6.7 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
A small "Dance-ercize" studio fights for its existence against the unscrupulous owner of a rival club. The conflict boils down to a "Dance Marathon" to settle the score.
Starring: Cynthia Dale, Richard Rebiere, Stuart Stone, Patricia Idlette, Linda SorensenDrama | Insignificant |
Romance | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A, B (C untested)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
When “Flashdance” was released in 1983, expectations for the feature were tempered. It was a highly stylized offering of dance and music aimed at a younger audience, using MTV-style visuals of the day to deliver a basic story of determination and romance. While it debuted second at the box office during its release weekend (unable to match the Chuck Norris-starring actioner, “Lone Wolf McQuade”), “Flashdance” found its footing soon after, topping the charts for the next three weeks, also launching a wildly successful soundtrack to keep the “Feelin’” going for the rest of the year. It’s only natural that other producers wanted in on the action, resulting in a few knock offs, including 1984’s “Heavenly Bodies” (released in the U.S. in 1985), which trades the steel industry and glossy cinematography for the world of aerobics, also trying to ride a fitness trend to monetary glory. The gods of instant profitability weren’t kind to “Heavenly Bodies” (which opened in ninth place on the box office chart, only to plunge 90% in its second week) but there’s a decently entertaining picture to enjoy here. Co-writer/director Lawrence Dane goes simple with the endeavor, supplying enough musical moments and earnest character actions to support the viewing experience. It’s not a rousing study of fortitude, but the effort has a certain spark, greatly enhanced by star Cynthia Dale’s heroic commitment to every moment of her performance.
The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Heavenly Bodies" lists the film as making "its worldwide Blu-ray debut from a new 4K restoration of its original 35mm internegative." There's softness to the viewing experience, but some detail is appreciable, examining the dancing characters and their fibrous workout gear. Skin particulars are acceptable, capturing sweaty appearances. Studio spaces remain cavernous, with decent depth. Exteriors also retain dimension during city and park tours. Colors are reasonable, exploring style of the era, delivering clear pinks, reds, and powered blues. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is heavy and film-like. Source is in good condition.
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix supplies a clear understanding of soundtrack selections, which maintain sharp instrumentation and balance, with crisp vocals. Dialogue exchanges are also defined, exploring group interactions and emotionality as feelings intensify in the final act. Atmospherics are appreciable, visiting workout rooms and street activity.
There's no room for nuance in the feature, which is mostly out to sell a soundtrack (the film is packed with tunes) and offer careful concentration on gyrating, glistening bodies. Again, simplicity is the name of the game here, and while "Heavenly Bodies" isn't riveting cinema, offering a feeble last-act detour into melodrama, it achieves most of its creative goals. And there's Dale, who's often single-handedly working to keep the endeavor on its feet, offering a charmingly broad performance that's big on feels and physical activity, helping the effort find its place as easily digestible entertainment with a heavy '80s atmosphere.
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