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I’ve been having a blast with Paramount and their Paramount Presents line of films. Paramount is one of the few studios actually release non previously released titles along with their hoard of remastered films that have already got a Blu-ray release. Sure, it’s not like the vast majority of the Paramount Presents line is brand new titles, but it’s enough that I really enjoy seeing what they pull out from their archives next.
This time it’s a cult film that is probably legendary for being the very first Razzie award nominations ever. It was an epic train wreck of a film about a very serious subject, that came across as one of the campiest messes of all times. At the time it was a VERY poorly received film for a reason, but over the last 40 years it has gained a cult following for being one of those “so bad it’s hilariously fun” films. And if you look at it, it’s also one of the most emotionally striking films as well. It hits you in the gut and truly makes you uncomfortable (seriously, the coat hanger is legendary for that reason alone), while making you wonder what prompted Faye Dunaway to actually take the project.
Mommie Dearest is taken from the memoirs of Christina Crawford, daughter of actress Joan Crawford, detailing the abusive and rather horrific childhood she had dealing with a mentally unbalanced mother. Joan was a legend in the Golden Age of Hollywood for being one of the most visceral and powerful actresses of all time, but it turns out her home life was a complete wreck. She was abusive, controlling, unhinged, and over time her inner secrets came out (especially in her later years). Mommie Dearest stars Faye Dunaway as the legendary actress, and chronicles Christina’s formative and young adult years with her mother.
Faye Dunaway is what makes this picture so much fun to watch (from a certain point of view as Obi Wan would say). She’s completely batnuts crazy throughout the production, and she sunk herself totally into the role to the point of becoming unrecognizable. Supposedly she’s on record for saying that this film totally changed her career, for better or worse, and it’s not hard to see why. Watching this you may not even recognize the famous actress, so far down the rabbit hole she doth goeth. Everything else is just hammy and campy, and makes this one of the best worst movies of all times.
Rating:
Rated PG: Parental Guidance Suggested
Video:
Audio:
Extras:
• NEW Audio Commentary by American drag queen Hedda Lettuce
• NEW Filmmaker Focus: Biographer Justin Bozung on director Frank Perry
• Commentary by filmmaker John Waters
• The Revival of Joan
• Life with Joan
• Joan Lives On
• Photo Gallery
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Collectible packaging featuring a foldout image of the film's theatrical poster and an interior spread with key movie moments
Final Score:
I wouldn’t say that Mommie Dearest is a film that the general population is screaming for a release, but fans of this cult classic have been wishing that it come to Blu-ray for YEARS, so I guess it’s a great thing that this 40th anniversary collection gets a nice 4K remaster and a whole host of extras (several new ones as well). It looks and sounds absolutely fantastic for what it is, and the movie is hoot and a half to watch if you’ve never seen it before. Definitely a great release for fans, although I would hesitate recommending this as a “this is an awesome blind buy! You’ll love it!” type of rating.
Technical Specifications:
Starring: FAye Dunaway, Diana Scarwid, Steve Forrest, Howard Da Silva, Rutanya Alda
Directed by: Frank Perry
Written by: Christina Crawford (Book), Frank Yablans, Frank Perry (screenplay)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 AVC
Audio: English: DTS-HD MA 5.1, English, French, German DD 2.0
Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, German
Studio: Paramount
Rated: PG
Runtime: 129 Minutes
Blu-ray Release Date: June 1st 2021
Recommendation: Check It Out