7 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.6 |
In the summer of 1963, innocent 17-year-old Baby vacations with her parents at a Catskill's resort. One evening, she is drawn to the staff quarters by stirring music. There, she meets Johnny, the hotel dance instructor, who is as experienced as Baby is naive. Baby soon becomes Johnny's pupil in dance and love.
Starring: Jennifer Grey, Patrick Swayze, Jerry Orbach, Cynthia Rhodes, Jack WestonRomance | 100% |
Teen | 50% |
Coming of age | 27% |
Music | 27% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1
English: Dolby Digital 5.1 EX
English, English SDH, Spanish
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Digital copy (on disc)
Region free
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 3.0 | |
Audio | 2.5 | |
Extras | 5.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
With the creation of any new format, early adopters run the risk of stumbling onto flawed releases that don’t truly do a film justice. Lionsgate was one of the first studios out of the gate with several of their most popular catalog titles (Stargate, Terminator 2, Saw), including the gold standard of “chick flick” cinema, Dirty Dancing. It’s hard to believe it’s been three years since the original Blu-ray release of Dirty Dancing, but given the technical mistakes on the first stab, this seems a fitting timeframe to finally deliver the version fans have been waiting for. Loaded with new special features, a remastered video presentation, and lavishly displayed in a comprehensive box set, this should represent the final definitive version of the beloved classic. Keep in mind the word “should” as we dig into the nuts and bolts of this release.
The pose that captured the hearts of millions.
Presented in 1080p utilizing the AVC codec (at an average bitrate of 34Mbps), this remastered version of Dirty Dancing corrects many of the atrocities that plagued the prior edition, but remains a victim of less-than-ideal source elements. Beginning with the positives, we're no longer subject to horrendous aliasing, stair-stepping borders, black crush within shadows, egregious red push, and abundant layers of noise. Additionally, it appears the video engineers in charge of the digital clean-up have removed burn marks, dust blobs, and other stand-out deficiencies found on the prior release. From a coloring standpoint, this edition takes the drab hues we've grown accustomed to over the years and delivers a naturalistic vibrancy that enhances the visual proficiency of the overall experience.
Considering the number of improvements listed thus far, it would only be natural to question my reasoning behind providing such a low score in the video category. As much as I wish I could say everything is roses and sunshine with this remastered transfer, fans hoping for a tremendous bump in clarity will surely walk away disappointed. I never viewed the film during its original theatrical run, so any comments on the quality of the source material are mere speculation, but it seems Dirty Dancing is destined to remain a soft, low-budget production. There's clearly a marginal step up in the transition to 1080p (mostly visible in the fabric of clothing or individual strands of hair), but compared with some of the remarkable remasters we've witnessed in a relatively short span of time, Dirty Dancing ranks near the bottom.
Similar to the quality of the visual presentation, the step up to a lossless 7.1 audio track seems an exercise in futility. This isn't terribly surprising considering the underwhelming nature of the lossless 6.1 presentation on the prior release, but I'd hoped for a remastered audio experience to accompany the improvements in the visuals. Instead, we're given the same front-heavy mix, dialog that lacks crisp precision, and a legendary soundtrack that seems almost lifeless. Out of these weaknesses, the one that stands out as a profound disappointment is the reproduction of the musical material, since that's one of the key reasons why fans revisit the film time and time again. Listening to songs such as "Hungry Eyes" or "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" should generate goose bumps rather than auditory irritation (Ok, it's not THAT bad), so the fact that these songs don't ring true in the way they were originally intended is a profound shame.
Bottom line, if you own the prior Blu-ray release, there's no need to upgrade for the audio alone.
Aside from providing a wealth of special features, this new "Keepsake Edition" comes housed in a bulky 2-inch thick box that stands about an inch taller than a typical Blu-ray case. The box opens like a shoebox to reveal a tri-fold cardboard case housing the two discs, and a separate hardbound book with full color photos and nostalgic tidbits from the film. Also included are two random marketing advertisements and the sheet with your digital download code (for use with the separate digital copy disc).
New to this edition:
Kellerman's: Reliving the Locations of the Film (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 12:24 min): The retreat setting for the film is revisited by various members of the production crew as well as employees of the Mountain Lake Hotel where the bulk of the footage was shot. According to the interviews within the featurette, the Hotel has become a nostalgic getaway for avid fans of the film.
The Dirty Dancing Phenomenon (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 13:43 min): Lionsgate Executive Jim Gladstone discusses the production of Dirty Dancing by a fledgling studio named Vestron, who acquired the rights to the script following the success of Flashdance and Footloose. Other interviews focus on budgetary limitations, low expectations prior to the release of the soundtrack, and the tremendous word-of-mouth that spread like wildfire during the theatrical release.
In Memoriam (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 1:58 min) Jerry Orbach, Jack Weston, Emile Ardolino, Max Cantor, and Patrick Swayze are all memorialized through clips taken from the film.
A Tribute to Patrick Swayze (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 15:15 min): Donny Swayze (Patrick's brother) and Patrick's wife Lisa Niemi provide a sentimental look at his life. Beginning with his childhood, and continuing through his years as a ballet dancer and actor, this supplement focuses on Swayze's career up through Dirty Dancing, before jumping forward to his diagnosis with pancreatic cancer. Prepare to choke back a few tears.
The Rhythm of the Dancing (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 4:08 min): Swayze discusses the music in Dirty Dancing, and the inspirational role his wife played in songs such as "She's Like the Wind" (which he performed on the soundtrack). During the interview segment, we're provided a glimpse of his home recording studio.
