Who's That Girl Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Who’s That Girl" impressively revitalizes the 1987 film through a New 2K scan of the 35mm interpositive, executed with precision in the AVC encoded 1.85:1 aspect ratio format. Fans will notice a marked improvement from the DVD release, showcasing richer skin textures and enhanced makeup details, crucial for highlighting Madonna's character expressiveness. The costumes maintain a fibrous texture that aligns with the 80s fashion scene beautifully captured throughout urban and interior settings of New York City. The film's color palette is commendable, demonstrating alert primary colors that are vivid yet controlled. The natural presentation of skin tones and stronger black levels offer a more immersive viewing experience, although close-ups on Madonna reflect a traditional cinematic soft-focus akin to old Hollywood aesthetics.

Shout Studios delivers "Who’s That Girl?" with a 1080p transfer that effectively balances the film's dynamic color rendition and depth – a testament to the cinematography by Jan de Bont. While there’s a minor wobble in some scenes, the elements largely remain in excellent condition, capturing NYC's dimensional appeal with an adequate touch of cinematic texture. Reflective of its era, the Blu-ray presentation retains fidelity to the original material, with delineation and compression holding robustly throughout its 93-minute run. Interestingly, despite the film not receiving a 4K UHD release, the quality achieved here suggests the potential brilliance of such an upgrade yet respects its current form's impressive appeal to retro enthusiasts.

The audio component remains steady with a 5.1 DTS-HD MA track that predominantly leans on the front speakers resembling a converted 2.0 mix. Dialogue clarity stands out, while surrounding sound stages modestly enhance sequences featuring New York City chases, supporting an engaging listen. Despite not being a benchmark in surround activity, it serves as a solid audio presentation apt for this 80s classic comedy's context.

The Blu-ray of "Who's That Girl" offers a 5.1 DTS-HD MA audio mix that largely emphasizes frontal auditory dynamics while incorporating some effective panning effects. Dialogue clarity is notably high, especially capturing the nuances of Madonna's vivacious performance, ensuring her lines maintain prominence amidst the audio landscape. The musical score is meticulously defined, providing ample comedic support through distinct instrumentation. Additionally, the soundtrack presents Madonna's contributions with remarkable precision, delivering a fresh and vibrant auditory experience with clear vocals and enhanced beats.

Although primarily front-focused, the audio mix engages surround channels periodically to enhance atmospherics and musical moods, despite lacking substantial surround engagement. This results in a smooth listening experience, melding dialogue seamlessly with intermittent sound effects. The overall sound design may not be groundbreaking, yet it achieves a degree of listener involvement that maintains interest. Directional pans are sparingly used, subtly enriching the auditory backdrop. The original stereo track is available in 2.0 DTS-HD MA audio, offering an alternative listening experience for purists.

This presentation allows for an appreciation of the distinct stereo imaging and generous bass in tracks such as “Causing A Commotion,” “The Look Of Love,” “Can’t Stop,” and the titular song. Optional English SDH subtitles are presented in a clear white font, offering accessibility without compromising visual clarity. Retaining consistency with Warner’s original DVD release, this Blu-ray maintains a well-organized and appealing audio profile that supports both dialogue and music with adept balance and definition.

The Blu-ray release of "Who's That Girl?" notably enriches its package with a modest yet meaningful collection of extras, enhancing the viewing experience for dedicated fans. The key highlight is an Audio Commentary by film historian Russell Dyball, providing an insightful, albeit slightly dry, thematic analysis of this 1980s comedy. Unfortunately, it doesn't extend to cast and crew interviews, leaving fans desiring a deeper dive. Complementing the commentary is an Image Gallery, featuring an automatic slideshow of production stills and lobby cards that nicely encapsulates the film's visual branding. Finally, a Theatrical Trailer rounds out the offerings, whisking viewers back to the film’s original promotional blitz. Overall, while the extras might lack depth, they are a welcome enhancement over previous releases.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful commentary by Russell Dyball.
• Image Gallery: Collection of production stills and posters.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer.

"Who's That Girl," directed by James Foley, emerges as a quintessential 1980s screwball comedy, spotlighting Madonna in a role crafted to mirror her vivacious pop star persona. The film pairs her with Griffin Dunne, who plays Loudon Trott, a straight-laced tax attorney about to marry into a wealthy family. His life is upended when tasked with escorting Madonna’s character, Nikki Finn, fresh out of prison, out of New York City. What ensues is a madcap adventure featuring car chases, quirky adversaries, and a roving panther named Murray—a symbol of Nikki's untamed spirit.

The film aims to echo the charm of classic slapstick comedies, driven by Madonna's energetic performance where she channels a playful riff on the iconic Marilyn Monroe archetype. Despite its box office underperformance and mixed critical reception, "Who's That Girl" has carved out a niche as a cult favorite. Its narrative joyfully propels the mismatched duo through a cascade of absurd situations designed to break Loudon's uptight demeanor. While the screenplay relies heavily on formulaic comedic tropes, the dynamic interplay between Madonna and Dunne provides sporadic sparks of genuine amusement.

Technically, Foley crafts a visually lively narrative with snappy pacing that keeps the audience engaged, despite the inconsistent tonal shifts and occasionally flat comedic elements. The film is underscored by four new Madonna songs, enhancing its lively atmosphere. Though not an award-winning performance, Madonna's portrayal adds a fun, cheeky dimension to the film, cementing her brief foray into Hollywood filmmaking during a peak in her music career. For fans or those seeking light-hearted PG entertainment from an emblematic 80s era, "Who's That Girl" offers a nostalgic romp through whimsical escapades of its time.

"Who's That Girl" is a frenetic romantic comedy that evokes the quirky charm of 1980s cinema. Directed by James Foley and featuring Madonna in a role that blends her own eccentric persona with a Marilyn Monroe-inspired flair, the film offers a humorous yet chaotic narrative. While it occasionally stumbles in its attempt to recapture the magic of old Hollywood within an '80s context, Foley manages to maintain an engaging pace. The feature’s climactic sequences, which include improbable stunts and bridal party antics, provide highlights that continue to resonate with its cult following. Despite not achieving the comedic peak it aims for, its "never boring" essence is its saving grace.

Shout! Studios’ Blu-Ray release of "Who's That Girl" doesn't disappoint when it comes to technical specifications. The film is presented in a 1.85:1 AVC aspect ratio, with audio options in English DTS-HD MA 5.1 and 2.0. While the selection of extras may seem underwhelming, the included commentary stands out for its insightfulness. The overall presentation elevates the viewing experience, transforming what is genuinely considered a C+ film into a B+ home release. The nostalgic allure of the film is captured through its technical fidelity, resonating especially with aficionados of period comedies.

In conclusion, "Who's That Girl" is best appreciated as a nostalgic venture into '80s comedy—a recommendation primarily for those seeking a light-hearted throwback. While the plot unfolds with more exuberance than coherence, it manages to shine with enough charm to warrant a watch. This Blu-Ray edition, though not abundant in extras, provides a quality showcase of this cult classic, solidifying its place in the hearts of retro-romcom enthusiasts. As such, it stands as a recommended rental for anyone eager to revisit Madonna’s memorable comedic escapades.