5.9 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Loudon Trott is a straight-laced lawyer assigned by his boss and prospective father-in-law to pick up free-spirited parolee Nikki Finn from jail and make sure she gets on the first bus out of town. However, Nikki forces Loudon to take a detour so she can find evidence that will clear her name. As he accompanies Nikki on her quest, joined by a South American panther he has picked up for another client, Loudon finds himself falling in love with the kind-hearted Nikki.
Starring: Madonna, Griffin Dunne, Bibi Besch, John Mills (I), John McMartinRomance | 100% |
Comedy | 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 5.1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Attempts are always made to turn music stars into movie stars. It’s a Hollywood tradition, finding producers luring singers to become actors, hoping their legions of fans will make the leap and create some box office magic, remaining loyal to their favorites. In 1987, Madonna was everything in popular culture, managing to top the charts, sell out concerts, and dominate media attention, with her every move captured and scrutinized. Madonna was big business. And yet, when it came to making pictures, the superstar couldn’t pay people to see her films. While her appearance in 1985’s “Desperately Seeking Susan” garnered some attention, Madonna’s foray into major roles crashed with 1986’s “Shanghai Surprise.” 1987’s “Who’s That Girl” also flopped, with the production aiming to bring out Madonna’s bubbly best with an homage to classic screwball comedies, allowing her to mix elements of Betty Boop and Judy Holliday in an endeavor that’s strictly out to please. The actual entertainment value of the effort isn’t quite as strong, but director James Foley (coming off “At Close Range”) always keeps “Who’s That Girl” on the move. It’s a wise choice to stick with speed, while Madonna remains charmingly excitable in the part, offering one of the better performances of her unsteady thespian career.
The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as a "New 2K scan of the 35mm interpositive." Considering "Who's That Girl" was last seen on DVD, the upgrade here is noticeable, securing a softer but decent sense of skin particulars and makeup application, which is particularly heavy on Madonna to sell the broadness of her character. Costuming is acceptably fibrous as fashion is tracked throughout the viewing experience. New York City locations are also compellingly dimensional, providing a sense of urban depth. Interiors do well with decorative addition and luxury expanse. Color is alert, working especially well with Nikki's platinum blonde hair and bold red lipstick. NYC signage also delivers defined primaries, along with a cooler concrete look for some of the stops. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Compression holds together. Source is in good condition.
The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix remains mostly a frontal listening event, with a wider sense of engagement and some panning effects. Dialogue exchanges are defined, securing distinct performance choices, especially chirpy lines from Madonna. Scoring cues retain clear instrumentation and comedic support. Soundtrack cuts are equally sharp, with fresh vocals and snappier beats. Surrounds are periodically engaged with atmospherics and musical moods. Sound effects are appreciable.
"Who's That Girl" winds itself into a frenzy in the final act, offering bound bridesmaids, Murray in heat, and some bus and motorcycle stunt work. The picture takes a few breathers to pair Loudon and Nikki, but Foley does a commendable job keeping the feature going, trying to bring old Hollywood energy to the 1980s. He's not entirely successful, but the helmer manages to extract something from Madonna few could, and he preserves the lightness of the endeavor, making for an easy sit. It's not the riot it wants to be, but "Who's That Girl" has its highlights and fun factor, and it's never boring, which is no small achievement.
2000
Warner Archive Collection
1982
1935
2007
Growing Pains
1984
2013
1987
1991
1985
2010
2022
2020
1995
1986
2010
Collector's Edition
2023
1992
2002
2004