Hairspray Blu-ray Review

Warner/New Line's 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray of "Hairspray" delivers a vibrant and faithful representation of David Insley's cinematography. The transfer captures the candy-colored palette that is quintessential to John Waters' theatrical style, evident in settings such as The Corny Collins Show and the von Tussle household. The fine resolution allows props, costumes, and the distinctive big hair to stand out, even in densely populated scenes. Facial features are well-defined, lending an impressive clarity to close-ups. Coupled with deep black levels and natural skin tones, the image maintains just the right degree of artificiality, enhancing the film's fairy tale-like aesthetics.

Despite its strengths, the Blu-ray transfer does have minor issues. Occasional video noise, particularly on flat surfaces like the establishing shot of Tilted Acres amusement park at 1:04:30, hints at potential overcompression. Some shots exhibit a soft focus, attributable to the original source rather than the transfer itself. However, grain patterns remain controlled and well-resolved, contributing to a filmic look without appearing overstated. The average bitrate of 21.93 Mbps crucially avoids visible artifacts by carefully balancing bandwidth between dynamic dance sequences and dialogue-heavy scenes.

Overall, the Blu-ray's 1.78:1 aspect ratio presentation excels in delivering a visually engaging experience that complements Waters' stylistic choices. While minor imperfections such as video noise and occasional softness could detract for the very discerning viewer, these are relatively insignificant compared to the vividness and clarity of the principal imagery. This upgraded transfer indeed makes "Hairspray" worth revisiting for its enhanced visual appeal.

The audio presentation of "Hairspray" on Blu-ray offers an upgrade over the previous Dolby Digital 5.1 mix by providing a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 experience. This enhancement retains the film's original forward soundstage, as befits its early 1960s setting, while taking full advantage of modern audio capabilities. The vintage song selections benefit greatly from this remix, boasting increased clarity, a wider dynamic range, and a well-defined bass that older equipment simply couldn't deliver. The frequent changes in sonic perspective, especially between live-action TV studio scenes and the tinny sound of viewers' home speakers, are more pronounced, thus enriching the overall viewing experience.

Key sound effects are intentionally exaggerated for comic effect, aligning with the film's melodramatic dialogue. The 5.1 surround mix ensures these effects are delivered with appropriate force without ever becoming overwhelming. The riot scene towards the film's conclusion is particularly noteworthy for its impactful yet controlled sound presentation. Additionally, the dialogue remains consistently crisp and clear throughout, free from any intrusive pops, cracks, or hissing.

The songs and Kenny Vance's incidental underscoring blend seamlessly and robustly, filling the surrounds with vibrant energy. The bass hits its marks impeccably, never producing a rough rumble. Crowd scenes have a distinct cartoony vibe, exactly as intended by Waters, and demonstrate excellent directionality. Overall, this upgraded lossless audio mix elevates the musical and dance sequences from great to excellent, delivering an engaging and immersive auditory experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Hairspray" offer a comprehensive and engaging collection of materials that delve deeply into the film’s background, production, and legacy. Notably, the commentary track featuring John Waters and Ricki Lake is a highlight, providing separate but skillfully interwoven perspectives on the making of the film and the cultural landscape it portrays. Additionally, there are several vintage interviews with Waters and key cast members, offering invaluable insights and anecdotes. Production details are further explored in features with the production designer and producer, while touching tributes to figures like Divine and Cookie Mueller contribute heartfelt retrospectives. This rich assortment of content ensures a thorough appreciation of "Hairspray’s" impact both as a cultural artifact and cinematic achievement.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Writer/Director John Waters and Actor Ricki Lake: Separate but edited-together remarks on film-making and casting.
• Get to Know John Waters: A 1987 local Baltimore interview.
• Vincent Peranio: Hairspray's Production Design: Details on set drawings and construction.
• Rachel Talalay: Producing Hairspray: Insights from a former PA turned producer.
• Original Hairspray Featurette: A 1988 interview with cast members hosted by Waters.
• Two of the Original Buddy Deaners: Linda and Gene Snyder: Real-life inspirations for the Corny Collins Show.
• Dennis Dermody, Sue Lowe, and Brook Yeaton: Divine In Memoriam: Friends' tributes after Divine's passing.
• Sue Lowe, Peter Koper, and Dennis Dermody: A Portrait of Cookie Mueller: Reflections on Mueller’s life and career.
• Bob Adams on the Dreamlanders: Discussion of Waters' circle of collaborators.
• Dennis Dermody: Seasons Greetings, Love John: Review of Waters' personalized Christmas cards.
• Ricki Lake: A Hairspray Reunion: 1994 reunion on Lake's talk show.
• Audio Clips (Various Topics): Conversations between Waters and Divine.
• Theatrical Trailer: Promotional trailer for the film.

