Search - Beyond the Valley of the Dolls on DVD

"Come into my den," said the spider, et cetera

Rich Juzwiak | USA | 12/13/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Beyond the Valley of the Dolls" is perhaps the best movie ever made. Unlike other campy movies, there are virtually no lulls -- each scene is packed with brilliant one-liners, ludicrious characters (portrayed by equally crazy actors), fun music, and tons of hairspray. While Roger Ebert has claimed that the movie was intended to be satirical and hillarious, its dated-ness adds to the effect, inadvertently creating the funniest and most watchable movie of the entire Russ Meyer catalouge (though other gems of Meyer's include "Supervixens," "Vixen," "Up," and the delightful, "Fater Pussycat! Kill! Kill!"). Dolly Reed's often failed attempt at an American accent only adds to the fun. The reason "BVD" isn't more widley loved: it takes a person with certain sense of humor to enjoy the high level of camp this film offers. If you enjoy being tricked into thinking that a legitimately excellent film is really so bad that it's good, indulge yourself in the debauchery."

Look on up at the bottom

Edward Aycock | New York, NY United States | 06/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A recent review in a paper compared "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls" (BVD) to "Josie and the Pussycats", and I was happy to see that somebody else thought so too. BVD plays like Hanna Barbera on acid, a naughty, R-rated version of that "Josie"; despite the sex and nudity, the story of the all-girl rock band (driving around in their psychedelic Scooby van) thwarts the cartoonish villain is pure Saturday morning storytelling. The main tale, however, is just one of the many joys to be found on this DVD, which along with the simultaneous release of "Valley of the Dolls" on DVD makes for the grooviest release of the year.

This sequel-in-name-only to "Valley" remains one of the strangest and most colorful products from the psychedelic era. It's fun to laugh at the bad acting, the eyes that never blink, the hip catchphrases but I also admired the cinematography (looking as great as ever on DVD), and the wild, catchy songs that distinguishes BVD as having one of the best rock soundtracks ever. (Sorry Barbra, 1976's "A Star is Born" soundtrack will never have that honor.)

This DVD has so many extras it freaks me out. One of the best features is the cast interviews; this has to be one of the best aging casts ever. Marcia McBroom (Pet) and Cynthia Myers (Casey) look great, and Dolly Read (Kelly) looks fantastic. I'm so glad they were also willing to do one of the commentaries; the other commentary is done by the writer of the screenplay, the great Roger Ebert. Sadly, David Gurian (Harris), he of the blue eyes, did not participate in any of the features but John LaZar, Z-Man himself!, is on hand, making this a sweet deal.

Great fun, and remember, as the tagline says, "This is not a sequel, this is unlike anything you've ever seen." A+

"

Upcoming DVD release!

T. Sami | Canada | 09/27/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"No use reviewing the film because everyone has already done that. Needless to say it's great and extremely well written. This is a far more polished piece of work than Meyer's other well-known films (i.e. not as "trashy").Well, earlier today (September 27th, 2004) on "Ebert & Roper At The Movies", Roger Ebert spoke about the death of his friend Russ Meyer... Ebert revealed that he has recorded a commentary for the film and it seems Criterion will be releasing it on DVD sometime next year (2005).Skip the VHS and wait for the pot-o-gold with a commentary by the actual writer! This truly will be my happening and it freaks me out, man!"

Stellar DVD release by 20th Century Fox

E. Dolnack | Atlanta, GA USA | 06/15/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The new US region 1 DVD release of 20th Century Fox's "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls" was well worth the wait! It's a tremendously good product through and through. I have not one complaint. I only wish all movies were presented with such loving care as this.

First of all, the film itself is presented in 16x9 widescreen in a very minimal level of compression - which yields a beautiful picture quality on large TVs. The sound is also in stereo and sounds terrific on a good home theater system.

The two commentaries are terrific. Roger Ebert's commentary is insightful and instructional, while the second commentary track of the five actors all watching together is just fun. The second disk of extras has a good set of documentaries that are well done and very enjoyable to watch.

I am a happy, happy man at this great DVD release of "BTVOTD". As Z-man himself (actor John La Zar) introduces on this set, "BVD on DVD. It's your happening, you know it's your happening and it freaks you out!""