Polyester Blu-ray Review

Polyester receives a stellar 1080p transfer on Blu-ray from Criterion, staying true to its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. This presentation is underpinned by a meticulous 16-bit 4K restoration, executed using a Lasergraphics Director film scanner from the 35mm original camera negative, and endorsed by the director of photography, Dave Insley. The restoration process was notably comprehensive, involving thousands of manual removals of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, and warps, with jitter, flicker, and minor dirt addressed via Digital Vision's Phoenix. The image stability is exceptional, providing an organic yet pristine visual experience devoid of lingering elements of damage or age. The overall visual narrative is enhanced by superior color grading that retains remarkable nuances even in standard 1080p format.

The Blu-ray presentation showcases thick yet organic grain structure that renders John Waters' 35mm work with appropriate authenticity. Colors are impressively vivid, enhancing the film's unique aesthetic with lush, striking primaries contrasted nicely against the unconventional storyline. The few darker sequences exhibit a minor softness that some further encoding optimizations might have refined. But this is negligible against the backdrop of the film's 'big screen' expansion from 1.33:1 to 1.85:1 during the intro featuring the Odorama explanation. Although soft spots persist per Waters' stylistic signature, black levels remain robust throughout, occasionally flirting with crush but never detracting significantly from the visual experience. Elements of production design are elucidated in fine detail, offering a glimpse into the increased budget scope with delightful touches like Mink Stole’s Bo Derek-inspired braids. This results in an engaging and visually confident presentation that aligns perfectly with Waters' distinctive cinematic narrative.

The audio presentation of the "Polyester" Blu-ray offers a single English LPCM 1.0 track, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles. The lossless audio is notably clean and stable, faithfully replicating the original soundtrack's characteristics. While Michael Kamen's score supports the action suitably, the dynamic range and overall intensity remain unremarkable, which is in line with the native qualities of the original recording. The dialogue is particularly prominent, underscoring its importance as the primary element throughout the film.

In terms of sound design, the mix ensures that music cues punctuate dramatic moments effectively, although they are mostly predictable. For instance, scenes like Tab Hunter's dance sequence with Divine are enhanced by excellent crowd and music mixing, amplifying the comedic effect of their awkward dancing. Occasional sound effects such as car accidents and gunfire are clear and blend well into the mix without being overly aggressive. Overall, the audio delivers a great listening experience consistent with John Waters' distinctive style, free from any hiss or pops.

Notably, the audio commentaries featuring John Waters add an engaging layer to the package. Waters' gleeful commentary is punctuated by countless anecdotes about the cast and crew, making it a delight. Furthermore, the lively conversation between Waters and film critic Michael Musto provides insightful context about the film’s production. The supplemental materials, including deleted and alternate scenes found recently in Waters' attic and various interviews, enrich the disc with historical and production insights commensurate with Waters’ infamous oeuvre.

The Blu Ray of "Polyester" offers a compelling suite of extras that significantly enriches the viewing experience for fans and newcomers alike. The commentary by John Waters is a standout, blending insightful anecdotes with his signature humor. Interviews, notably the conversation between Waters and Michael Musto filmed in 2019, provide an expansive look at the film's conception and thematic depths. The archival content, including deleted scenes and vintage interviews, offers a nostalgic glimpse into the film’s production. Additional features such as "Sniffing Out Polyester" and "Odorama with John" add further layers of context and entertainment. This collection of extras consolidates both new and archival material, showcasing the film’s historical and cultural impact.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for "Polyester".
• No Smoking in This Theater: Archival promo piece with John Waters.
• John Waters and Michael Musto: Conversation about the film's conception and themes.
• Deleted Scenes and Alternate Takes: Collection of scenes retrieved from Waters' attic.
• Sniffing Out Polyester: Interviews from outtakes of "I Am Divine" documentary.
• Dreamland Memories: Archival program featuring retrospectives from cast and crew.
• From the Archives:
  • People Are Talking: TV interview with Waters during the making of "Polyester".
  • John Waters in Charm City: Promotional piece featuring Divine and Waters.
  • Edith: Queen of Fells Point: Profile on Edith Massey.
  • Tomorrow with Tom Snyder: Interview with Waters and Divine.
• Odorama with John: Discussion about the original Odorama card.
• Commentary: Archival commentary by John Waters.
• Leaflet/Poster
• Odorama Card

John Waters' 1981 cult classic "Polyester" makes a striking entrance on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion. This edition restores the film's essence through high-definition visuals that captivate and disturb in equal measure. Waters' first R-rated film and his debut with a major studio eschews his staple raw underground aesthetic for a blend of kitsch and semi-mainstream cinema. This campy satire, drenched in lurid colors and melodrama reminiscent of Douglas Sirk’s style, gleefully deconstructs the ideals of Suburbia with over-the-top absurdity.

"Polyester" revolves around the chaotic life of Francine Fishpaw (played dynamically by Divine), a disillusioned housewife whose world is crumbling due to her husband's infidelity, her son's criminal behavior, and her daughter's rebellious actions. Divine's performance is a standout, teetering between genuine emotional depth and deliberate exaggeration. Alongside Divine, Tab Hunter delivers an unexpectedly charming depiction of the dubious love interest, Todd Tomorrow. Despite low moments in scripting and uneven chemistry, the film retains an infectious charm with organ chime stingers accentuating its soap opera roots.

This Blu-ray release includes supplementary materials that are as eclectic as the film itself—newly recovered deleted scenes, alternate takes, archival promotional materials, and interviews with Waters that give insight into "Polyester's" production. The inclusion of the notorious Odorama scratch-and-sniff card elevates the viewing experience, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in Waters' notorious, sensorially engaging world. Criterion's presentation emulates Waters’ intent while polishing its aesthetic edges, enhancing every garishly delightful frame. This release is ideal for admirers of retro subversive cinema and fans looking to explore John Waters' transitional work towards mainstream filmmaking without daunting creative compromises.

Polyester, a landmark in John Waters' filmography, represents a transition from his early cinema of rebellion to more mainstream ventures. Criterion's Blu-ray release is exceptional, featuring a splendid 4K restoration supervised by Waters himself and director of photography Dave Insley. The audiovisual quality is impressive, with vibrant image clarity and a robust audio mix that brings out the film’s quirky charm. This release is further enhanced by a plethora of new and archival bonus features, making it a comprehensive package for both long-time fans and newcomers.

Opinions on the film itself vary. While some praise Polyester as a delightful slice of suburban satire, others criticize it for its amateurish acting and forgettable sequences. However, Divine’s memorable performance without heavy makeup is often highlighted as a standout aspect, contributing significantly to the film’s appeal. The inclusion of Odorama cards, a nod to Waters' notorious penchant for gimmicks, adds a layer of engagement, albeit one that might not be appreciated by everyone.

Despite its polarizing nature, this Criterion release will satisfy ardent admirers of John Waters’ work. With its grand image transfer and engaging supplementary materials, Polyester is an essential addition to any cinephile’s collection. This Blu-ray edition captures the essence of Waters' unique storytelling, marrying mainstream accessibility with his grotesque and absurd signature style. Highly recommended for those looking to explore or revisit this intriguing piece of cinema history.