COLUMBIA TRISTAR has released what may be the ultimate "Brat Pack" film, "ST. ELMO'S FIRE".  The original brat pack, Demi Moore, Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, and more are all on board here, making this an essential dvd to own for anyone who doesn't want to forget the best and worst things about the '80s!  The acting here's actually better than we remembered it being.  While the plot is in shambles at times, and the direction by overpaid Joel Schumacher is often sluggish, the film's still entertaining.
 

All of the characters are in some form of crisis, and they all have to share their angst with the audience, in an eavesdropping way not too dissimilar from some of the cornier television shows that have been big recently.  Viewers will be pleasantly surprised to see Andie MacDowell in the role she plays here. Emilio Estevez pines for her from afar, and his quest for her is one of the really impressive scenes in the film.
 

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has preserved the film's 2.35:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement. The imagery is extremely impressive, and the colors are solid.  There's a lot of depth to each scene, and fleshtones appear natural throughout. The contrast is great, with deep blacks and grays. 

The soundmix is presented with options of either Dolby 2.0 or 4.0(discrete).  The Dolby 2.0 actually sounds better, because the 4.0 mix sounds artificial, with the dialogue never sounding well placed in relation to the subtle effects. This isn't an aggressive mix by any standards, but the music does allow the surrounds to pick up a bit of energy, still sounding  better in 2.0.
 

Director Joel Schumacher provides an audio commentary, and while there's almost no technical information given, his descriptions of events taking place on the set and about the "brat pack" in general, are often entertaining and nostalgic.

Several trailers are offered as well as a music video.