Career Opportunities (1991)

Description

Career Opportunities (1991) – Blu-ray Disc Review
Format: Blu-ray (from Kino Lorber’s 4K/Blu-ray combo pack)
Release Date: April 22, 2025 | ⏱️ Runtime: 83 Minutes | Rated PG-13
Genre: Comedy, Romance | Writer: John Hughes | Director: Bryan Gordon

️ 1080p Blu-ray Video Quality – 5.0/5

This new 1080p Blu-ray is mastered from the same new 4K scan used for the UHD disc, and it shows. Visuals are clean, crisp, and filmic, with natural grain, solid shadow detail, and accurate skin tones throughout.

Compared to Kino’s older Blu-ray, this disc has superior color balance and much healthier black levels. Details in darker Target scenes are better resolved, and primaries pop more—particularly in clothing, signage, and Jennifer Connelly’s striking features.

Even on standard HD, the dynamic range feels wider, making this a major improvement over the previous Blu-ray presentation.

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Region: A (locked)

Audio Quality – 5.0/5

Two lossless audio options included:

• DTS-HD MA 2.0 Stereo – The original theatrical mix, and still the best way to experience the film. Dialogue is clean, the mix is well-balanced, and the synth-pop soundtrack sounds bright and engaging.
• DTS-HD MA 5.1 Surround – A light remix with modest use of the surrounds. Adds a bit of depth in some scenes (especially in the store), but doesn’t offer a dramatic upgrade over the stereo.

Both tracks perform well, but the 2.0 mix feels truer to the film’s original tone and scope.

Subtitles: English SDH (inside image frame)

Special Features – 4.0/5

All features below appear on the Blu-ray disc:

• ️ Audio Commentary by Director Bryan Gordon – Insightful and relaxed, discussing the cast, John Hughes’ input, and production challenges.
• ️ Audio Commentary by Erik Childress – A fan-driven critical breakdown of themes, characters, and Hughes’ influence.
• Crafting Criminals (16 min) – Kieran and Dermot Mulroney reflect on their quirky criminal duo and the film’s comedic tone.
• Interior, Night (11 min) – Cinematographer Donald McAlpine discusses the visual style and lighting approach.
• ️ Vintage Trailer (3 min)

Note: These features were originally created for the 2025 Imprint Films release.

Movie & Final Thoughts – 3.5/5

Though Career Opportunities doesn’t hit the highs of Hughes’ best work, it’s still a charming, offbeat rom-com. Frank Whaley’s slacker protagonist may not click for everyone, but Jennifer Connelly shines, and the late-night Target setting adds novelty. Some great side performances from John Candy and William Forsythe provide laughs.

Overall Blu-ray Disc Score – 4.0/5

✅ Recommended. Whether you don’t have 4K capabilities or just want a clean, definitive 1080p version, this remastered Blu-ray is a huge leap over previous editions. With strong audio and excellent extras, it’s a worthy pickup for fans of John Hughes and ’90s nostalgia.