‘Georgia Rule’ Blu-Ray Review – Lindsay Lohan Drama Explores The Long Tail Of Trauma

Jane Fonda, Lindsay Lohan, and Felicity Huffman unite in a film from director Garry Marshall about the power of redemption, freedom in forgiveness, and the unbreakable bonds of motherhood. When Lilly (Huffman) can no longer handle her rebellious teenage daughter (Lohan), she takes her to the one place she swore she’d never return … her mother Georgia’s (Fonda) house. For one very surprising summer, these three very different women are living under one roof and one rule: Georgia’s.

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Video Quality

Georgia Rule debuted on Blu-Ray via Shout! Studios in 2022 with a 1080p transfer that appears to be derived from a solid older master that is in great shape. This transfer is a noble representation of the feature with a naturally filmic presentation of the Digital Intermediate. The fine grain structure holds firm with nothing swarming or becoming clumpy. There are obvious deficiencies here from beginning to end. The color palette is natural and vibrant with pleasing hues in the clothing, lighting, and specific flourishes of the production design. Black levels are deep and provide respectable depth and detail. Highlights hold together well to avoid blooming. The transfer delivers when it comes to conjuring fine detail as subtle textures emerge from the background. It is good to have this one in HD for fans. 

Audio Quality

This Blu-Ray presents the film with a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track in its original English audio which ideally represents the soundscape. Dialogue comes through clearly without being overshadowed by competing information. Every outburst is strong in the mix with no crackling or sibilance. This is far from an action-packed film, but some bustling moments liven things up. The environmental sounds of the town open up to create a three-dimensional space. The soundtrack and moving score from John Debney are essential to the emotions of the picture, and every note flows out with grand fidelity for a rewarding listening experience. This presentation works quite well. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided.

Special Features

• Audio Commentary: Director Garry Marshall provides a commentary track that offers some broad observations about the production of the film and the events happening on screen. 

• The Making of Georgia Rule: An eight-minute archival piece in which the cast and creative team discuss the script, the characters, and the process of bringing the story to the screen. 

• On the Set with Garry Marshall: A nearly six-minute look at the legendary filmmaker. 

• The Women of Georgia Rule: A nearly seven-minute exploration of the ensemble and the dynamics between the generations. 

• Deleted Scenes: A nine-minute collection of unused moments with optional commentary from Garry Marshall. 

• Gag Reel: A seven-minute collection of flubbed lines, goofing around, cranky animals, and more. 

• Theatrical Trailer (2:32)

Final Thoughts

Georgia Rule is a very peculiar picture in certain respects as the marketing presents it as a lighthearted comedy, but anyone who has watched the picture knows the truth is much more complicated. Director Garry Marshall tackles some genuinely upsetting subject matter within this story, and the touches of humor occasionally cause a clash of tones. That being said, it does capture the messiness of life, albeit in an overly melodramatic fashion at times. The performances are pretty solid, especially Jane Fonda in what could be a one-note role in lesser hands. The script prolongs things a bit too much and struggles with finding the ideal tonal balance, but it is a good enough viewing experience if you like the performers and don’t mind wading into trauma. Shout! Studios has delivered a Blu-Ray featuring a great A/V presentation and a fine assortment of archival special features. Recommended

Georgia Rule is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Shout! Studios has supplied a copy of this set free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.