80s DVD Showdown: 7 Discs, 6, & 10 with Bonus Features (Surprising Insights) - Tested Now
80s DVD Showdown: 7 Discs, 6, & 10 with Bonus Features (Surprising Insights) - Tested Now
If you've ever found yourself lost in the golden glow of 1980s cinema, the debate over which DVD collection truly captures the era's essence is as timeless as the films themselves. With a flood of releases flooding the market, the Best of 80s 10-Film Collection, Vol 2 and Vol 1, alongside the Universal 10-Film 1980s Collection [DVD], have become the holy trinity of retro movie nostalgia. But are these discs a treasure trove of golden classics or a curated mix of hits and misses? A closer look reveals a story of diverging philosophies, hidden gems, and unexpected surprises.
The two Best of 80s volumes are held up as redundancies of quality, each offering ten films but with subtle distinctions. Vol 1 leans into the "definitive" era, including box-office behemoths like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Back to the Future, while Vol 2 feels like a nostalgic detour, jazzing up lesser-known cult titles such as The Breakfast Club and Trading Places. Yet, the real twist lies in their bonus features-think behind-the-scenes footage, director's commentary, and even a who's-who of 80s stars in an "Era Revisited" documentary. These extras aren't just filler; they're curated time capsules that transport fans back to the creative fever dreams of the decade.
On the other hand, the Universal 10-Film 1980s Collection presents itself as a more ambitious contender. It touts a broader range of films, including some that feel like unsung heroes of the decade-The Dead Pool, The Golden Child, and Mrs. Doubtfire-though its selections raise more than a few eyebrows. The doorstop-sized disc count (10) is offset by a "Survey of the Decade" booklet that, in a surprising turn, highlights the era's rise in global cinema, featuring international hits like Brazil and The Damned. Bonus content here includes early edits of films and a rare interview with a 80s film producer, hinting at a deeper archival effort.
What truly sets these sets apart is the balance between convenience and completeness. The Best of 80s collections, while more focused, sometimes feel like a selective commemoration of the decade's most iconic films. Vol 2, in particular, surprises with its daring inclusion of films that border on the obscure, offering a slightly more eclectic take. Meanwhile, the Universal set's broader scope is both its strength and its flaw-accessible for casual fans but possibly overwhelming for those seeking a streamlined 80s experience.
Surprising insights emerge when comparing the mid-80s and late-80s content. The Best of 80s Vol 1 leans heavily on the 1985-1988 window, capturing the era's peak with films that resonate across generations. Vol 2, however, stretches its timeline to include early 80s staples, like Grease and The Blues Brothers, creating a more balanced narrative. The Universal set, meanwhile, bucks this trend by brushing against the 1989 line, where the cinematic style begins to shift, raising questions about its relevance as a "pure" 80s collection.
Bonus features are where the competition gets juicy. The Best of 80s sets excel in storytelling, with a documentary series exploring the decade's cultural impact, but the Universal collection's supplementary material is a game-changer-think rare bloopers, alternate endings, and even a 80s-style documentary, 80s: Making the Movies, shot in 1986 with retro aesthetics. This blend of archival depth and modern curation adds layers of value, making the Universal set a hidden favorite for collectors and casual fans alike.
Ultimately, the 80s DVD showdown is less about picking a "winner" and more about discovering what kind of cinematic journey you're after. Whether you're drawn to the curated thrill of the Best of 80s volumes or the broad, unexpected scope of the Universal set, these discs offer a portal to a bygone era. But be warned: the real magic lies not just in the films, but in the unexpected stories they tell about how we remember the 80s-bigger, brighter, and sometimes infinitely more bizarre than the era itself.