Youthful Passion, 80s Edition

Read Time:4 Minute, 11 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Valley Girl
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Genre: Comedy, Romance
Year Released: 1983, 2023 Eureka Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 39m
Director(s): Martha Coolidge
Writer(s): Andrew Lane, Wayne Crawford
Cast: Nicolas Cage, Deborah Foreman, Elizabeth Daily, Michael Bowen, Cameron Dye, Heidi Holicker, Michelle Meyrink
Where To Watch: releases September 18, 2023; pre-order here now wwweurekavideo.co.uk, or www.amazon.co.uk

RAVING REVIEW: Step into the vibrant world of the 1980s with Martha Coolidge’s VALLEY GIRL. It’s an electrifying journey that resonates with both heartbeats of the past and universal truths of the heart. Deborah Foreman plays the role of Julie Richman, a stylish suburbanite with grace and flair. When she unexpectedly crosses paths with Randy, a “punk” from Hollywood magnificently portrayed by Nicolas Cage, her world gets chaotic and turned upside down.

Teen romances are nothing new to the silver screen. But VALLEY GIRL isn’t just another one of those. Coolidge crafts a unique take on love, allowing audiences to view the powerful force that converges two hearts from contrasting worlds. Through Julie's riveting voyage from the affluent Valley to the vibrant streets of Hollywood, we delve deep into love's capacity to challenge and transcend societal boundaries.

Authenticity radiates from VALLEY GIRL. It doesn’t merely serve the age-old teen narrative; it plunges into the genuine, sometimes tumultuous realm of young love. Julie's friends, often wrapped in their teen worlds, accentuate her depth, making her character's journey all the more compelling. Cage’s Randy is a revelation. He’s not just another character; he’s a canvas painted with a spectrum of emotions. His raw energy and Julie’s vibrancy give audiences a vivid portrayal of youthful love—chaotic, passionate, and ever-so-dynamic.

While VALLEY GIRL might tread familiar narrative routes, it ensures each step is fresh and vibrant. It embellishes common sequences with flair, delighting viewers with unexpected twists and turns. A nostalgic homage to the period it was from, the movie is almost overwhelming with now iconic 80s moments, making you sway to the rhythms of classic tunes.

Yet, its essence isn't confined to nostalgia. VALLEY GIRL strikes a chord with its timeless portrayal of the transformative might of love, a force mighty enough to blur even the starkest contrasts. The storyline subtly explores the eternal battle between societal norms and raw emotions, reminding viewers of the age-old dilemma of choosing between heart and convention.

In conclusion, VALLEY GIRL isn’t merely an 80s-centric movie. It's Coolidge’s canvas, where she skillfully paints love, societal contrasts, and the indomitable spirit of youth. This film is a visual symphony, harmonizing raw emotions with 80s nostalgia. So, whether you’re a casual viewer or a cinephile, VALLEY GIRL is a delightful cinematic escapade that echoes long after its final scene.

SPECIAL FEATURES
– Limited Edition Box Set – 3000 Copies
– Limited Edition hardbound slipcase featuring new artwork by Sam Gilbey
– 1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray from a 4K scan of the original negatives
– Optional English SDH
– New audio commentary with Maya Montañez Smukler (author of Liberating Hollywood: Women Directors and the Feminist Reform of 1970s American Cinema) and Maria San Filippo (editor of After 'Happily Ever After: Romantic Comedy in the Post-Romantic Age)
– Audio commentary with director Martha Coolidge
– New interview with Deborah Foreman
– Valley Girl in Conversation – 2018 interview with director Martha Coolidge and actresses E. G. Daily and Heidi Holicker
– Martha Coolidge and Nicolas Cage on Valley Girl
– A huge selection of archival interviews with cast and crew totaling over 3 hours
– 20 Totally Tubular Years Later – 2003 featurette
– The Music of Valley Girl – featurette
– Music Videos
– Storyboard Comparisons
– Original theatrical trailer
– A Limited Edition collector’s booklet featuring new writing by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Craig Ian Mann
** All extras subject to change

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[photo courtesy of EUREKA ENTERTAINMENT]

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