Weird Science

Director: John Hughes John Hughes

Overview

John Hughes' third directorial effort, Weird Science, follows in the tradition of his previous teen-centered films, Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club. Anthony Michael Hall and Ilan Mitchell-Smith play the wannabe hipster Gary and his nebbish weak-willed best friend, Wyatt, a pair of high-school geeks who are hapless with members of the opposite sex. Using Wyatt's computer, they create what they believe is the ideal woman. A lightning storm brings that woman to life, and she takes the form of Kelly Le Brock. Lisa sets about building their self-confidence, but trouble begins brewing when Wyatt's cruel, military-minded older brother, Chet (Bill Paxton), begins to realize that something is not as it should be. Hughes would finish his cycle of high-school themed films with his next movie, Ferris Bueller's Day Off. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

Product Details

Release Date:	07/23/2019
UPC:	0760137261483
Original Release:	1985
Source:	Arrow Video
Region Code:	A
Time:	1:34:00
Sales rank:	16,007

Special Features

New restoration by Arrow Films from a 4K scan of the original negative High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentation of the original theatrical version of the film (94 mins), plus seamlessly-branched exclusive extended version (97 mins), featuring two additional scenes newly remastered in high-definition Original lossless stereo audio, plus 5.1 DTS-HD MA surround option (theatrical version only) Edited-for-TV version of the film (SD only, 94 mins), plus comparison featurette highlighting the alternate dubs and edits Option to watch additional scenes from the extended version separately Casting 'Weird Science', an all-new interview with casting director Jackie Burch Dino The Greek, a newly-filmed interview with supporting actor John Kapelos Chet Happens, a newly filmed interview with special makeup creator Craig Reardon Fantasy and Microchips, a newly filmed interview with editor Chris Lebenzon Ira Newborn Makes The Score, a newly filmed interview with the composer It's Alive! Resurrecting Weird Science, an archive documentary featuring interviews with cast, crew and admirers, including star Anthony Michael Hall Theatrical trailers TV spots and Radio spots Image galleries BD-ROM: PDF of the original shooting script

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Anthony Michael Hall	Gary
Ilan Mitchell-Smith	Wyatt
Kelly LeBrock	Lisa
Bill Paxton	Chet Donnelly
Suzanne Snyder	Deb
Judie Aronson	Hilly
Robert Downey	Ian
Robert Rusler	Max
Jackie Burch	Actor
Syzy J. Kellems	Gymnast
Vince Monroe Townsend	Bar Patron
Chino "Fats" Williams	Bar Patron
Vernon Wells	Lord General
Britt Leach	Al
Barbara Lang	Lucy
Michael Berryman	Mutant Biker
Ivor Barry	Henry
Anne Bernadette Coyle	Carmen
John Kapelos	Candy Bar Owner
Jill Whitlow	Perfume Salesgirl
Theodocia Goodrich	Lingerie Saleswoman
Wally Ward	Weenie
Johnny Timko	Weenie
Mikul Robins	Weenie
Darren Harris	Weenie
Renee Props	Weenie
Michael Cramer	Weenie
Todd Hoffman	Weenie
D'Mitch Davis	Bartender
Mary Steelsmith	Girl in Bathroom
Robin Frohman	Girl in Bathroom
Alison Carole Lowe	Girl in Upside Down Bathroom
Kym Malin	Girl Playing Piano
Jennifer Balgobin	Biker Girl
Jeff Jensen	Metal Face
Prince Hughes	Party Guest
Rick LeFevour	Policeman
Rock Walker	Policeman
Joe Gieb	Blob Operator
Kevin Thompson	Blob Operator
Doug MacHugh	Wyatt's Father
Pamela Gordon	Wyatt's Mother
Phillip Borsos	Candy Bar Owner (uncredited)
Fred D. Scott	Bar Patron
Steve James	Guy at Table

Technical Credits

John Hughes

John Hughes	Director,Producer,Screenwriter
James Alexander	Sound/Sound Designer
James Allen	Art Director
David M. Blitstein	Special Effects
Jackie Burch	Casting
John W. Corso	Production Designer
Jerry Evans	Choreography
Michael Germain	Makeup
Doug Hubbard	Special Effects
Chris Lebenzon	Editor
Henry M. Lebo	Camera Operator
Matthew Leonetti	Cinematographer
Roger Lifsey	Special Effects
Henry Millar	Special Effects
Mike Millar	Special Effects
Nick Navarro	Set Decoration/Design
Ira Newborn	Score Composer
Jennifer Polito	Set Decoration/Design
Joel Silver	Producer
Michael St. Hilaire	Camera Operator
Richard Thompson	Special Effects
Marilyn Vance	Costumes/Costume Designer
Scott James Wallace	Editor
Mark Warner	Editor

Editorial Reviews

Along with Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club, Weird Science helped establish John Hughes as king of '80s teenybopper comedy, though this immature, wish-fulfillment fantasy is clearly meant for the boys. Given his first opportunity to really carry a movie, Anthony Michael Hall does not disappoint, playing the kind of smart-alecky loveable loser that everyone knew back in high school. Ilan-Mitchell Smith, never really heard from again after this movie, is the more sensitive half of the underdog pair, who have a great time learning from the English babe (Kelly LeBrock) they improbably conceive through a combination of computer programs and glamour magazine cut-outs. Unapologetically sophomoric, the film earns its enduring appeal with a number of gonzo set pieces, most notably the climactic party that's interrupted by a biker gang out of Mad Max, which Gary and Wyatt must overcome to win their keep. Weird Science throws together a goofy mixture of sci-fi, teenage sex fantasy, and high school satire to earn guilty grins from beginning to end. As in his other hits from this era, Hughes' screenplay is endlessly quotable. Credit also goes to the memorable supporting performances turned in by Robert Downey Jr., offering up an early version of his trademark dismissive flamboyance; Britt Leach and Barbara Lang as Gary's hilariously spellbound parents; and, in a scene-stealing turn that's assumed classic status, Bill Paxton as Chet, Wyatt's bullying military brother, who takes sadistic pleasure in making the boys squirm.

All Movie Guide