DVD Corner's blog

Gregory’s Girl Blu-ray Review

“Gregory’s Girl” is a winner.

In 1980’s “Gregory’s Girl,” the story revolves around the tall and lanky titular character who is a hormonal, awkward and dorky young high schooler. One day, he sees a young woman (Dorothy) trying out for the soccer team (which he is on) and immediately falls for her. However, someone else may have eyes for Gregory. Other storylines involve students Andy and Charlie, Gregory’s sister Madeline, the soccer team Coach

Written and directed by famed Scottish filmmaker Bill Forsyth, “Gregory’s Girl” is a simple, but charming coming-of-age romantic comedy about being a teenager and young love. Unlike many films in this genre, ’Girl’ never feels like a far fetched Hollywood story or a cliche ridden high school tale. Instead, Forsyth creates a very genuine and realistic film. The high schoolers aren’t movie star glamorous nor do they appear to be much older than they really are. The characters just seem like real people and, more importantly, real adolescents who are experiencing a wide range of emotions and feelings in this time period.

On the subject of the cast, everyone here gives such naturalistic performances. John Gordon Sinclair is so good as Gregory that it almost feels like you’re watching a documentary on him. Dee Hepburn shines as Dorothy while Claire Grogan steals the movie as Susan (who really should have had more screentime to be honest). 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. How does it look? The 2K digital restoration is largely impressive. Some shots look a bit iffy, but, for the most part, this is a nice clean restoration. 

Audio Track: 2.0 Stereo. How does it sound? Perfectly adequate.Extras:
* Trailers for “Gregory’s Girl,” “All About Lily Chou Chou” and “The Reflecting Skin”
* A booklet with credits and an essay by Professor/author Jonathan Murray.
* 2 Bill Forsyth interviews. One 20 minute informative interview about “Gregory’s Girl” and the other is a 20 minute interview about “The Early Years” of his life and career,
* An 11 minute interview with Clare Grogan who played Susan. Discussions involve how she got the part and her music career.
* Commentary by Bill Forsyth and Mark Kermode.

January 31, 2020 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Bill Forsyth, Coming Of Age Movie, Film Movement, Gregory's Girl Blu-ray Review, High School Movie, romantic comedy, Scottish Film