The Blu-ray release of White Palace from Mill Creek Entertainment’s Retro VHS/Rewind Collection offers us a hidden gem within a fascinating point in the filmographies of James Spader (Secretary) and Susan Sarandon (Bull Durham). Spader was coming off a string of memorable performances which helped establish him as one of the most intriguing young actors of his generation, while Sarandon was riding a wave of critical acclaim following some of her most emotionally- and sexually-charged work.
L-R: James Spader as Max Baron and Susan Sarandon as Nora Baker in WHITE PALACE. Photo courtesy of Mill Creek Entertainment.
Pairing the two together may seem like a strange choice on paper, especially considering the significant age difference between their characters, but somehow the film manages to make the relationship feel believable enough to keep audiences invested.
The movie carries an atmosphere that almost feels like something the Coen Brothers (No Country for Old Men) would have directed. There is a gritty, grounded quality to the storytelling that helps elevate what could have easily become a melodramatic romance. Instead, White Palace focuses on character interactions and emotional vulnerability, allowing the audience to settle into the lives of these flawed individuals. At a lean hour and forty minutes, the film never overstays its welcome. The pacing moves steadily without dragging, making it an easy watch despite the heavier dramatic themes.
Spader delivers one of the more underrated performances of his career as a young, successful man who finds himself drawn to Sarandon’s older, working-class character. The chemistry between the two leads is far better than one might expect. Sarandon, as always, brings an authenticity and emotional depth that makes every scene feel genuine. She commands the screen whenever she appears and reminds viewers why she became one of the most respected actresses of her era.
One of the biggest surprises in the supporting cast is Jason Alexander in a role that predates his fame on Seinfeld. Audiences familiar only with his comedic work may be caught off guard by how restrained and effective he is here. Rather than chasing laughs, Alexander serves as the grounded voice of reason throughout much of the film. His performance helps establish a foundation that keeps the movie from drifting into silliness. Given the premise of a 27-year-old man pursuing a 43-year-old woman, the film could have easily fallen apart in less capable hands, but the cast helps make the relationship feel sincere rather than sensationalized.
What makes White Palace particularly interesting today is how difficult it is to categorize as it feels caught between two eras of filmmaking. There are traces of the character-driven dramas which defined much of the 1980s with hints at the more adult-oriented independent films that would become increasingly popular throughout the 1990s. Because of that, the movie occupies a unique place in both stars’ careers. It often gets overlooked because Spader and Sarandon would go on to appear in projects that would become more famous and explosive, but White Palace has developed a niche audience over the years.
The soundtrack is another highlight. The film is packed with fantastic cue songs which perfectly complement the mood and atmosphere. It is the kind of soundtrack that makes viewers want to track down the music afterward, whether on CD, vinyl, or a streaming playlist. The songs help establish the emotional tone while adding another layer of authenticity to the story.
As for the Blu-ray itself, the presentation is excellent. The audio transfer sounds fantastic and really comes alive on a quality sound system. Dialogue remains clear while the music receives plenty of room to breathe. The video transfer also impresses, capturing the gritty and grimy atmosphere of the film while preserving the visual texture that gives the movie much of its identity. For fans of physical media, this release does a strong job of presenting the film in the best possible light.
The main disappointment is the lack of supplemental material. For a movie that has become such a hidden treasure over the years, it would have been nice to see interviews, retrospective featurettes, or commentary tracks exploring its production and legacy. Those additions could have elevated the release from good to essential.
L-R: Susan Sarandon as Nora Baker and James Spader as Max Baron in WHITE PALACE. Photo courtesy of Mill Creek Entertainment.
Overall, White Palace remains a true treasure that was largely buried upon its original release. With James Spader and Susan Sarandon operating at the top of their game, it stands as a compelling adult drama that deserves rediscovery. Had the Blu-ray included meaningful special features, it would have been an even stronger recommendation for collectors.
Available on Blu-ray June 23rd, 2026.
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Categories: Home Release, Home Video, Recommendation, Reviews
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