The Girl Hunters Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		3.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

The Girl Hunters Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 1, 2015

While 1963’s “The Girl Hunters” isn’t the most rousing picture, it does offer the rare sight of an author portraying his own literary character on film. Mickey Spillane suits up for duty as private detective Mike Hammer for the feature, challenged to come up with a satisfying performance that matches his legendary writing. Pre-leathered, mumbly, and mischievous, Spillane is an interesting choice to topline this adaptation of his 1962 novel, but, in the end, he’s not a performer, often revealing frustrating rigidity while his co-stars confidently manage lukewarm material.

The novelty of Spillane as Hammer drives much of “The Girl Hunters,” watching the author inhabit his own creation, playing around with the private detective’s sense of humor and physical presence. Director Roy Rowland matches his meaty star with a blunt take on murder and deception, preserving noirish moods as the characters manage their secrets and lies. Scripted by Spillane, “The Girl Hunters” isn’t lacking incident, offering clues to sort through and a femme fatale in Shirley Eaton, who’s a wonderful addition to the picture. However, the film isn’t nearly as alert as its direction suggests, presenting a story that’s missing a suspenseful squeeze, primarily strolling from scene to scene, lacking freshness.

The Girl Hunters Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation brings "The Girl Hunters" to Blu-ray with generous clarity, securing a pleasing range of fine detail, assisting appreciation of facial reactions and costume textures. The black and white cinematography is balanced well, offering approachable shadow detail. Print shows signs of damage, including speckling and scratches, with the climax of the movie particularly hit hard by age.

The Girl Hunters Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix is slightly marred by a persistent hiss that runs throughout the presentation. While never smothering dialogue exchanges, the hiss requires a surge in volume to help navigate an already quieter picture. Scoring is expectedly thin but welcome, supporting mood. Bursts of violence retain intended snap.

The Girl Hunters Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features Mickey Spillane expert Max Allan Collins.

• Interview (29:59, SD) with Mickey Spillane catches the motor-mouthed author in a particularly good mood, sharing anecdotes about his experience making "The Girl Hunters" and his adjustment to acting. Talk also covers other cinematic endeavors, mingling with stars such as John Wayne.

• Interview (9:03, SD) with actress Shirley Eaton quickly runs through the basics of her work on the film, including her relationship with co-star Spillane.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:27, SD) is also included.

The Girl Hunters Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Considering how the screenplay simply drops the viewer into the middle of this word, it's safe to report that "The Girl Hunters" is best served to Mike Hammer fans only, playing to the home team with references and history that's been established in multiple books. The curiosity of Spillane as Hammer is certainly tempting, but there's little in "The Girl Hunters" that rewards interest. The parade of troublemaking has its appeal, but, in the long run, the picture needs a leading man capable of subtlety, not just exaggerated masculinity.