by Jon Partridge
Typically a Criterion announcement is met with exultations of joy, celebrating a cherished cinematic gem that has been given the royal treatment that comes with indoctrination to the Criterion cupboard. Beyond the Valley of the Dolls was met with a more mixed response, prompting some articles questioning its release. On the flip side, many have welcomed its inclusion. It’s a polarizing film no doubt and with the Criterion treatment, this is sure to be the best way to find out for yourself.
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls Synopsis
In 1970, Twentieth Century-Fox, impressed by the visual zing “King of the Nudies” Russ Meyer had been bringing to bargain-basement exploitation fare, handed the director a studio budget and the title to one of its biggest hits, Valley of the Dolls. With a satirical screenplay by Roger Ebert, Beyond the Valley of the Dolls follows three young female rockers going Hollywood, in hell-bent sixties style, under the spell of a flamboyant producer — whose decadent bashes showcase Meyer’s trademark libidinal exuberance. Transgressive and outrageous, this big-studio version of a debaucherous midnight movie is an addictively entertaining romp from one of cinema’s great outsider artists.
While not a sequel to Valley of the Dolls, it serves to send-up that film, taking similar characters and themes and ramping them up a few notches. It’s a fun, playful affair that maintains a bizarre edge and veers into darker territory as it progresses. Russ Meyer was most famous for a string o sf exploitation films, including Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! and Vixen. He injects his usual brand of farcical, bawdy humor as well as a host of well endowed and often scantily clad women. In spite of this, there’s a pretty progressive portrayal of sex and feminism. It’s not just women being preyed upon, but women taking the initiative, pursuing men (and women) and enjoying it. Likely the tempering influence of cherished film critic Roger Ebert who also co-wrote the screenplay.
The film follows these female leads, Kelly (Dolly Read), Pet (Marcia McBroom) and Casey (Cynthia Myers, who together form the rock group “The Carrie Nations”. They arrive in LA to make their mark on the music business and after an invitation to a party hosted by local showman Z-man (John LaZar in a eye catching, camp performance that verges on the maniacal) begin a journey through the Hollywood scene. The trio encounter a variety of people with a backdrop of sex, drugs and rock and roll with a variety of local characters in tow. The plot, such as it is, really serves as a way to examine this lifestyle and scene they are immersed in, including the self destructive nature of it all which the film hammers home all with a closing montage. Subtle it is not.
Meyers injects the film with a lot of energy and pace with his camera work and editing. The 60/70s aesthetic and mood of the film is a giddy delight, adding to the sense that this is a farcical romp. For a film and characters that revolves around music, this aspect is well considered also. As well as actual bands who were prominent at the time making an appearance, there is plenty of original music incorporated. They’re surprisingly catchy tunes, thanks to my leaving the Blu-ray on the title screen for an extended time I still have the “Look Up at the Bottom” lyrics in my head. It’s a trippy, breezy soundtrack to accompany a visual feast. Both impressive aspects in this psychedelic, strange and enthralling piece of cinema.
THE PACKAGEThe new transfer from Criterion is a impressive one. Colors are lush and vibrant, without looking artificial. Detail is good as is contrast, blacks are deep (if a little less so in exterior shots) and a natural grain is maintained. No noticeable defects, scratches or dust apparent.
Special features include:
- Audio commentary from 2003 featuring screenwriter Roger Ebert1
- Audio commentary from 2006 featuring actors Dolly Read, Cynthia Myers, Harrison Page, John LaZar, and Erica Gavin
- Episode from 1988 of The Incredibly Strange Film Show on director Russ Meyer hosted by British TV star Jonathan Ross
- Q&A about the film from 1992 featuring Meyer, Ebert, LaZar, and Read; and actors David Gurian, Charles Napier, Michael Blodgett, and Edy Williams, with host Michael Dare
- Interview with cast members from 2005
- Above, Beneath, and Beyond the Valley; Look On Up at the Bottom; The Best of Beyond; Sex, Drugs, Music & Murder; and Casey & Roxanne, five documentaries from 2006 about the making of the film, featuring the cast and crew
- Screen tests
- Beyond the Beyond, a new documantar with filmmaker John Waterss
- PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by film critic Glenn Kenny and excerpts from a 1970 account in the UCLA Daily Bruin of a visit to the film’s set
First off, the Ebert commentary is fantastic. Funny, insightful and self-deprecating. The cast commentary isn’t as entertaining but there are some amusing on-set tales to be heard. The Cast and Crew Q&A is a nice companion to the cast commentary, although the archival footage included is of poor quality.
Each of the five documentaries from 2006 all touch on various aspects of the film such as production, music, the influence of the era and more. The standout is probably Above, Beneath and Beyond the Valley which features some interesting interviews with the cast and crew. The cast also offer some touching sentiments in Memories of Russ, filmed in 2005, they share more details on their experiences on set. Meyer himself reflects on his career in an episode of The Incredibly Strange Film Show. It’s essential viewing.
Beyond the Beyond is a newly recorded interview for this release with John Waters. Spanning 30 minutes, he reflects on his personal relationship with Russ Meyer and how he affected his own filmmaking career. A really great interview and like the rest of the extras, one that helps deepen your appreciation for the film.
THE BOTTOM LINE Criterion has assembled a Beyond the Valley of the Dolls that not only looks and sounds great, but is replete with extras that offer a fascinating insight into this bizarre venture. Fans will love the quality of the release while even the most ardent of naysayers will find enough insight in the features here to find new appreciation for this cult classic.
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls is available from September 27th via Criterion.
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Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls — [Blu-ray] | [DVD]