BLU-RAY REVIEW: The Girlfriend Experience

[JessHorsley]

Sasha Grey in Steven Soderbergh's latest character drama to hit home video...

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I'm a big fan of Steven Soderbergh. His work on the recent film The Informant! was brilliant and Traffic was truly a work of art. Now, enter The Girlfriend Experience. Considered by many to be an amazing film (Entertainment Weekly gave it an "A" rating), I personally couldn't find myself enjoying this character drama.

Driven primarily by our main character - Chelsea - and her monogamous relationship with her boyfriend who is completely comfortable with her day (and night!) job as a prostitute. Starring adult film star Sasha Grey in her mainstream film debut, The Girlfriend Experience delivers plenty of drama, a bit of sensuality, and even a taste of humor here and there; unfortunately, the film never seems to deliver the emotional attachment some viewers require. But maybe that's the intention...

No doubt Sasha Grey does an amazing job as Chelsea, who's life is made more difficult by her work, which she's very good. But it's not just the sex the bring the johns running to this beautiful woman. Delivering the full "girlfriend experience," Chelsea is intelligent and knows how to talk, wine, dine, and entertain. Which only builds tension between her and her loving, caring and very tolerant boyfriend, who understands and even enjoys discussing "work" with Chelsea.

The Blu-ray delivers a beautiful 1080p hi-def video presentation in 2.40:1 aspect ratio along with a English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio surround sound track. Special features include an unrated alternate cut of the film as well as commentary by actress Sasha Grey and Steven Soderbergh and a HDNet featurette "Look at The Girlfriend Experience."

Engaging in so far as it quickly develops the characters and explores the details of this fascinating lifestyle choice, The Girlfriend Experience won't appeal to everyone, but will impress fans of Steven Soderbergh or those looking to enjoy a well-written character drama.

- Jess Horsley