Summer Lovers Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Summer Lovers" offers an impressive visual experience with its AVC encoded 1080p transfer, framed in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. While there is a slight softness that permeates many scenes, the transfer compensates with rich and appealing color fidelity. The scenic beauty of the Greek islands is captured with a distinctly lush palette, particularly emphasizing an odd teal-blue hue intrinsic to the surrounding waters. Outdoor scenes, especially those brightly lit, exhibit excellent detail and color saturation. The film grain appears natural and is well-resolved, adding a textural authenticity to the visual presentation.

However, the transfer is not without its imperfections. Though daylight sequences boast strong blacks and shadows, contributing to a pleasing sense of depth, night scenes suffer from minor contrast issues, occasionally displaying crush and a somewhat flat appearance. The whites in the architecture and rocks have substantial pop without any bloom or bleed, but there is a sporadic presence of age-related speckling. These minor flaws do little to detract from the overall visual enjoyment, thanks to the detailed portrayals and vibrant colors that "Summer Lovers" manages to deliver.

This Blu-ray transfer ultimately brings out the scenic allure of the Greek island locations with a naturally saturated palette that enhances the immersive viewing experience.

"Summer Lovers" features a remarkably vivid DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track that expertly captures the ambient sounds of island life. From the wind sweeping over the rocky landscape to the rhythmic crashing of waves, the audio mix delivers a rich soundscape with exceptional clarity and prioritization. Basil Poledouris's energetic score is wonderfully nuanced, integrating seamlessly with dialogue and source cues.

As a dialogue-heavy film, "Summer Lovers" maintains crisp and clean conversations without distortion, even against the backdrop of dynamic sound effects, such as nightclub scenes. The numerous pop songs throughout the film are given extra space and presence, enhancing their impact nearly to the level of a standalone music video. Overall, level balancing is meticulously handled, ensuring minimal need for volume adjustments during viewing. This audio track offers an immersive experience that perfectly complements the visual elements of the film.

The "Summer Lovers" Blu-ray extras offer a robust collection of features that enhance the understanding and appreciation of the film. The audio commentary by writer/director Randal Kleiser, while informative on aspects like the film’s genesis and casting, occasionally feels scripted rather than spontaneous. The isolated score track in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 is a notable mention for audiophiles. Although "The Making of Summer Lovers" and the "Screen Tests" are presented in standard definition, they provide valuable behind-the-scenes insights. The highlight of the extras is "Basil Poledouris: His Life and Music," an extensive piece featuring intimate interviews with Poledouris and his family, demonstrating his significant impact on film music. The inclusion of both theatrical and red band trailers in high definition adds to the nostalgic value, along with a celebratory MGM 90th Anniversary trailer.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Writer/Director Randal Kleiser provides detailed insights.

Isolated Score Track: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.

The Making of Summer Lovers: Vintage EPK offering production insights.

Basil Poledouris: His Life and Music: Comprehensive look at the composer’s career.

Screen Tests: Early auditions for the role of Michael, featuring Patrick Swayze.

Original Theatrical Trailer: Initial high-definition trailer providing movie basics.

Red Band Trailer: Alternative high-definition trailer highlighting drama.

MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer: Celebratory high-definition trailer.

Randal Kleiser’s 1982 film "Summer Lovers" is often compared with his earlier works, especially "The Blue Lagoon," due to its exploration of sexual awakening. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Greek island of Santorini, the narrative follows American tourists Michael (Peter Gallagher) and Cathy (Daryl Hannah) who, during a seemingly idyllic vacation, encounter French archeologist Lina (Valérie Quennessen). This fortuitous meeting leads to a m�nage à trois that blurs the lines of love and monogamy. Despite its potential for depth, the film often teeters on the edge of melodrama, favoring a libidinous travelogue aesthetic over meaningful characterization or dramatic heft.

The film's premise combines elements of coming-of-age and sexual exploration genres but struggles with tonal consistency. While Gallagher, Hannah, and Quennessen deliver commendable performances, they are often confined by the screenplay's simplistic depiction of their characters' emotional complexities. Much of the intrigue derives from the picturesque scenery and the physical allure of its cast rather than the narrative itself. Santorini’s sun-drenched beaches provide a visually stunning—but occasionally distracting—backdrop, making the film feel more like a sumptuous holiday brochure than a poignant exploration of relationship dynamics.

Musically, "Summer Lovers" is elevated by Basil Poledouris’s evocative score complemented by an eclectic array of early 80s pop hits from artists like Michael Sembello, Depeche Mode, and Elton John. These tracks add a nostalgic layer to the viewing experience, even if they sometimes clash with the film's intended emotional beats. Ultimately, while "Summer Lovers" possesses a charming visual and auditory nostalgia, it falls short of leaving a lasting impact due to its lack of dramatic depth and sense of discovery.

The Blu-ray release of "Summer Lovers" by Twilight Time showcases a commendable presentation of a film that may not resonate deeply from a dramatic perspective but excels in visual allure and glamour. The plot, which circles around a provocative love triangle set against the picturesque backdrop of a Greek island, unfolds predictably without delving into substantial narrative complexities. Nevertheless, it is the film's stunning cinematography and the magnetic charm of its cast that captivate the audience, offering an enchanting viewing experience despite a lack of emotional or intellectual depth.

The technical specifications of this Blu-ray release are generally impressive. The video transfer maintains the integrity of the film's vibrant color palette and sharp detail, enhancing the visual splendor of the Mediterranean scenery. The audio tracks provide clear dialogue and a balanced representation of the soundtrack, contributing to an immersive auditory experience. Additionally, Twilight Time has curated an engaging suite of supplemental features, including insightful commentary and behind-the-scenes footage, which enrich the appreciation of the film and its production backdrop.

While "Summer Lovers" might not strike a chord with viewers seeking profound storytelling, its aesthetic appeal and professional Blu-ray presentation render it a worthwhile acquisition. The charming yet superficial narrative is surpassed by excellent technical merits and well-crafted extras. Overall, this Blu-ray release is recommended for collectors and fans who appreciate visual beauty and comprehensive supplementary content.