Fan Reel (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 1:42 min): Presented as a brief montage, this supplement shows fans from all over the world paying tribute to the film in their own unique way.
James and Julia Derbyshire: Dancing Across the Pond (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 4:41 min): This corny segment presents a fan couple who reenacted a dance sequence during their wedding and listed it on YouTube.
Dancing to the Music (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 16:32 min): The main players involved in the production of the soundtrack reminisce on the impact music played in the film's ultimate success.
Theatrical Trailer (1080p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 2:25 min)
Eleanor Bergstein Script (1080p): as the title implies, this is a text-based copy of the entire Dirty Dancing script, with an introduction provided by writer Eleanor Bergstein.
Interview with Miranda Garrison (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 13:19 min): This is the only new interview included on this release, featuring the actress that played Vivian Pressman and served as assistant choreographer for the film. The information she provides focuses largely on the development of the dance routines throughout the production.
Vintage Featurette (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 6:45 min): this supplement is little more than marketing fluff released around the time Dirty Dancing hit theaters.
Dirty Dancing: Live in Concert (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 1:22:56 min): If you're interested in watching a concert production released in the wake of the film's success, here's your chance (complete with some of the worst fashion the 80's had to offer).
Digital Copy on a separate disc for download on PC or Mac (iTunes compatible).
Carried over from the prior release:
Feature-Length Audio Commentaries: The first commentary track features writer Eleanor Bergstein, and dates back to the original DVD released nine years ago. If you're interested in the production history of the film and the events that inspired Bergstein's original story, this is a worthwhile listen. The second commentary track surfaced on the 2003 Ultimate Edition DVD release, and incorporates contributions by Choreographer Kenny Ortega, Assistant Choreographer Miranda Garrison, Cinematographer Jeff Jur, Costume Designer Hilary Rosenfeld, and Production Designer David Chapman. This track is less entertaining and insightful than the prior offering, but delves deeper into the technical aspects of the production.
A Tribute to Emile Ardolino (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 13:28 min): This retrospective look at the life of the late director includes interviews with Miranda Garrison (assistant choreographer), Jennifer Grey, Kenny Ortega (choreographer), Eleanor Berstein (writer), and Luis M. Rodriguez Villa (Emile Ardolino's partner).
A Tribute to Jerry Orbach (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 6:33 min): Narrated by Kelly Bishop (his co-star in Dirty Dancing), this supplement is a biographical look at Orbach's career on Broadway and his long stint on the "Law & Order" television series (which ended shortly before he passed away in 2004).
Dirty Dancing with Patrick Swayze (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 12:28 min): The late actor discusses the influence of dance on his life, themes he appreciated in Dirty Dancing, and provides information on the production design of the dance sequences.
Outtakes (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 38 sec)
Music Videos (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0): "Hungry Eyes", "She's Like the Wind", and "The Time of my Life".
Multi-Angle Dance Sequences (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 2 min): Two scenes (The Life and Everybody Dance) are presented with the option of viewing four different angles.
Interviews (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0): Jennifer Grey (11:13 min), Eleanor Bergstein (18:36 min), and Kenny Ortega (15:21 min) are asked specific questions about working on the film, and the role they played in the final product. Since these interviews are included on the prior edition, I'll spare you a lengthy description.
Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey Screen Test Montage (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 1:10 min): Various clips of the acting couple performing dance-related screen tests are included.
Jennifer Grey Screen Test Comparisons (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0, various brief runtimes): Actress Jennifer Grey is shown in character during screen tests of two scenes, followed by the final version from the film.
Deleted Scenes (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 11:48 min): 11 deleted scenes are individually listed.
Alternate Scenes (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 2:38 min): 3 alternate scenes are individually listed.
Extended Scenes (480p, Dolby Digital 2.0, 7:47 min): 7 extended scenes are individually listed.
Photo Gallery (1080p)
Feature Length Trivia Track
At this point, you're probably wrestling with a cost-benefit analysis, which becomes increasingly difficult for those who already own the prior Blu-ray edition. On the one hand, we have a remastered video presentation that clearly surpasses the dismal quality of the initial flawed presentation, yet remains hampered by core deficiencies in the source material. There's always a chance we'll see a dramatic restoration at some point in the future (culled from pristine elements in a secret vault), but until that happens, I'd suspect Lionsgate has provided the best possible presentation with the available print. Moving on to the special features, I'm extremely happy with the wealth of information throughout the extensive supplemental package, but shocked at the decision to cram this volume on a disc that also contains the main feature. Gone are the high-definition supplements of the prior release (downgraded to standard definition), which now accompany newly produced material in across-the-board 480p.
In summary, you essentially have a technically sound presentation (though far from proficient by typical Blu-ray standards), and an extensive standard definition supplemental package. If you absolutely love the film and look forward to adding a pronounced (yet bulky) box set to your growing collection, this is an easy purchase decision. However, those with only a lukewarm attraction to the 1987 classic should weigh the cost of double-dipping on a product that's far from definitive, and sample this as a rental first.
Twentieth Anniversary
1987
30th Anniversary Edition
1987
30th Anniversary Collector's Edition
1987
30th Anniversary Edition | Retro VHS Collection
1987
1987
1987
35th Anniversary Edition
1987
1987
2004
40th Anniversary Edition
1984
2006
2001
Dance-Off Edition
2008
2014
2002
2017
2007
2007
1985
2007
2010
2016
Remastered
1984
2008
2012
2012
2010
2014