Lean on Me - Warner Archive Collection

There is something undeniably satisfying about watching Morgan Freeman stride through the hallways of Eastside High School with a baseball bat and bullhorn, ready to whip a failing institution into shape. John G. Avildsen's Lean on Me delivers exactly the kind of crowd-pleasing inspirational tale we'd expect from the award-winning director of Rocky and The Karate Kid. The script by Michael Schiffer (Crimson Tide, Colors) follows the real-life story of principal Joe Clark as he transforms a drug-infested, academically bankrupt New Jersey high school. And the filmmakers don't waste any time diving into the dramatic transformation. They cram what were actually years of gradual change into one conveniently packaged school year, filled with expelled troublemakers, improved test scores and plenty of stirring speeches about believing in one's self.

Of course, anyone familiar with the actual Joe Clark will notice Avildsen and Schiffer take considerable liberties with the facts, cherry-picking the most cinematically appealing moments — school principal wielding a baseball bat and notorious for chaining the building doors — while glossing over the messier realities of educational reform. What we have instead is pure melodrama, a series of neatly packaged small crises leading to a conveniently triumphant resolution, complete with swelling music and tearful students. It's the kind of movie that works best when we don't think too hard about the oversimplifications, designed specifically to tug at the heartstrings and leave audiences feeling good about the power of tough love and determination; a common cultural principle of the Reagan era. Interestingly enough, although feeling somewhat manipulative and heavily scripted, the story nonetheless remains surprisingly effective at what it sets out to do.

However, the real reason Lean on Me works as well as it does comes down to Freeman's commanding and captivating performance. He brings gravitas and authenticity to what could have easily been a cartoonish "tough principal" stereotype, living the character completely and believably. His Clark is equal parts intimidating and caring, selling every motivational speech and confrontation with the kind of natural authority that makes us believe he really could turn around a school through sheer force of his personality. Meanwhile, Avildsen is competent behind the camera, hitting all the expected beats without any particular flair or visual innovation. Although nothing especially noteworthy or standout, his workmanlike filmmaking actually serves the story without being in its way. 

This is Freeman's show from start to finish, and he carries the entire production on his shoulders with the kind of effortless charisma that makes even the most contrived moments feel genuine. And frankly, it's due to him that the film endures and continues to be beloved over thirty-five years later.

Vital Disc Stats: The Blu-ray
Celebrating the movie's 35th Anniversary, Warner Archive Collection brings Lean on Me to Blu-ray. The Region Free, BD50 disc sits comfortably inside the standard blue keepcase. At startup, the disc goes straight to a static menu screen with the usual options along the bottom and music playing in the background.

Sourced from a fresh 4K remaster of the original camera negatives, the biographical drama arrives on Blu-ray with an outstanding 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode. There are several soft, blurry or slightly out-of-focus scenes, which are likely inherent to the source, and some very mild aliasing along the sharpest edges here and there. But overall, fine lines and details are terrifically sharp and clean while contrast and brightness are very well-balanced throughout, allowing for excellent visibility in the darkest, murkiest shadows. Colors throughout are accurately rendered, providing the 1.85:1 image with good depth and an appreciable pop. Facial complexions appear healthy and natural, exposing pores and minor blemishes throughout. (Video Rating: 92/100)

The movie inspires home theaters with a fantastic DTS-HD Master Audio stereo soundtrack. With strong, crystal-clear dialogue in the center, imaging feels natural and fairly expansive with convincing off-screen effects filling out a very well-balanced soundstage. The mid-range exhibits sharp detailing in the upper ranges and room-penetrating mids, providing Bill Conti's and the song selections with rich clarity and fidelity. There isn't much in terms of LFE, but the low-end nonetheless is accurate and weighty enough to supply the score, music and the few bits of action with depth and presence. 

Although the film doesn't come with lots of action, the dialogue and music takes excellent command of this lossless mix, making it an outstanding listen at home. (Audio Rating: 88/100)

The only available bonus on this BD edition is a vintage theatrical preview.

John G. Avildsen's Lean on Me delivers a crowd-pleasing inspirational tale about the real-life principal Joe Clark transforming a drug-infested, academically bankrupt New Jersey high school. Although feeling somewhat manipulative and heavily scripted, the story nonetheless remains surprisingly effective, largely thanks to the commanding and captivating performance of Morgan Freeman. Warner Bros. brings the biographical drama to Blu-ray with a near demo-worthy HD video and DTS-HD MA stereo presentation that fans will want in their collection. In spite of a puny selection of supplements, the overall package is Recommended.

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