Working Girl Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Working Girl" by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, showcased with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, presents a significant enhancement over its DVD predecessor. Viewers can expect a notable improvement in image detail, such as the textures on Tess's power suits, bringing a more refined visual experience. Despite this, the video carries a persistently grainy quality beginning with the Fox masthead, continuing throughout the film. This graininess contributes to a natural, organic look, albeit with a trade-off against fine detail crispness in certain scenes. While the color timing veers towards the cooler side, with slightly paler and yellower flesh tones than expected, the absence of artificial filtering or sharpening retains the film's original aesthetic integrity. With a strong bitrate support and dual-layer BD handling, compression artifacts are effectively nonexistent, ensuring a stable and faithful rendition of this classic film.

At first, the 1080p/MPEG-4 AVC transfer of "Working Girl" might not impress, particularly because of its inherent grainy and 'soft-looking' quality characteristic of its original cinematic presentation. Yet, it is this very feature that underscores the film's authentic and film-like appearance without succumbing to unnecessary digital noise reduction or artificial enhancement. The color palette is managed with care, avoiding oversaturation yet offering warmth that approaches what one might recall from the film's theatrical run in 1988. While minor blemishes like dirt and jitter are observable mainly during the opening sequence, they dissipate significantly as the film progresses, leaving a mostly clean and stable viewing experience. Although the grain may affect perceived sharpness and fine detail subtly, it ultimately serves to preserve the film's original look and feel, providing a nostalgic viewing experience that respects its source material.

The audio presentation of "Working Girl" on Blu-ray, featured in an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, delivers a serviceable yet unremarkable experience that leans heavily on dialogues, with clarity being its strongest suit. The dynamic range of the audio track seems restricted, and while fidelity is acceptable, the overall immersion is lackluster, especially in aspects where a robust soundscape could elevate the experience. Notably, Carly Simon's "Let the River Run" and select scenes bustling with activity show some spatial utilization of the side and rear channels, yet these moments are few and far between. The dialogue is predominantly anchored front and center, meticulously clear without distortion or audio imperfections, even against the backdrop of dubbed ADR in outdoor sequences which remains distinct and balanced.

The surround sound is notably subdued; engagement with the rear channels is minimal, requiring an effort to discern activity, indicating a underutilized 5.1 setup. Nonetheless, the audio clarity remains uncompromised across dialogues, underscoring the film's primary focus. The Blu-ray disc does not just stop with the English 5.1 track but extends its auditory offerings with a plethora of other audio options including English 2.0 Dolby Digital, and multiple DTS tracks in French, Spanish, German, Italian along with additional Dolby Digital tracks in various languages accommodating a wide range of viewership. Subtitle options are equally extensive, covering an array of languages that promise an inclusive viewing experience for a global audience. Despite these generous offerings, the core audio experience remains fundamentally grounded in clarity and dialogue precision, albeit at the cost of a truly immersive soundstage.

The Blu-ray extras for "Working Girl" mainly consist of vintage promotional materials, providing a glimpse into the film's original marketing campaign. The compilation includes two theatrical trailers and a trio of television spots, all presented in standard definition. The trailers, labelled 'Theatrical Trailer A' and 'Theatrical Trailer B', offer a contrasting approach in promoting the film's narrative and its ensemble cast. Meanwhile, the television spots, titled 'Be My Secretary', 'Woman in Charge', and 'Really Famous', further emphasize the movie's themes of ambition and transformation in the corporate world. These extras serve not only as a nostalgic throwback but also as an insightful look into the film's positioning upon its original release, making them a valuable addition for collectors and fans of this cinematic gem.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailers: Two theatrical trailers for "Working Girl", presented in standard definition.
• TV Spots: A set of three TV spots advertising the film with titles 'Be My Secretary', 'Woman in Charge', and 'Really Famous', all in standard definition.

Working Girl," directed by Mike Nichols and presented on Blu-ray, encapsulates the ethos and spirit of the late 1980s' working-class dream, albeit through a lens that may now appear somewhat antiquated. The movie's narrative, focusing on Melanie Griffith's Tess McGill, an ambitious secretary who transcends her station through cunning and ambition, unfolds as a poignant if somewhat hackneyed, fairy tale of corporate ascension and personal discovery. Griffith's character, navigating the cutthroat corridors of Wall Street, provides insightful business advice to her bosses, aiming to leverage her night-school-acquired Bachelors Degree into a higher position, a goal initially thwarted by systemic sexism.

The film is marked by its sharp wit and a sophisticated comedy reminiscent of Nichols' early career in standup, seamlessly weaving into the story a critique of class and culture within the high-tension world of Wall Street. Kevin Wade's screenplay offers not only an engaging examination of these themes but does so with nuance and a keen understanding of the era's corporate dynamics. Despite some elements that may now seem stereotypical or overplayed, such as the romance subplot with Harrison Ford's Jack Trainer and the visual trappings of '80s fashion, "Working Girl" stands out for its direction, smart scripting, and particularly for Griffith's performance, arguably her career best.

However, "Working Girl" also inadvertently highlights the evolving nature of workplace dynamics and gender roles, reflecting societal shifts since its debut. The film’s approach to Tess McGill’s empowerment, involving impersonation and deception to navigate corporate hierarchies, sparks discussion about meritocracy and ethical ambition. Despite these elements inviting scrutiny in contemporary contexts, the film remains a definitive portrayal of its time, balancing nostalgia with the more sobering aspects of its narrative to deliver a mixed yet ultimately compelling cinematic experience.

Working Girl" arrives on Blu-ray with a presentation that garners appreciation for both its enduring charm and technical excellence. The film, a notable piece from the late 80s, captures the essence of female empowerment with an engaging blend of humor and drama, though its revolutionary stance might appear more modest by contemporary viewpoints. The narrative, despite threading through familiar territory and a sprinkle of clichés, is elevated by the exceptional performances of its leading cast - Griffith, Cusack, and Weaver, whose efforts were acknowledged with Academy Award nominations. Their ability to weave through the script's less innovative moments adds a layer of depth to the film's overall emotional resonance.

On the technical front, "Working Girl" shines on Blu-ray, boasting superb technical merits that bolster its viewing experience. The visual and audio quality are commendable, presenting the film in a light that accentuates its directorial finesse and the period it encapsulates. However, it's notable that this release may leave some wanting due to the paucity of supplementary features. This omission might limit its appeal strictly to those who hold a fondness for the film or are ardent followers of the genre or director Mike Nichols’ repertoire.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray release of "Working Girl" stands as a solid addition for collectors and enthusiasts, primarily due to its stellar lead performances and high technical quality. While the lack of extensive extras might be a drawback for some, the film itself remains an enjoyable and insightful look into 80s culture and female ambition. It comes recommended for those looking to revisit or discover a classic that, despite a few dated elements, offers a heartwarming and entertaining experience.