Valley Girl Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded 1080p transfer of "Valley Girl," presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, offers an eye-catching splash of color mirroring both the vibrant 1980s aesthetic and modern digital enhancements. The hues are powerfully dynamic, with dominant pinks and blues complemented by bursts of vivid reds, especially noticeable in the lighting of specific scenes. While the skintones appear natural, an intentional touch of softness occasionally masks the age of actors. The image presents a solid level of detail, particularly in clothing textures, from soiled cotton shirts to shiny spandex ensembles. Set decoration also shines through vividly, detailing the film’s urban landscape with realistic nuances.

The film's contrast and black levels are commendable, handling daytime brightness and nighttime shadows excellently without clipping or crushing. Detail work is remarkably preserved, showcasing the intricate efforts of the production team in replicating the era's distinctive styles. Distances add a pleasing three-dimensional appeal, with smooth and natural movements throughout. Unfortunately, some compression issues are apparent during evening vistas, with occasional blockiness and banding. However, overall noise and artifacts remain minimal. Despite minor drawbacks, the Blu-ray presents "Valley Girl" with a flashy sheen that remains true to its high-energy roots.

The audio presentation of the "Valley Girl" Blu-ray comes in an engaging 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix, which reflects the film's vibrant and musically-centric theme. This mix provides an immersive auditory experience without overwhelming the listener. The soundtrack prominently features vocals with clear definition, allowing the singers to stand out, while the music exhibits well-articulated instrumentation and a controlled low-end, especially noticeable in synth-heavy tracks. The surround elements are compelling, with musical numbers creating an enveloping soundstage, filling the room with dynamic engagements. The dialogue remains consistently sharp and precise, capturing the characters' emotional tones effectively. Additionally, the atmospheric audio components, such as house parties, school, and mall scenes, contribute to a lively and engaging auditory ambiance.

Technically, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix is somewhat front-heavy but springs to life when music kicks in, offering excellent fidelity and a wide dynamic range. The low-frequency effects (LFE) are utilized impressively, particularly in musical sequences, augmenting the experience with deep resonant beats and integrating natural sounds like doors shutting and engines running. The surround sound presentation is meticulously crafted, generally focusing on front-stage action yet illuminating the entire room during musical moments, recreating an authentic concert-like atmosphere. Dialogue reproduction is commendably clear and crisp throughout, maintaining consistency from spoken word to singing with minimal perceptible shift.

In terms of audio dynamics, the track succeeds in delivering a balanced and harmonious sound. The musical elements significantly fill up the listening space, while natural sounds are enriched with depth and layering. Although this release might seem basic in terms of additional features, the 5.1 track ensures an engaging audio experience that aligns beautifully with the film's spirit.

The Blu-ray release of "Valley Girl" features minimal supplementary material. The primary offering is a digital code insert, allowing consumers to redeem a digital copy of the film on Vudu in HDX format. Despite the lack of additional content such as trailers or behind-the-scenes features, the inclusion of this digital code provides viewers with convenient access to the movie across various devices.

Extras included in this disc:

Digital Code: An insert contains a code to redeem a digital copy on Vudu in HDX.

Rachel Lee Goldenberg’s Valley Girl (2020) presents a refreshing and high-energy reworking of the 1983 cult classic, blending the essence of teenage romance with the vibrant beats of 1980s pop music. The film introduces its narrative through the framing device of an older Julie (Alicia Silverstone) recounting her teenage experiences to her heartbroken daughter. This contemporary representation of Julie (Jessica Rothe) encapsulates the quintessential "valley girl" ethos, depicted navigating complex social dynamics and an unexpected romance with Randy (Josh Whitehouse), a punk rocker from Hollywood. The plot sustains itself through broad and lively performances, aiming primarily to resonate with a younger audience. Goldenberg complements the story’s romantic turmoil with energetic musical numbers, effectively providing a nostalgic yet fresh take on renowned 80s music.

Valley Girl maintains fidelity to its original screenplay while injecting a cartoonish sense of entertainment, weaving seminal tracks like "We Got the Beat" and "I Melt With You" into key narrative moments. The film’s period-specific aesthetic is amplified by vivid cinematography and costuming, although it forgoes historical accuracy for a generalized 80s vibe that mixes iconic elements without strict adherence to timelines. The cast, notably Rothe and supporting actors like Mae Whitman and Logan Paul, deliver solid performances, albeit Whitehouse’s singing occasionally falters. Despite these minor setbacks, the film’s exuberant musical renditions provide both a nostalgic trip for older viewers and a dynamic experience for new ones.

Critically, Goldenberg’s version diverges significantly from Martha Coolidge's original by eschewing dramatic grit for a lively, almost whimsical portrayal of teen exuberance. Period hits serve as narrative devices as well as opportunities for showcasing the cast’s vocal talents. Valley Girl ultimately thrives as a whimsical tribute to 1980s pop culture, with its jovial choreographed dances and a radiantly optimistic interpretation of cross-cultural teenage romance. Though it won’t supersede the legacy of its predecessor, this remake stands as an enjoyable celebration of an iconic era in music and cinema.

The Blu-ray release of the "Valley Girl" remake offers a visually and sonically engaging package that captures the essence of the updated 1980s vibe with modern sensibilities. Warner Bros delivers a terrifically polished audio/video presentation that enhances the high-energy musical sequences and vibrant visuals. While the reimagined film may lack the valley-speak charm of the original, it compensates with spirited performances, an infectious pop soundtrack, and robust production values that cater well to its target demographic.

Despite its charms, the film could benefit from tighter editing to balance out its sometimes heavy melodramatic aspects, ensuring the narrative doesn't lag amidst the entertaining musical moments. Directed by Rachel Goldenberg, this version of "Valley Girl" is clearly envisioned for a pre-teen audience, offering a stylized vision of the 1980s that emphasizes empowerment themes over the iconic quirks of the original.

In conclusion, fans of the original film might find this update to be a departure, but it nonetheless offers a fun, party-like atmosphere propelled by delightful 1980s pop favorites and energetic performances. The Blu-ray lacks substantial bonus features beyond a digital copy, but given its low starting price, it is a worthy addition to any collection or at least merits a rental for an enjoyable viewing experience.