Xanadu (1980

Description

Xanadu (1980/2025) – Blu-ray Disc Review

KL Studio Classics / Kino Lorber | 96 min | PG | Release Date: August 19, 2025
Genres: Musical, Fantasy, Romance ✨

Disc Specs

• Blu-ray disc (1080p HD)
• Brand new HD master created from a 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative (Kino Lorber)
• Dual-layered BD50 disc (Kino Lorber)
• Audio options: Original 4.0 stereo, 5.1 surround, and lossless 2.0 stereo (Blu-ray.com)
• Optional English subtitles (Kino Lorber)

Video Quality

The HD transfer looks strong. Fine details like facial textures, set elements and costumes are well preserved. Colors are vibrant, especially the neons and pastel tones. Shadows and deeper tones maintain contrast without crushing detail. Grain remains present where appropriate, giving a natural filmic texture rather than an over-smoothed look.

Audio Quality

Sound is clean and balanced. Dialogue is clear throughout. The stereo and 5.1 mixes bring good separation to the musical numbers, giving the ELO and Olivia Newton-John tracks presence and punch. The original 4.0 stereo is a nice fidelity reference, preserving the period’s sonic flavor.

Special Features (on Blu-ray)

• Brand new audio commentaries:
  • Robert Greenwald (director) + moderator Douglas Hosdale (Kino Lorber)
  • Jennifer Clymer + film historian Nathaniel Thompson (Kino Lorber)
  • Historians David Del Valle + Krystov Charles (Kino Lorber)
  • Historian Samm Deighan (Kino Lorber)
• Vintage 1980 Sizzle Reel, newly mastered in 2K (Kino Lorber)
• “Going Back to Xanadu” (2009 documentary with cast & crew) (Kino Lorber)
• TV Spоts (5) (Kino Lorber)
• Radio Spots (17) (Kino Lorber)
• Theatrical Trailer, newly mastered in 2K (Kino Lorber)

✅ Overall Recommendation

If you’re watching Xanadu on HD (Blu-ray), this disc delivers a very satisfying upgrade. The video holds up nicely, and the audio mixes provide plenty of richness for musical moments. The special features are solid, especially for fans who enjoy behind-the-scenes and archival content. Great for collectors or anyone who loves the music and spectacle of the film.