program that, if not stopped, will lead to the launching of the United States' entire inventory of ICBMs. Ludicrous, did I say? Well, never mind. Broderick is the one bright spot in the cast and Badham's direction is tight and well paced. The film was a success in it's theatrical run and has been just as popular on video. Despite the popularity of 'Wargames', a letterboxed transfer has only recently been released on disc.
Most of the fans of this film that have been waiting for a letterboxed disc will most likely be happy enough with this latest release from MGM/UA. I, however, find this transfer somewhat problematic. On the plus side, colors are mostly accurate and solid. The image is relatively crisp with good contrast and detail. The image has been matted to just under 1.85:1 and generally enhances the compositions, though a couple of scenes appear to have the top of the frame overmatted a bit. The problem I have with this transfer is that it is clearly not as good as it should be. There are some obvious inconsistancies from one scene to another that can routinely be corrected in teleciné. There is quite a bit of dirt and grunge visible that should have been either cleaned from the elements or digitally removed in the transfer. The one word that comes to mind to describe this transfer is, haphazard.
The soundtrack fared somewhat better. The audio is generally clear with good range and balance. Dialog is natural sounding and the surround track, though not as active as many newer films of this type, does add good depth and envelopement. Frequency response was a bit of a suprise. I found an unremembered amount of low bass, most noticable in the final 'War Room' sequence.
'Wargames' runs 112 minutes and contains 23 chapters. MGM has included the theatrical trailer (in suprisingly good condition) on chapter 24. List price is $34.95.
A final comment. 'Wargames' was originally released on video by CBS/Fox. Video rights reverted to MGM/UA several years ago and they have curiously not remastered this popular title before now. This unaccountable delay along with this less than stellar transfer indicate to me a disheartening lack of commitment on the part of MGM/UA. Perhaps, if John Badham would have had the computer sing a few songs and staged a big production number in the War Room, this movie would have received a bit more attention.
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