Desperately Seeking Susan Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Desperately Seeking Susan" on Blu-ray, offered in an AVC encoded 1080p format with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, delivers a notable improvement over previous home video editions. The color palette is vividly dominated by pastels and neon hues typical of the 1980s, though these tones occasionally fall flat and aged, lacking the vibrancy expected from the era. Despite some presence of scratches and speckling, the overall resolution is strong, with grain lending a textured, film-like quality. Fine details such as clothing textures and environmental nuances are well-defined, although not the sharpest compared to other titles from the same period.

The visual experience is consistently supported by deep, strong blacks that maintain clarity in club interiors and cityscapes. However, some moments suffer from issues like blooming, posterization, and occasional noise in bright areas. The contrast remains balanced and stable for the most part, with bold primary colors and attractive pastels contributing to a vibrant representation. Flesh tones frequently trend towards the pale side but remain generally pleasing. While a touch of flatness and aging is unavoidable, the high-definition transfer successfully revives the film's visual charm, making it a commendable upgrade for fans seeking a nostalgic yet enhanced viewing experience.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Desperately Seeking Susan" offers a 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix that is notable for its restrained ambiance, requiring significant volume adjustment to achieve a typical level of auditory engagement. Dialogue clarity is maintained with minimal hiss and damage points, although the track lacks a robust punch. The musical scoring supports the narrative adequately but falls short in delivering deep instrumentations. Environmental noises such as street and club atmospherics are present, enhancing the realism without overwhelming the listener.

Additionally, the DTS-HD MA mono soundtrack effectively centralizes the film's heavily character and dialogue-driven focus. Conversations, particularly Patricia Arquette's intense performances, are clear and emotionally resonant from start to finish. While there is a slight hiss in the voices, it remains non-disruptive to the overall experience. The track excels in capturing the lively background noises of urban settings, adding a layer of authenticity. The mid-range frequencies exhibit unexpected dynamism with discrete separation, although they do not extend significantly into the higher frequencies. Remarkably, the low bass delivers a strong and palpable impact to the musical selections, contributing to the soundtrack's satisfying sense of presence and overall auditory quality.

The Blu Ray extras for "Desperately Seeking Susan" are a mix of insightful commentary and interesting additional content that enrich the viewing experience. The Audio Commentary by Director Susan Seidelman, along with producers Barbara Boyle, Midge Sanford, and Sarah Pillsbury, provides a moderate yet informative dive into the film’s backstory, supported by their fond recollections. Also included is an Alternate Ending segment, initially envisioned as the film's finale but ultimately trimmed. This sequence provides an intriguing look at a different potential conclusion with a supplementary text-based explanation. Additionally, the Theatrical Trailer in high definition is also featured, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the original promotional material.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Features director Susan Seidelman and producers.
• Alternate Ending: Extended conclusion with an explanatory text.
• Theatrical Trailer: High definition trailer of the film.

"Desperately Seeking Susan" is a captivating 1985 film that, despite its narrative shortcomings, maintains a distinct charm largely owing to the unique cultural atmosphere it encapsulates. Directed by Susan Seidelman and with a screenplay by Leora Barish, the movie deftly captures the 1980s New York City milieu, providing a vivid, albeit idiosyncratic, backdrop for its tale. The movie's allure is significantly bolstered by Madonna, whose presence, raw energy, and charismatic performance eclipse her limited acting skills. She plays Susan Thomas with an insouciant flair, symbolizing a rebellious, free spirit that contrasts sharply with Rosanna Arquette's portrayal of Roberta, a bored housewife yearning for adventure and self-liberation. This dynamic, along with Seidelman's canny direction, contributes to the film's continual charm as both a period piece and a narrative exploring identity and freedom.

The plot revolves around Roberta (Rosanna Arquette), who, disillusioned with her suburban life, becomes entranced by Susan's carefree lifestyle. The story navigates themes of mistaken identity and self-discovery, punctuated by moments of head trauma-induced amnesia which further blur Roberta's reality. While the narrative sometimes veers into aimlessness and contrived amnesia plotlines, the film compensates with its eclectic New York settings and evocative visual storytelling. Key locales such as the Magic Club and Dez's loft enrich the film's aesthetic, imbuing it with personality and nostalgia. Also noteworthy is Roberta's transformation from a restrained housewife into a vibrant Susan replica, visually represented through her evolving wardrobe and demeanor.

Ultimately, "Desperately Seeking Susan" remains engaging due to its strong character portrayals and period-specific ambiance. While its thriller elements involving stolen Egyptian earrings and a menacing antagonist may falter in gravitas, the film’s exploration of self-fulfillment and pursuit of dreams maintains a resonant charm. Arquette's portrayal of Roberta's quest for meaning juxtaposed with Madonna's embodiment of unrestrained liberty ensures the movie retains its cultural significance and provides an entertaining window into the zeitgeist of the 1980s.

"Desperately Seeking Susan" rides the forward momentum of Madonna's musical popularity, encapsulating the zeitgeist of the mid-80s with a vibrant sense of time and place. Directed by Susan Seidelman, the film follows Roberta's journey with an assured command, showcasing Madonna in one of her few significant big-screen performances. The movie, though lacking in dramatic depth and significance, remains enjoyable and engaging, particularly for fans of 80s pop culture.

The Blu-ray release of "Desperately Seeking Susan" presents an experience that is both entertaining and nostalgic. Picture quality, while pleasing, is somewhat average and does not fully exploit the high-definition capabilities of contemporary home theater systems. However, the audio presentation stands out as excellent, complementing the film's dynamic soundtrack. Sadly, the release falls short in terms of supplemental materials, offering little beyond the basic film experience.

In conclusion, despite some technical shortcomings and a lack of substantial extras, this Blu-ray edition of "Desperately Seeking Susan" should please dedicated Madonna enthusiasts and those craving a nostalgic trip back to the 80s. Its engaging audio presentation and Madonna's memorable performance make it a worthy addition to any classic movie collection.