Blonde Ambition 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Blonde Ambition 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 8, 2024

1981’s “Blonde Ambition” strives to be something more than the average adult film. Actually, carnal activity is quite limited in the feature, with directors John and Lem Amero more interested in making something of a screwball comedy about show business and a jewelry switcheroo, with most of their attention put into the creation of the picture. The heat of “Blonde Ambition” isn’t quite there, but there’s a lot to like in this movie, which frequently endeavors to best its low-budget limitations with a lively understanding of entertainment business mishaps and New York City activity.

Siblings Sugar (Suzy Mandel) and Candy Kane (Dory Devon) have big dreams of acting stardom, but they’re stuck in Wyoming, performing in a saloon. Their fortune changes when they meet Stephen (Eric Edwards), a rich British man in America trying to retrieve the Buckingham Brooch for Lady Sybil (Molly Malone). He offers the Kane Sisters a place to stay in New York City, allowing them to enter show business, but the industry isn’t what they imagined, working their way through producers and productions. In England, Stephen soon realizes the brooch has been accidentally swapped with Sugar’s carnival jewelry, putting Lady Sybil in a mad dash to collect her prize.

The story begins in Wyoming, introducing the Kane Sisters, with Sugar the daffy one, while Candy is the brains. They offer themselves as a stage act, but find few takers, at least until Stephen catches the saloon show while retrieving the brooch. “Blonde Ambition” tracks their desire to become big names, but first the siblings deal with the locals, as Sugar is involved with Luke, a cowboy who loves her.

A swindling manager and Stephen’s private plane bring Candy and Sugar to NYC, and “Blonde Ambition” noticeably perks up when it reaches the Big Apple, sending the lead characters into multiple situations of seduction, including a shower fantasy sequence for Candy. Also of interest are moviemaking mishaps, with the sisters cast in a knock-off of “Gone with the Wind,” dealing with explosives and a director (Jamie Gillis) trying to contain the madness. Joining such oddness is a World Trade Center apartment visit for Sugar, who enjoys a menage a trois while taking time to ice skate around the living room. “Blonde Ambition” certainly isn’t short of eye-crossing moments, and these offerings of strangeness definitely help the viewing experience.

Blonde Ambition 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The UHD release of "Blonde Ambition" is listed as "newly restored from its 35mm original camera negative." The low-budget production does very well with color, which is sharply presented here, offering a vivid look at costuming. Period hues are secure, while stage and drag show costuming brings out bright yellows and deep greens. Signage around the city is distinct, and moodier club lighting is defined. Skin tones are natural. Highlights are tasteful. Detail is strong, with a clear understanding of skin particulars. Costumes are fibrous. New York City exteriors are dimensional, adding some value to the viewing experience, preserving the production era. Interiors maintain identifiable decorative additions. Blacks are deep. Grain is fine and film-like. Source has some wear and tear, with scratches periodic.

Blonde Ambition 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA offers a clear understanding of dialogue exchanges. Some brief stretches of age are encountered, but the broadness of the acting is always intelligible. Musical selections deliver a decent sense of instrumentation and comedic support.

Blonde Ambition 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (34 pages) contains an essay by film historian Casey Scott.

• Commentary features cinematographer Roberta Findlay and film historian Casey Scott.

• Image Gallery (3:10) collects poster art, newspaper ads, film stills, copyright information, and reviews.

• And a Teaser Trailer (2:21, HD) and Theatrical Trailer (3:32, HD) are included.

Blonde Ambition 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Blonde Ambition" goes from fame-seeking to mischief with the swapped brooches, putting all the characters in motion as they seek to fix the situation. This involves Lady Sybil berating Concorde pilots, while Sugar and Candy end up in a drag show. It's zany, not necessarily hilarious, but amusing, offering some clear effort to keep the picture on the move, which is exactly the right approach for "Blonde Ambition." Speed and weirdness absolutely support this study of entertainment biz determination.