DVD Corner

White Palace Blu-ray Review

James Spader and Susan Sarandon salvage “White Palace.”  

Based on the novel by Glenn Savan and adapted for the screen by Ted Tally and Alvin Sargent, 1990’s “White Palace” is a romantic drama set in St. Louis. The story revolves around two polar opposite people- Max (a wealthy 27 year old advertising exec) and Nora (a 43 year old waitress at the White Palace burger joint). One night while getting burgers for a bachelor party, Max discovers that burgers are missing from his order. He goes back to get a refund where he encounters Nora. The two meet again the same night at a bar and form a connection. Both Max and Nora are grieving the loss of loved ones. Max lost his wife while Susan lost her son Charlie. Eventually the two begin to develop a relationship, but will their differing social classes drive a wedge between them? 

Directed by Luis Mandoki (perhaps best known for “When A Man Loves A Woman” and “Message In A Bottle”), “White Palace” certainly sells itself as a steamy romance although it’s not quite as erotic as you’d expect. Sure, there’s some sexy scenes, but they aren’t on the level of say a “9 ½ Weeks.” Anyway, “White Palace” (seriously, they couldn’t get White Castle?) is more of a story about the class system, relationships, love, loss, shame, and age gaps, but it doesn’t exactly bring anything new to the table with its exploration into these themes. There’s a whole lot of age old cliches about the haves and have nots, cleanliness, and fitting in (not to mention the predictable ending), but there’s a tenderness to the romance that makes the film palatable. You root for the lovers through thick and thin even with the tired script.

What really makes the film watchable is James Spader and Susan Sarandon. Not only do they sell the characters, but they have real chemistry together. If this was a miscast project, it wouldn’t work at all as the characters’ blossoming romance wouldn’t be convincing. Spader and Sarandon play off of each other well and make their complex relationship feel believable. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. How does it look? It resembles more of an upscaled DVD than a Blu-ray, but it’s adequate enough.

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? A solid B grade track.

The lone extra is a VHS esque slipcover.

June 8, 2026 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | 90's Movie, James Spader, Romance Film, Susan Sarandon, White Palace Blu-ray Review