Covergirl Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.5

Covergirl Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 21, 2019

At the height of the television show “Dynasty” and the rise of the supermodel movement in pop culture, Canada decided it wanted in on the fun. 1984’s “Covergirl” merges the glamour of runway domination with slight camp, though director Jean-Claude Lord doesn’t exactly turn the production into a drag show. Instead, he treats the material (scripted by co-star Charles Dennis) with as much respect as possible, presenting the fantasy of attention and extraordinary style with the reality of predatory men and personal sacrifices, working to add some grit to the broad picture. “Covergirl” isn’t high drama, but it has enough industry challenges to hold attention, delivering a decent examination of the price of fantasy, especially for the women who aspire to make a name for themselves in the world of modeling.

Working her way up the ranks of the modeling world, Kit (Irena Ferris) is trying to become a star, doing well with photo shoots and runway appearances, making a name for herself. Slone (Jeff Conaway, acting up a storm here) is the owner of Leisure 80, a tech company specializing in toys for the rich, enjoying a lively bachelor lifestyle. When Sloane meets Kit, he grows obsessed with her, commencing a plan to purchase part of her modeling agency and take over as her manager. Making big plans for his client, Sloane also wants to fall in love, making a move on Kit, who’s won over by the opulence of his lifestyle and the professional promises he’s making. As the two commence a relationship, Kit begins to experience Sloane’s controlling nature, where he works hard to make her the biggest thing in New York City. Kit faces pushback from her colleagues, while Chandler (Kenneth Welsh), once loyal to Sloane, now makes plans to unseat the Leisure 80 honcho, looking to take command of Kit as she reaches new heights of fame.

Kit is joined by a pack of models to keep her accessible to the viewer, and they all have their issues. Avril (Deborah Wakeham) is emotionally fragile, taking a recent breakup with ruthless photographer Joel (August Schellenberg) badly. Dee (Robert Leighton) is Kit’s roommate, and she’s resorting to prostitution to pay her bills, hoping to match her pal in the glamour department while she meets with numerous creeps. Zara (Tiiu Leek) is the bad influence of the group, trying to solve every problem with a vial of cocaine, planning to corrupt those new to the business. These are a strange group of women, but “Covergirl” can be an odd picture, tracking Kit’s ascent in the industry, where she deals with various jobs and the demands of her hot-tempered agent, Eva (Paulle Clark). The script cooks up a series of subplots for Lord to follow, with Kit the center of attention, achieving stardom while her contemporaries suffer multiple setbacks.

Kit’s not exactly a decent person, but then again, this is the 1980s. She’s motivated by opportunity, sleeping with Sloane after he promises to make her a legend in the modeling world. She’s not an especially good friend, and while she wants fame, she’s quick to complain about it. But she’s the hero of the story, enduring the highs and lows of ambition, eventually reaching bottom when Joel sets his sights on her after a photo shoot, attempting a sexual assault. Lord isn’t aiming for realism, but there seems to be some truth driving a few scenes in the movie, which find Kit dealing with lecherous men and jealous women, though any sort of industry authenticity is punted out the window after a scene where two characters enjoy a cat fight in a bathtub overflowing with suds. That Dennis chases this moment with the announcement of a character death is pure silliness, which “Covergirl” could use a little more of.

Covergirl Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation is billed as a "Brand new 2019 scan," giving this obscure title some necessary clarity for its Blu-ray debut. Detail is strong throughout, working with the production's fondness for ornate costumes, which deliver on all sorts of fibrous textures. Intended sheerness is preserved. Facial surfaces are inviting, surveying the defined faces of the models. City distances open for study, along with apartment and office interiors, which are loaded with period-specific decoration. Colors are appealingly refreshed, with strong primaries on clothing options. Photo and runways show lighting is also a highlight, delivering bright rainbow hues. Skintones are natural. Delineation preserve frame information. Source is in decent shape, with a few brief scratches and blips of damage, and slight judder is detected.

Covergirl Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix encounters some trouble with the opening reel, which carries heavy hiss, clearing up soon enough. The rest of the listening event is passably cleaner, with defined dialogue exchanges, exploring quieter seductive moments and argumentative behavior without distortive extremes. Scoring supports comfortably, with crisp instrumentation, and soundtrack selections enjoy some pop power. Atmospherics are basic but enjoyable, surveying party bustle, street activity, and runway show excitement.

Covergirl Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Theatrical Trailer (1:57, SD) is included.

Covergirl Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

While dramatically rickety, "Covergirl" is entertaining, watching Kit do her thing during work, while Sloane's office and home are loaded with toys from the era, filled with video games and robot servants. A more defined plot emerges in the final act, where Chandler makes a play for the company and Kit, reveling in his sudden claim of power, becoming a Bond villain for the production. Structure helps the endeavor, giving the characters someone to fight, which leads to a team effort finale, but "Covergirl" also connects as it wanders around these lives, taking a look at their lack of impulse control and fondness for eyeliner. It's not quite a soap opera and not exactly absurdity, with Lord keeping things under control just in case there's a shot the movie could be accepted as a genuine look at the perils of the modeling world.