She's Having a Baby Blu-ray Screenshot (Patreon)

Video

There's a reason Paramount debuted She's Having a Baby inside a box set with previously released John Hughes discs - this transfer. Smothered by digital processing, the grain structure turns the imagery into a moving watercolor. Grain hovers across the screen, so it's preserved, but ruined by tools. It's not so apparent when in close, but the distance shots, medium or longer, where She's Having a Baby falls apart on Blu-ray.

As expected then, detail falters with such an output. While cinematography steers hazier (and that's no help), even the lighter textures can't escape.

Sadly, the rest looks great, hiding an apparently recent master. Light damage on the print aside, it's bright and features stable black levels. Strong saturated color steers flesh tones warm (too warm) but other primaries push gorgeous extremes. Excellent reds and vivid blues stick out from the overall rich presentation.

Audio

The 5.1 track naturally extends the soundstage away from the center. It's not a constant, but key elements like a train signal pop up in the rears. During a neighborhood party, ambiance spreads into each channel. Little touches like that bring life to an older, originally stereo track. There's a fun split when Bacon drops loose change on the floor. Coins roll between the sides in a clever moment.

Soundtrack choices energize the range, popping the low-end and offering clean treble. Pleasing stuff.