Valley of the Dolls Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Valley of the Dolls" is an impressive visual upgrade, offering a clean 1080p HD resolution with an aspect ratio of 2.40:1, encoded via MPEG-4 AVC. This new digital transfer was sourced from a 2K scan of a new 35mm interpositive taken from the original camera negative. The result is a significantly enhanced image quality when compared to previous DVD releases. Notably, the outdoor panoramic shots and indoor footage showcase greatly improved density and depth.

Colors are vivid and accurately presented without veering into oversaturation, maintaining a natural yet slightly colder primary palette that ensures authenticity. Contrast and brightness levels are meticulously balanced, yielding deep blacks and well-defined details even in darker scenes. The presence of fine film grain is well-maintained, contributing to the film's organic aesthetic without the distraction of artificial sharpening corrections.

Image stability is robust, with minimal instances of image flickering, which are slight and do not detract from the overall viewing experience. Additionally, the transfer is free from any noticeable damage marks, debris, cuts, stains, warps, or torn frames. This meticulous restoration work by Criterion, enhanced using Pro Tools HF and iZotope RX, results in a pristine presentation that honors the film’s original visual integrity while providing a vastly superior viewing experience compared to its predecessors.

The audio presentation on the "Valley of the Dolls" Blu-ray is delivered via a single English DTS-HD Master Audio 3.0 track. This track is further complemented by optional English SDH subtitles, which conveniently appear within the frame when activated. The lossless quality of the audio is immediately apparent, offering an exceptional listening experience that does justice to the film's various sound elements.

The DTS-HD MA 3.0 track excels in delivering a balanced and immersive audio experience. Dialogue remains consistently stable, clean, and crisply enunciated, ensuring it is always easy to follow. The musical score is equally impressive, characterized by its rich and rounded quality. This meticulous balance between dialogue and music ensures that neither drowns out the other, even during the film's most dynamic moments. Volume levels are also notably consistent, maintaining a steady presence that enhances viewer immersion.

Free from age-related anomalies, the audio strikes a precise equilibrium in dynamic progression and balance. This technical prowess ensures that both dialogue and music maintain their clarity and impact throughout the feature. Overall, this Blu-ray’s DTS-HD Master Audio 3.0 track provides an outstanding auditory experience that meets high professional standards.

The extras included in the Blu-ray release of "Valley of the Dolls" are comprehensive and offer a deep dive into both the film and the novel that inspired it. The selection includes archival material, promotional content, and contemporary interviews, providing a rich historical context and insightful critiques. The "Hollywood Backstories" featurette stands out with its detailed look at Jacqueline Susann's controversial novel and the subsequent film, including various archival interviews and screen tests. Noteworthy additions are the audio commentary by Barbara Perkins and journalist Ted Casablanca, and the visual essay by film critic Kim Morgan, exclusive to Criterion. This collection is supplemented by a lavish 30-page booklet which contains a critical essay by Glenn Kenny.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Featuring Barbara Perkins and Ted Casablanca.
• Hollywood Backstories: Detailed featurette on the novel and film.
• Trailers and TV Spots: Collection of original promotional materials.
• Radio Spots: Interviews with cast and crew.
• Doll Parts: Visual essay by Kim Morgan.
• Interviews: New featurettes with Amy Fine Collins.
  • Once Was Never Enough
  • Travilla: Perfectly Poised
• Archival Programs:
  • A World Premiere Voyage
  • Jacqueline Susann and Valley of the Dolls
  • Sparkle Patty Sparkle!
• Screen Tests: Archival footage of key cast members.
• Booklet: 30-page illustrated booklet with an essay by Glenn Kenny.

"Valley of the Dolls" (1967), directed by Mark Robson, has long been a polarizing film, split between accusations of kitsch and recognition as a compelling melodrama with incisive social commentary. Based on Jacqueline Susann's bestselling novel, the film explores the darker side of Hollywood and Broadway through the lives of three young women—Anne Welles, Neely O'Hara, and Jennifer North. These characters face sexism, addiction, and the erosion of their dreams under a merciless entertainment machine. Despite its reputation for being overly melodramatic, "Valley of the Dolls" does justice to its source material by exposing the grotesque underbelly of show business.

Anne Welles (Barbara Parkins) begins her journey with big dreams in New York City, believing her hard work will eventually be rewarded. Her story is punctuated by relationships with men who initially offer promise but ultimately highlight the capricious nature of success in the industry. In contrast, Neely O'Hara (Patty Duke) achieves rapid success but becomes a victim of her own excesses and the very system that elevated her. Her trajectory from starlet to substance abuse serves as a cautionary tale on the perils of fame. Jennifer North (Sharon Tate) embodies the tragic beauty whose career is built on her physical appearance, offering a poignant critique on the superficial values of Hollywood.

Robson's direction incorporates visual elements reminiscent of Douglas Sirk's melodramas, giving the film an almost idyllic facade that is quickly dismantled as the plot progresses. What sets "Valley of the Dolls" apart is its unapologetic depiction of rampant sex, drug use, and the hypocrisy within elite circles. Whether viewers perceive it as a minor masterpiece or dismiss it as a soap opera largely hinges on their acceptance of these harsh realities. Criterion’s Blu-ray release elevates this classic, providing a comprehensive package that includes new featurettes, video essays, and archival interviews to enrich one's understanding of this complex film.

Mark Robson's film Valley of the Dolls and the novel by Jacqueline Susann that inspired it have been incredibly polarizing during the years. It seems like people either passionately hated or loved them, and for a number of different reasons. I think that the more time passes by, the clearer it becomes that the film's dissection of the show business world was actually remarkably accurate. Today the cynicism on display in it almost certainly won't bother viewers, but that's because social media has basically made them immune to the type of hypocrisy that is responsible for it. Criterion's technical presentation of the film is very good, so definitely consider adding the Blu-ray to your collection. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

‘Valley of the Dolls’ is about the corruption of success and the destructive power of fame wrapped in a grim soap opera. At every turn I was eager to see how dreams would become nightmares. Witnessing those unhappy endings is trashy escapism at its best. Criterion’s Blu-ray release has an excellent array of special features and a solid A/V presentation. Fans of the film should check out this phenomenal Blu-ray. Highly recommended.

Mark Robson's "Valley of the Dolls," adapted from Jacqueline Susann's novel, remains a polarizing film, often perceived as either passionately loved or vehemently hated. The film's enduring value lies in its unflinching dissection of the sacrificial nature of the showbiz world, a portrayal that resonates even more profoundly today amidst a social media-saturated society immune to its underlying hypocrisies. Modern viewers are less likely to be troubled by the overt cynicism that permeates the narrative, offering a fascinating perspective on the destructive power of fame and success.

This Criterion Blu-ray release elevates "Valley of the Dolls" with an impressive array of special features that appeal to both long-time fans and new viewers alike. The A/V presentation is solid, offering crisp visuals and enhanced audio quality that breathe new life into this classic. The substantial supplementary materials enrich the experience, providing deeper insight into the film's production and its cultural impact.

In conclusion, Criterion’s meticulous attention to technical detail makes this Blu-ray a standout addition to any collection. Whether you're revisiting this ‘60s cult classic or discovering it for the first time, the combination of robust A/V presentation and insightful extras provides an engaging viewing experience. This release is highly recommended for fans and cinephiles seeking to understand an important piece of cinema history.