Slap Shot (Shout) Blu-ray Screenshots (Patreon)

Video

Licensed from Universal, Shout's anniversary release looks relatively untouched in terms of modern mastering. It's a pervasively soft, dull presentation, lean on resolution, enough so to dim the grain structure to almost nothing. That leaves the encode free at least, with little challenge. The print is clean enough at least, freed from defects like scratches and dirt. Definition, at its best, barely rises above average.

Color is excellent though, giving primaries vividness they lacked before. Flesh tones glow a bit, if not oversaturated. Red and yellow stadium seats provide a great backing. Jersey colors stand out from the ice and pale boards.

Awesome contrast belies the age and the lackluster mastering. Depth looks spectacular, shadows intense, just on the verge of crush, but then falling into pitch black sans detail on occasion. Brightness is cranked high enough to keep dimension potent.

Audio

Worn DTS-HD mono rattles the creaky dialog, struggling to sustain stable treble. While there's no static or popping, overall fidelity stays lean, wholly low-rent '70s.

Music fares a touch better. At least there's range and some clarity to appreciate, but even that's limited by puffy lyrics. Every aspect of this A/V presentation needs a modern touch.