Showgirls

Details

Nomi Malone arrives in Las Vegas with nothing but attitude and ambition. After being stranded on the roadside without her belongings, she is taken in by Molly, a costume designer working on the prestigious stage production 'Goddess'. Determined to escape the strip clubs and make it onto the main stage, Nomi begins working as a dancer while relentlessly pursuing bigger opportunities.

Her talent - and fierce competitiveness - soon attracts the attention of Cristal Connors, the established star of 'Goddess', as well as entertainment director Zack Carey. What follows is a rivalry driven by ego, ambition and jealousy, with Nomi prepared to step over almost anyone to reach the top. Betrayals, backstage politics and shifting alliances dominate the narrative as she climbs her way into the spotlight.

The problem is not the premise, which has the potential for sharp drama, but the execution. The dialogue frequently borders on the absurd, emotional confrontations are delivered at maximum volume, and subtlety is nowhere to be found. What should be an intense drama often veers into unintentional comedy, with certain scenes provoking laughter rather than tension.

Picture & Sound

Technically, however, the DVD is impressive. The 2.35:1 transfer is sharp and colourful, capturing the neon glare and excess of Las Vegas with vivid clarity. Skin tones are natural and the elaborate stage performances look suitably extravagant.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is the disc's strongest asset. The music-driven sequences in the clubs and stage productions make excellent use of the surround channels, while the bass provides satisfying depth during the more energetic dance routines. Dialogue remains clear, even during the more heated exchanges.

Overall

As a drama, Showgirls struggles under the weight of its own excess. Performances are frequently overblown, motivations feel exaggerated and the script rarely convinces. Elizabeth Berkley commits fully to the role, but the character's extreme mood swings make it difficult to engage with her journey.

There are moments of impressive choreography and the production values are undeniably high, yet the film never quite achieves the serious tone it appears to be aiming for. Instead, it often feels unintentionally amusing - especially every time I saw Zack's haircut!

A directors commentary would have been a bonus, but I expect they wouldn't have seen Paul Verhoeven for dust when they asked him. At least the soundtrack is worth attention, but as a film it falls well short of expectations. Approach with caution.

Special features

• Production Featurette
• Theatrical Trailer
• Teaser Trailer