Slow Dancing in the Big City Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.5

Slow Dancing in the Big City Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 2, 2022

In 1977, director John G. Avildsen was experiencing a major career triumph, soaking up the success of 1976’s “Rocky,” which became a box office success and an Oscar-winning film, with Avildsen picking up a trophy for his work. He had his pick of projects after the boxing blockbuster, but strange creative instability, which led him to being fired from the making of “Saturday Night Fever,” recovering with 1978’s “Slow Dancing in the Big City,” which doesn’t stray far from the “Rocky” formula. Avildsen plays it safe with the picture, making a bland endeavor that’s not strong enough to carry its romantic or dramatic intentions.

Reporter Lou (Paul Sorvino) is a hardened man of the city, but he’s weakened when he meets ballerina Sarah (Anne Ditchburn), who moves into his apartment building. Infatuated with the dancer, Lou tries to win her attention, but Sarah is focused on the opening of her latest show, with her performance threatened by the arrival of career-ending physical issues.

“Slow Dancing in the Big City” has its heart in the right place, but creative issues are apparent from the opening scenes. Sorvino is a wonderful actor, but he pushes too hard as Lou, an excitable Jimmy Breslin-type connected to the world of New York City, trying to talk his way in and out of every situation. Sorvino also has difficulty with co-star Ditchburn, a successful ballet dancer who struggles as an actress, offering little while Sorvino goes over-the-top. Avildsen can’t sell the developing feelings between these characters, and romantic ideas take long breaks in the film, which also deals with Lou’s journalistic routine, including interactions with a tough street kid. And Sarah has her challenges with company demands and physical limitations, confronting the end of her days in the ballet.

Slow Dancing in the Big City Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

"Slow Dancing in the Big City" has never received a DVD release, or apparently any home video release, making the Blu-ray from Scorpion Releasing a special treat for fans of the film. The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation provides a softer look at the feature, though detail emerges to a certain degree. Theater and city dimension is appreciable, along with interior decoration. Skin surfaces are acceptable, but not remarkable. Colors offer distinct stage lighting and street signage. Costumes offer period hues, and skintones are natural. Grain is heavy but film-like. Source is in good condition, with speckling periodically detected.

Slow Dancing in the Big City Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA delivers satisfactory dialogue exchanges, which hit a few fuzzy spots during the listening experience. Scoring cues offer a bit more power, especially the climatic ballet, which presents deep strings and volatile sounds. City atmospherics are appreciable.

Slow Dancing in the Big City Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Interview (7:20, HD) is a video conference chat with composer Bill Conti, who recalls an initial misunderstanding of director John G. Avildsen's desire for a "contemporary ballet," leading to some confusion. Conti offers some thoughts on actors Paul Sorvino and Anne Ditchburn, and details his mission to create music before production began to help the actors. The interviewee discusses the ways of music and character, and he admits his satisfaction when his work is recognized by the general public. Conti closes with some memories about Avildsen, including the helmer's desire to record everything with a video camera, even lunch with his composer.

• Interview (4:48, HD) is a brief discussion of "Slow Dancing in the Big City" with actor Nicolas Coster, who details his time with John G. Avildsen, working on character details. The interviewee explores his relationships with co-stars Anne Ditchburn and Paul Sorvino, and he professes his love for classical music and the ballet, making him eager to see the movie again.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (3:06, HD) is included.

Slow Dancing in the Big City Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Slow Dancing in the Big City" aims to be sweet and streetwise, but it gradually becomes cloying, especially in the final act. Avildsen's hungry to get some "Rocky"-style energy going again, trying to work to an audience-pleasing finale that's meant to be emotional, but cliches crudely paint over the inherent melancholy of the plot. "Slow Dancing in the Big City" has some effective scenes, and they always involve moments of real human interactions and tough personal choices.