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Flashdance 4K UHD Review

“Flashdance” has its moments. 

1983’s “Flashdance” revolves around Alex- a steel mill welder by day and an exotic dancer by night. She dreams of studying at the Pittsburgh Conservatory of Dance but is afraid she won’t fit in there. Other key subplots involve Alex falling for her day job boss (Nick) and Alex’s friends Jeanie and Richie who each have their own career aspirations.

“Flashdance” is a quintessentially 80’s movie about following your dreams. It’s a crowd pleasing romantic musical drama that has risque sex appeal ala the iconic opening dance number with Alex sitting in the chair and being doused in water. Of course, this type of steamy adult drama is to be expected from director Adrian Lyne. 

Truth be told, this is a case of a soundtrack being better than the movie. That’s no knock on the movie itself, but it’s far from perspect. It’s a pretty conventional tale that is bogged down a little by subplots (important though they may be) that distract from Alex’s main story. Anyway, the soundtrack is killer. Irene Cara’s Oscar winning “Flashdance…What A Feeling” is an anthem for the ages and the tracks “Maniac” and “Lady, Lady, Lady” are also unforgettable tunes.

Jennifer Beals deserves a lot of credit for the film’s success. This was a debut performance for the ages and one that she really couldn’t top. It’s a bold and sexy performance that made her a star.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p With HDR. How does it look? Honestly, the Blu-ray transfer is arguably better than the 4K disc which suffers from a darker image quality and patchy grain.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? An adequate 5.1 track. Note: This is the same track featured on the Blu-ray release.  

Extras:
* Blu-ray copy
* Digital copy
*”Flashdance” theatrical trailer
* A “Filmmaker Focus” segment with Adrian Lyne talking about making the film.
* “The Look Of Flashdance” featurette about the visual style.
* “Releasing The Flashdance Phenomenon”- A retrospective bonus feature about the film being a hit.

April 11, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | 80's Movie, Dance Movie, Flashdance, Flashdance 4K UHD Review, Flashdance Soundtrack, Jennifer Beals