Cry-Baby 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber’s 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Cry-Baby" sets a new benchmark for the visual presentation of this cult classic. The package includes both the Theatrical Version, viewable in native 4K with Dolby Vision and HDR10 grades, and the Director's Cut, presented in 1080p with upscaled standard-definition inserts. This restoration was meticulously produced from a 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative, supplemented by dupe elements for optical sequences. Consequently, there's a noticeable but minor reduction in sharpness during these sequences. The HDR grading is a standout feature, enhancing the vivid palette without exaggeration and giving the film a vibrant, larger-than-life appearance that stays true to its filmic origins.

Visual upgrades include significant improvements across delineation, clarity, depth, and fluidity. The lush and balanced color reproduction breathes new life into the outdoor and indoor footage, particularly during low-light scenes. Skin tones now appear more natural, and finer details—such as textures in costumes and set designs—are markedly superior compared to the 2014 Blu-ray release. Film grain is well preserved, adding to the authentic cinematic feel, although it might appear slightly noisy for some viewers. The Dolby Vision grading excels, offering bright colors, crisp whites, and deep black levels without crush or blooming issues. For the Director's Cut, while the quality shifts are perceptible, the transitions are executed smoothly enough to not detract from the viewing experience.

Overall, Kino Lorber’s 4K UHD Blu-ray delivers an immaculate presentation of "Cry-Baby" that pays homage to John Waters’ distinct visual style. The film's signature garishness is accentuated beautifully in this release while preserving its original cinematic essence. Despite minor limitations in certain optical sequences and some upscaled inserts in the Director's Cut, this edition offers viewers an engaging and dramatically enhanced visual experience.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "Cry-Baby" offers two high-quality audio options: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles. The 5.1 track provides a more expansive auditory experience with better channel separation and moderately enhanced bass depth. This track is more immersive during dynamic scenes like music numbers and the drag race, where it utilizes the front/center channels effectively and occasionally extends into the surrounds, offering a fuller, richer soundscape.

Conversely, the 2.0 track showcases the film’s original Dolby Stereo mix with encoded surrounds, giving it a period-authentic vibe that aligns well with the movie's style. Although primarily front-focused, this track ensures clarity and sharpness in dialog without any noticeable encoding issues, making it a strong choice for purists. It may lack the discrete channel precision of the 5.1 mix but holds its own by being a bit louder and more present compared to previous releases, providing a robust and engaging listening experience.

Audio enthusiasts will find both tracks to be commendable. The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix slightly edges out the 2.0 track with its refined steering and added depth, making action sequences more engaging. However, the 2.0 option remains a reliable and authentic rendition of the original theatrical audio, ensuring that either choice provides a solid auditory experience and complements “Cry-Baby” admirably.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Cry-Baby" offers a robust selection of extras that enhance appreciation of John Waters' cult classic. Among the highlights are two commentary tracks by Waters, with the new track being particularly engaging as it incorporates recent references such as COVID-19. This disc includes a wealth of interviews and featurettes—such as "Bringing Up Baby," where Waters and the crew recount production nuances, and candid interviews with stars like Traci Lords, discussing her pivotal role post-adult industry. The Director’s Cut, albeit a hybrid version, enriches the narrative with additional sequences which were not in the theatrical release, offering clarity and humor to several scenes. The package is a comprehensive blend of new and archival materials that provide diverse perspectives from various cast and crew members.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Featuring John Waters
• Bringing Up Baby: Featurette with Waters, Moran, Stole, and Insley
• Pop Icons: Interview with Amy Locane
• Part of a Collection: Interview with Traci Lords
• A Few Yucks: Interview with Iggy Pop
• All These Misfits: Interview with Ricki Lake
• So Tired of Being Good: Interview with Patricia Hearst
• In the Sandbox: Interview with Darren E. Burrows
• Hip to Be Square: Interview with Stephen Mailer
• Talking Hair: Interview with Barber Howard “Hep” Preston
• It Came From... Baltimore!!: Archival feature on production
• Deleted Scenes: Five deleted scenes
• Trailer: Vintage U.S. theatrical trailer

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of John Waters' "Cry-Baby" (1990), released by Kino Lorber, provides a compelling look into Waters' sardonic take on 1950s' juvenile delinquent films. Drawing influences from classics such as Laslo Benedek's "The Wild One" and Coppola's "Rumble Fish," Waters delivers a parody bursting with exaggerated societal divides. The film dissects the superficial dichotomy between the so-called Haves and Have Nots, portraying the former as zealous, dimwitted caricatures and the latter as obnoxiously self-proclaimed intellectuals. This thematic framework, along with the amalgamation of bizarre musical elements, creates a disjoint that Waters eagerly explores. Unfortunately, this satirical edge often falters due to chaotic narrative execution and mismatched tones, rendering "Cry-Baby" an emulation of chaos rather than a polished satire.

The cast, led by a youthful Johnny Depp, is vibrant yet underutilized, featuring talents like Amy Locane, Ricky Lake, and Iggy Pop. Their collective performances highlight the tumultuous romantic tale between Depp's rogue protagonist and Locane’s naive drape, but are often overshadowed by Waters' penchant for uncontrolled absurdity. The musical segments, though intended as thematic pivot points, suffer from poor integration, undermining their potential impact. Despite retaining Waters' signature mockery of societal norms, the narrative sometimes feels salvaged rather than coherently crafted.

Kino Lorber's release enhances the visual and audio experience with new 4K restorations of both the theatrical (86 minutes) and director's cuts (92 minutes, upscaled from standard definition inserts). Supplemental features such as deleted scenes, vintage trailers, and engaging interviews with Waters and the cast enrich the context but struggle to compensate for the film's inherent flaws. Ultimately, while "Cry-Baby" captures the nostalgic essence of delinquent youth films through a Waters lens, its execution leaves it more an endurance test than captivation.

Kino Lorber's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of John Waters' "Cry-Baby" is a definitive edition that brings the offbeat charm of this cult classic to a new level of audiovisual quality. Utilizing a 4K restoration for the Theatrical Cut, the UHD disc offers an impressive Dolby Vision presentation that surpasses all previous releases. The inclusion of both the Theatrical and Director’s Cut—though the latter only in 1080p due to mixed source elements—provides comprehensive viewing options for fans and newcomers alike.

This release is rich with bonus content, aggregating all previous extras and adding a plethora of new exclusive features. The array of archival material ensures that viewers have plenty to engage with beyond just the film itself. This is as extensive and definitive a release of "Cry-Baby" as one could hope for, thanks to Kino Lorber taking the reins where Universal had shown reluctance. The attention to detail and quality makes this edition stand out in the market.

In conclusion, while some may argue that "Cry-Baby" is a flawed film attempting to combine satire and homage, its unique charm and Waters' distinct style make it a fascinating watch. Kino Lorber's 4K UHD release not only elevates the viewing experience but celebrates the film’s nonconformity in a era where studios often play it safe. This release guarantees to satisfy both die-hard fans and those curious about Waters' work, marking it as a highly recommended addition to any film collection.