SUMMER LOVERS is a film that has an interesting duality about it. On one hand, it is simply a sex dramedy with two attractive women, one guy and a nearly wall-to-wall rockin' 80s soundtrack. On the other hand, it does attempt to illustrate a less common (especially in films) relationship dynamic whilst attempting to ground it in some sort of reality. We are more accustomed to seeing two guys going after the same girl than the reverse. SUMMER LOVERS is undeniably a male fantasy movie, but respect can be afforded it based on most notably the performances of the two female leads (Daryl Hannah and Valerie Quennessen). Peter Gallagher is not bad here either, though I think the ladies are better. Both are delightful actresses and stunningly lovely to boot. SUMMER LOVERS has developed a cult following over the years based on the cast and the soundtrack as well as its very R-rated approach to nudity (which is quite rampant in the movie). I think a lot of young boys caught this film on cable at some point in the 1980s and were immediately captivated by it.
The transfer here looks good and the film is finally being presented in widescreen for the first time (the old DVD was cropped). It is always nice to see a movie restored to its original aspect ratio. Especially a film like this with so much beauty on display.
Special Features:
-An newly recorded audio commentary with director Randal Kleiser has been included here. It's a solid track and it consists of Kleiser recalling anectdotes, locations and bits of trivia. He's clearly reading from some prepared notes, but that's not too distracting and the track covers a lot overall. Kleiser seems to have a good amount of affection for this movie and it comes through.
-The Making Of SUMMER LOVERS - this vintage press featurette runs about 12 mins or so and includes feature footage, behind the scenes and interviews with cast and crew. -"Basil Poledouros - His Life and Music" - This is a very cool inclusion from Twilight Time. It is a 48-minute documentary on the composer Poledouris done by Film Score Monthly. Lots of time is spent one on one with the man himself and he has lots of stories of his process and so forth. -Screen Tests - This 15 minute segment includes video screen tests from Hart Bochner, Patrick Swayze, and Valerie Quennessen. Below is the International Trailer for the movie which would be a Red Band trailer by today's standards:
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