John Waters' "Hairspray," originally released in 1988, presents a notable departure from his typical oeuvre characterized by outré and controversial themes. This family-friendly film, rated PG, captures the vibrancy of the Baltimore teenage scene in 1962—a period just on the precipice of the widespread social upheavals of the Sixties. With infectious dance numbers interspersed with timeless songs, "Hairspray" becomes a spirited celebration of teenage rebellion and social justice. The film follows Tracy Turnblad (Ricki Lake), an optimistic, plus-size teenager whose passion for dance propels her into the spotlight on "The Corny Collins Show," a local TV dance program. Her rise on the show challenges societal norms and exposes the entrenched racism and body shaming of the era.

Waters’ direction vividly captures the essence of 1962 Baltimore, providing a rich, nostalgic backdrop for the unfolding drama and dance numbers. The narrative skillfully intertwines Tracy’s personal struggle to be accepted with a broader commentary on civil rights, emphasizing the segregation prevalent in television and society at large. The Corny Collins Show’s monthly "Negro Day" underscores the era's racial divisions, which Tracy actively confronts, becoming an unlikely symbol for integration and change. Notably, Divine’s dual roles as Tracy’s supportive mother Edna Turnblad, and the bigoted station manager Arvin Hodgepile, add a layer of satirical depth to the film’s narrative on prejudice and acceptance.

Musically, "Hairspray" excels with its period-specific soundtrack featuring classics from Gene Pitney, The Flares, and Chubby Checker. These tracks complement the film’s exuberant dance sequences and add authenticity to the setting. Some standout moments include Tracy's captivating dance audition that wins over teen heartthrob Link Larkin (Michael St. Gerard) and her consistent defiance against societal pressures, supported by her best friend Penny Pingleton (Leslie Ann Powers). Cameos from stars like Debbie Harry, Sonny Bono, and Pia Zadora also enrich the film’s eclectic allure. "Hairspray" not only showcases Waters' ability to craft a poignant social commentary within an entertaining format but also solidifies its lasting appeal as a cultural touchstone that bridges fun with meaningful narrative depth.

The Blu-ray release of John Waters' "Hairspray" is a compelling package that presents the film with superb video and audio quality, making it an excellent addition to any film aficionado's collection. The visual transfer preserves the film's vibrant color palette and crisp details, offering a significant improvement from previous digital releases. The sound mix is equally impressive, delivering the music and dialogue with clarity and depth. The soundtrack, a pivotal element of the film’s charm, retains its infectious energy that complements the lively dance sequences and overall upbeat tone.

The Blu-ray also includes a substantial array of supplemental features, many of which are imported from earlier editions. These extras provide valuable insights into the making of the film, including interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and commentary from John Waters and cast members. For fans of Waters' work, these features enhance the overall experience and appreciation of the film. The bonus materials successfully capture the unique essence and creativity of John Waters, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for dedicated fans.

For those unfamiliar with John Waters' unique cinematic style, "Hairspray" is one of his more accessible films, albeit still carrying his distinct signature. Potential viewers should be aware that Waters can be polarizing, but this movie, with its PG rating, is far less controversial than much of his other work. The thematic elements address social issues with a blend of humor and heart, making it not just entertaining but also poignant.

John Waters is an acquired taste for most, and I would discourage anyone unfamiliar with "Hairspray" from a blind buy. Even those who know only the 2007 film of the musical, starring John Travolta, should think twice before assuming they know what they're getting with Waters' original. The original Pope of Trash a/k/a the Prince of Puke can still be glimpsed from time to time, even with a PG rating (e.g., the scene where Velma von Tussle assists her daughter with teenage complexion issues). For Waters fans, though, the Blu-ray of "Hairspray" should be a satisfying experience.