Beyond the Valley of the Dolls Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls" by Criterion boasts a 1080p resolution encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and presented in an aspect ratio of 2.37:1. This well-executed transfer originates from a new 35mm interpositive derived from the original camera negative, restored by the Criterion Collection, ensuring high-quality visual fidelity. The restoration team has successfully removed most clicks, thumps, hiss, hum, and crackle, resulting in an impressively clean presentation with excellent clarity and detail.

Visually, the transfer benefits from a bright and vibrant color palette that captures the eclectic tones of the late 60s and early 70s without appearing oversaturated. The colors exhibit a natural and film-like texture. Despite some minor density fluctuations in the grain and slight softness in certain shots, the overall image integrity remains solid. Shadow definition is generally good, with black levels appearing consistent, although not exceptionally deep. No major artifacts like sharpening corrections, damage marks, or debris are present, thereby maintaining an immersive visual experience for the viewers.

While the transfer does reveal areas where color saturation and shadow definition could be further perfected, it nonetheless marks a significant upgrade from previous DVD releases. The absence of large imperfections and a clean appearance enhance the enjoyment of the film. This Region-A locked Blu-ray release is a commendable effort by Criterion, offering an authentic visual experience that should satisfy both new viewers and long-time fans of "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls."

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls" comes with a single English LPCM 1.0 mono track, maintaining the original sound fidelity of its 35mm magnetic source. The lossless track is commendably balanced with no audio dropouts, pops, background hiss, or digital distortions. Dialogues stand out as clean, crisp, and stable, making it easy for viewers to follow, even during more complex scenes with multiple sound sources. This is an impressive feature for a film of this era, preserving authenticity while ensuring an engaging listening experience.

Despite its many strengths, the LPCM 1.0 track falls slightly short in overall crispness, especially concerning spoken word clarity. While not muddy, the dialogue lacks the distinctiveness that audiophiles might hope for in a remastered release. Nonetheless, the track remains a faithful reproduction of the original theatrical experience, and there are no significant issues that impede understanding or followability. It’s worth noting that the inclusion of subtitles helps bridge any gaps that the mono track might leave.

For those who long for a richer, more dynamic audio experience, the absence of a stereo mix may be disappointing, particularly given the film's extensive musical scenes. However, considering the niche appeal of this cult classic and budget constraints, such an enhancement might have been unreasonable to expect from the distributors. Nonetheless, this audio track solidly represents what viewers can anticipate from a carefully preserved historical audio presentation.

The Blu-ray extras for "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls" offer a comprehensive, engaging exploration of this cult classic. Highlights include extensive archival featurettes that delve into the creative mind of director Russ Meyer and screenwriter Roger Ebert, as well as interviews with key cast and crew members. The inclusion of commentary tracks, insightful modern interviews, and rare behind-the-scenes footage enriches understanding of the film's unique style and cultural impact. Notably, the participation of renowned filmmaker John Waters in a newly recorded interview adds fresh perspective to Meyer's legacy. This extensive collection is an invaluable resource for fans and film scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Above, Beneath & Beyond the Valley: Archival featurette on the film’s making.
• The Incredibly Strange Film Show: Archival episode featuring Russ Meyer's work.
• Cast and Crew Q&A: 1990 Q&A session with Meyer, Ebert, and cast.
• Beyond the Beyond: New interview with filmmaker John Waters.
• Look on Up at the Bottom: Featurette on the film’s music.
• Sex, Drugs, Music & Murder: Exploration of the film’s socio-cultural context.
• The Best of Beyond: Featurette on the film’s cult status.
• Casey & Roxanne: The Love Scene: Recollections from actresses.
• Memories of Russ: Archival interviews with cast and friends.
• Audio Commentary One: With critic Roger Ebert.
• Audio Commentary Two: With cast members.
• Teaser: Original teaser trailer.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Behind the Scenes: Raw footage from shooting.
• Additional Trailers: Trailers for other Meyer films.
• Screen Tests: Original screen tests from two couples.

Russ Meyer's "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls" is a fascinatingly polarizing film that has resurfaced via Criterion's latest Blu-ray release. This 1970 cult classic divides viewers with its excessive, manufactured reality and over-the-top characters while maintaining an authentic LA backdrop. At its core, the narrative revolves around an all-girl band, The Carrie Nations, navigating the tumultuous trappings of Hollywood fame. Thanks to screenwriter Roger Ebert, the dialogue is frenetic and engaging, but the film’s chaotic nature results in a lack of coherent structure, transforming characters into puppets void of significant relationships.

The film's audacious final act veers into horror territory with scenes so exaggerated they border on comedic. Despite earning an X rating in 1970, today's eyes might find it more suitable for an R due to its rather tame suggestive content, reinforcing its status as a “goofy” and satirical spectacle rather than true exploitation. Meyer's direction and Ebert's script deliver a unique blend of kitsch and chaos that some will embrace for its sheer absurdity, while others may struggle to rationalize its excesses.

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation offers a pristine 1080p transfer that highlights the film’s vibrant color scheme and period-specific visuals. Supplemented with engaging special features—including commentaries by Roger Ebert and archival content—this edition deepens appreciation for the film's behind-the-scenes intricacies. The package also includes essays that contextualize the film’s cultural impact. This Blu-ray is not only a testament to Meyer's flamboyant vision but stands as a significant piece of 1970s cinema to be revisited and analyzed for years to come. For fans of sensational and unrestrained filmmaking, "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls" remains an indelible trip through Hollywood’s hedonistic past.

Beyond the Valley of the Dolls, directed by Russ Meyer and released by Criterion, offers a fascinating examination of cult cinema. This Blu-ray iteration provides a comprehensive look at Meyer's chaotic yet fervent storytelling, capturing both the film's eccentric narrative and psychedelic aesthetic. The 4K digital restoration significantly enhances the visual experience, presenting vivid colors and better contrast accuracy that exceed previous releases. The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track ensures clear dialogue and immersive audio, maintaining fidelity to the original sound design while offering an improved listening experience.

The supplemental features on this Blu-ray are particularly noteworthy. Included are archival featurettes, interviews, and an insightful commentary track that delve into the complex production history and cultural impact of the film. Notably, the late editor Dann Cahn’s discussion on his collaboration with Meyer adds substantial value. This extensive documentation provides an engaging context that enhances appreciation for Meyer's distinctive approach to filmmaking. The featurettes also underscore the technical aspects, such as cinematography and editing, that contributed to the creation of this unique cult classic.

In conclusion, Criterion's technical presentation of Beyond the Valley of the Dolls is very good. As usual, the upcoming Blu-ray release also offers an excellent selection of informative supplemental features. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.