Mannequin Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Mannequin" on Blu-ray, as shot by Tim Suhrstedt and transferred by Olive Films from MGM's well-preserved source material to a 1080p, AVC-encoded format, delivers an impressive effort for fans of this classic '80s film. Using a BD-25 with a notable average bitrate of 31.50 Mbps, the transfer achieves excellent compression and avoids digital manipulation. The palette is bright and colorful, especially apparent in clothing textures and interior scenes, while maintaining solid black levels and a natural grain pattern that feels authentic to the film's origin. Despite an inherent softness in the image, characteristic of 80s film and not indicative of any fault in the transfer, there is an abundance of detail visible in skin textures, clothing patterns, and the distinct departments within Prince & Company.

From a technical standpoint, the clarity and detail of this Blu-ray version are noteworthy. The encoding via MPEG-4 AVC at 1080p resolution maintains an aspect ratio of 1.85:1, ensuring the picture appears natural and true to its original presentation. The color reproduction is vibrant with well-saturated colors and controlled popping, particularly on standout pieces like Kim Cattrall’s pink dress. Black levels are generally robust, providing good shading while avoiding crushing, although they do occasionally obscure finer details. Facial close-ups reveal lifelike detail in makeup lines, stubble, and skin textures, maintaining consistent warm flesh tones throughout. Despite occasional artifacts like film grain and minor dirt specks, the video shows no serious compression or blocking issues, making this release likely the best "Mannequin" has ever looked on home video.

Mannequin’s audio presentation on Blu-ray is delivered in a lossless DTS-HD MA 2.0 format, originating from its original Dolby Stereo release. This mix effectively brings forth the film's vibrant soundtrack, featuring Sylvester Levay's dynamic electronic score and memorable tracks by artists such as Belinda Carlisle and Starship. While the primary focus remains on the music, which is presented with full richness and clarity, the essential sound effects, including the energetic discovery of power tools, are capably reproduced. However, the overall balance of the mix presents some challenges, as the score and effects often overpower the dialogue, leading to slightly lower and occasionally muffled vocals.

Despite these minor imbalances, the audio dynamics generally hold up well. The impressive moments within the music tracks resonate uniquely, enhancing the film’s signature scenes. Notably, the sound effects maintain a well-rounded and full quality. While there is no low-frequency extension or advanced surround sound presentation in this 2.0 mix, a surround decoder can expand the stereo tracks effectively. Subtitles are not included with this release, focusing entirely on the auditory experience. The music notably shines through with crisp clarity, while dialogue reproduction remains passable though subdued. The delivery offers a nostalgic audio journey fitting for this iconic 80s film.

The Blu-ray release of "Mannequin" offers a minimal range of extra features. While the high-definition trailer provides a brief but visually appealing glimpse into the film, it falls short of delivering a comprehensive insight into the movie's background or production nuances. This minimalist approach may disappoint viewers expecting a more detailed behind-the-scenes experience or additional content like cast interviews or commentary. Although the technical quality of the trailer is commendable, the overall lack of diverse extras leaves room for improvement in future releases.

Extras included in this disc:

Trailer: A high-definition trailer offering a 1:36-minute preview of the film.

Review: Mannequin Blu-ray

"Mannequin" stands as an emblematic artifact from the Eighties, epitomizing the era's distinctive charm through its clothing, soundtrack, and fantastical elements. The movie garnered attention as a rare hit aimed at young female audiences from the now-defunct Cannon Group, despite facing critical evisceration. Its narrative revolves around Jonathan Switcher, played by Andrew McCarthy, an aspiring artist in Philadelphia who inadvertently brings his display mannequin, imbued with the spirit of a young Egyptian woman named Emy (portrayed by Kim Cattrall), to life. The film thrives on the whimsical fantasy of an unlikely affair, bolstered by over-the-top, campy secondary characters like Meshach Taylor's Hollywood Montrose and James Spader's absurdly snobbish antagonist, Richards. Each character adds layers of humorous absurdity, creating a cartoonish world far removed from reality.

Technically, the film offers a vibrant portrayal of 1980s fashion and culture. Its screwball romantic comedy elements are underscored by a solid yet fantastical foundation. Embedded within this exaggerated narrative are occasional moments of sincere connection between Jonathan and Emy, making their collaboration both commercial and emotionally fulfilling. However, "Mannequin" doesn't venture deep into its own premise, often relying on cliched character arcs and shallow conflicts. The film constrains itself with predictable tropes and stereotypes, such as the flamboyant gay friend and hapless security guard played by G.W. Bailey. Though criticized for its lack of depth and over-reliance on dated humor, the movie’s sheer fantastical nature and iconic soundtrack, including Starship’s "Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now," inject a peculiar charm that resonates even after decades.

While "Mannequin" may appear as a silly relic to contemporary audiences, its nostalgic extravagance renders it a quintessential 80s experience. The improbable romance and outlandish situations encapsulate an era when cinematic fantasy felt boundless, offering a unique blend of romantic whimsy and comedic buffoonery that remains endearingly watchable despite its critical flaws.

The Blu-ray release of "Mannequin" brings back a vibrant piece of 80s nostalgia, capturing both the charm and kitsch of its original era. While the film itself might not be universally hailed as a cinematic masterpiece, it harbors an undeniable appeal, especially for those who cherished it on VHS or in theaters back in the day. Olive Films deserves commendation for this effort, ensuring that the audio and video transfers are handled with care, thus presenting the film in a refreshed yet faithful light.

Technically, the Blu-ray offers a commendable upgrade. The picture quality boasts enriched colors and fine details that elevate the film's visual experience without stripping away its nostalgic feel. The audio track is clean and well-balanced, enhancing both dialogue and soundtrack seamlessly. Olive Films met the expectations for a Blu-ray release of such a nostalgic film, providing a solid audiovisual experience for both longtime fans and curious newcomers.

In conclusion, "Mannequin" is a trifle, but it's a well-made one. The most likely purchasers of this Blu-ray are those who remember the film fondly and are eager to revisit it. Those new to the experience need to approach it with appropriate expectations, both for "Mannequin's" era and for its content. Either way, Olive has done a creditable job of bringing the film to Blu-ray. Recommended.