Goldengirl Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		2.5
Audio		3.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		2.5

Goldengirl Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 19, 2022

1979’s “Goldengirl” is an adaptation of a 1977 novel by Peter Lear, which follows the development of a promising track star put on the road to glory by the men in control of her, for various reasons. Developed for television, the material hopes to pull suspense from the eponymous character’s physical and emotional journey, while something of a detective story develops during the run time, adding a touch of mystery to a picture that constantly teeters on the edge of melodrama. “Goldengirl” has an initial drive to explore the questions surrounding the runner and her special abilities, but it doesn’t sustain intrigue, losing its footing as it drags out the central plot, offering a limp conclusion to an otherwise passably engaging look at athletic trials and biological tinkering.

Dryden (James Coburn) is a top sports agent invited by German scientist Serafin (Curt Jurgens) to meet his daughter, Goldine (Susan Anton). Blessed with height and camera-ready looks, Goldine is being trained to become the top track runner in the world, looking to dominate the upcoming 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow. Dryden is asked to join a collection of investors putting up the cash to support her journey, promised a major financial payday when she wins three gold medals, making her an international sensation. As Dryden digs deeper into Serafin’s plan, he starts to notice unusual things about Goldine and her health history, raising questions about her origin while trying to connect with the runner, who experiences immense pressure to perform for the moneymen, threatening to crack under the weight of such punishing expectations.

We meet Goldine inside a small room, where she’s working on gun response therapy, receiving electric shocks to best sharpen her start speed during races. It’s a severe form of training, and an interesting way to bring viewers into Goldine’s world, where she’s motivated to perform in casually severe ways. It’s all in the name of Olympic glory, with Dresden acting as the audience surrogate, brought into Serafin’s world, where he’s monitoring human capability with help from his staff, including psychological trainer Sammy (Leslie Caron). The agent has been hired to transform Goldine into a worldwide star capable of selling anything to the willing public, and “Goldengirl” is most compelling when examining Dryden’s caution and investigation, walking into a strange situation involving a Barbie-like athlete who’s been educated on every aspect of sporting appeal, including press conferences (Goldine admits later in the film that vibrators were used to help shape her sunny personality for the cameras).

Director Joseph Sargent (“The Taking of Pelham One Two Three,” “Jaws: The Revenge”) does a decent job building a mystery about Goldine, and he offers plenty of time on the track, watching the character and her suspiciously short shorts struggle through preliminary and qualifying races, meeting with rivals who can’t keep up with the “Bakersfield Flash.” Some tension is raised with the arrival of reporter Esselton (Robert Culp), who isn’t sure what’s going on with Goldine, pushing “Goldengirl” into more of an investigative direction, which is a welcome development. However, the story returns to Serafin for its second half, detailing his scientific interests in Goldine, while the runner manages strange behaviors as she marches to Moscow, growing insecure and overwhelmed by her responsibility.

Goldengirl Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as a "Brand new 4K restoration by StudioCanal." The viewing experience is on the soft side, lacking fine detail as cameras examine the weathered faces of the older characters and the youthful appearance of Goldine. Exteriors retain some dimension, exploring track and field events. Colors suffer from a general push of yellows and greens, keeping in line with other StudioCanal restoration efforts that provide strange, unnatural grading choices. Skin tones are bit more natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is heavier, with some blockiness. Source is in good condition.

Goldengirl Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix delivers decent dialogue exchanges, with age and strange audio defects occasionally muffling short stretches of the film. Emotional emphasis remains intelligible. Scoring handles decently, supporting dramatic moods with orchestral clarity, and a few soundtrack selections are reasonably defined. Sound effects deliver a sense of foot power and atmospherics work overtime to sell the cacophony of track and field events.

Goldengirl Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historians Howard S. Berger and Nathaniel Thompson.

• Interview (11:52, SD) is a video conference chat with actress Susan Anton. Working as a singer in Japan, Anton was eventually pulled into a movie deal by producer Danny O'Donovan, who offered the performer the lead role in what was originally intended to be a miniseries for NBC. Anton recalls a massive script and a major part, which would eventually be pared down for a theatrical version. Director Joseph Sargent is fondly remembered, working closely with the newcomer, and the interviewee explores her track and field training, absolutely wiped out by the physical experience, which required some "acting" from real athletes to sell on film. Co-stars are assessed, as Anton was surrounded by seasoned talent, and she details her relationship with composer Bill Conti during her variety show period, asked to sing the theme song for "Goldengirl." Release woes are highlighted after the U.S. boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games, but Anton's career was blossoming at the time, enjoying the ride of a hit single. She closes with an analysis of the "Goldengirl" subject matter, and updates fans on her career.

• "Bill Conti: Career Highlights" (15:08, SD) is a video conference chat with the composer, who briefly shares his story about "Rocky," accepting the low-paying job when many others passed. Riding the success of the score, Conti was asked by producer William Friedkin about joining the Academy Awards telecast, offering tales of power and ego concerning "The Exorcist" director. Some music analysis is provided, and the interviewee briefly examines his time on such features as "Gloria," "The Right Stuff," "Gotcha," "For Your Eyes Only," and "The Seduction of Joe Tynan," where he forced Alan Alda to personally fire him after his score was rejected. Memories of director John G. Avildsen are offered, including Conti's near-miss placement on the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack.

• Interview (7:06, SD) is a chat with actor Nicolas Coster, who recalls his reunion with director Joseph Sargent, delighted with the helmer's creative approach. Co-stars are assessed, with Coster particularly wowed by Susan Anton's appearance. The interviewee remembers the 1980 Olympic boycott and his time with track and field types, with plans to appear in "Personal Best." Coster offers his interest in genetics and biology, and closes with an anecdote about his time on 1977's "MacArthur," working with Sargent and star Gregory Peck.

• And a Trailer (3:15, SD) is included.

Goldengirl Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The star of the show is Susan Anton, making her big screen debut in "Goldengirl." She's asked to handle quite a bit as Goldine, and she reaches as far as possible to portray such a conflicted and tortured character. Sargent is certainly attentive to the actress's physical attributes, making sure Goldine is as gorgeous as possible, but perhaps some of this moviemaking focus would've gone to better use on a more gripping second half, getting away from hysterics and plodding exposition to concentrate on the runner's disintegration. The eugenics aspect of "Goldengirl" has potential, but the production doesn't know how to confront it in a satisfying manner, preferring convenient character meltdowns instead of a more enticingly sinister conclusion.