Why Isn't This On Blu-ray Yet?Herbert Ross’s all-star Steel Magnolias (1989) is a poignant gem peppered with the hearty laugh and genuine cry that audiences continue to find irresistible and charming. The screenplay by Robert Harling is based in truth; the tragic loss of his sister and depiction of that galvanic community of southern women he recalls from his youth, who came together in support of his family, both in times of joy and need.
The cast is front-lined by some formidable talents, including Sally Fields (the practical, M’Lynn Eatenton), Dolly Parton (the bubbly, Truvy Jones), Shirley MacLaine (the bitter pragmatist, Ouiser Boudreaux), Daryl Hannah (the backward, Annelle Despoto) and Olympia Dukakis (as fair-weather pixie, Claree Belcher). In only her second co-starring role as M’Lynn’s head strong daughter, Shelby, Julia Roberts proves she can hold her own against this fray of ultra-stardom. She emerges as a fresh and burgeoning star on the horizon.
Plot wise, the story doesn’t really have much going on other than the comings and goings inside Truvy’s beauty salon that serves as a hub for fruitful gossip and swapping recipes. However, the ladies prove unequivocally that they indeed have plenty to say. Basing the narrative around a series of holidays and events – beginning with Shelby’s wedding day, then – in order; Christmas, Independence Day, Halloween and finally, Easter – director Ross used the framing of celebrations to expose the bittersweet undercarriage of life; that its most welcome smiles are often seasoned with laughter in tears.
One of the most engaging relationships in the movie is between Ouiser and M'Lynn's husband, Drummond (Tom Skerritt) who goads the cantankerous dowager into fits of frustration over her dog's 'nervous' condition.
In the final analysis, what Steel Magnolia's has is heart - an immense and palpably intense love for the intimacy and bond of friendship; both between the characters on screen and the great ladies who are portraying them. You can sense the strength of sincerity and joy amongst the cast in everything they say and do. The friendships are real. It is this 'heart' that remains the very essence and soul and of the movie and why it continues to resonnate warmth, humanity and love long after the house lights have come up. Once seen, Steel Magnolias can never be forgotten.
WHY ISN'T THIS ON BLU-RAY YET?!?
We could cry over Sony Pictures rather lackluster DVD presentation…but why? Color fidelity is dated, often slightly faded, with flesh tones that are too pink and reds that register as varying shades of orange. Fine detail is generally lost in a rather dull and hazy picture element that exhibits quite a bit of age related wear and tear. Digital anomalies are a non-issue – thankfully. Overall the video quality is just middle of the road, even as its stellar performances shine through. The audio is represented in its original 2.0 stereo and a 5.1 repurposing. Both are remarkably similar. An isolate audio only track and brief featurette on Harling’s recollections are the only extras.
FILM RATING (out of 5 - 5 being the best)
4
VIDEO/AUDIO
3.5
EXTRAS
2.5
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