Misunderstood on so many levels, Russ "square jaws and big boobs Meyers 1970 piece de resistance may just be one of the greatest films ever made. Scratch that it is one of the greatest films ever made. Hired by the desperate Fox execs because of his ability to turn a meagre budget into a major profit, what the studio imagined was as far from the result as possible. They envisioned a sequel to the "successful adaptation of Jacqueline Susanns Valley of the Dolls novel and instead, Meyer and screenwriter Roger Ebert (yes, Mr. "thumbs up) wrote a parody that would indulge in all of the ridiculous melodrama, bizarre cast of characters, unpredictable twists and, of course, boobs you could shake a stick at. Taking Susanns story and spinning it into an all-out "musical horror sex comedy extravaganza, the finished product was both shocking and, surprisingly, profitable. The story of an all-girl bands rise to fame and subsequent burning crash into a world of drugs, sex, corruption and murder, theres little to this film that isnt mind-blowingly sensational in both senses of the word. Eberts commentary (which sounds scripted, like hes reading one of his reviews) is fascinating and enlightening, giving a rundown of Meyers quirks, including his WWII work alongside Patton, his "no sex rule on the set and his disappointment over the films X-rating, largely because he had tamed the film down for an R and felt he could have made it raunchier if hed known an X was inevitable. Also included in this comprehensive DVD edition is a wildly bizarre intro by John "Z-Man La Zar, as well as some fantastic and informative featurettes (complete with cast, crew and critics interviews) that show just how significant and underrated this cult classic truly is. "The Best of Beyond is perhaps the most entertaining, asking the cast what the best death, kiss, boobs and lines (my personal choice is Z-mans: "You will drink the black sperm of my vengeance!) are from the film. Every Meyer film should receive this kind of DVD appreciation. Plus: cast commentary, lobby cards, screen tests and galleries. (Fox)
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls
Russ Meyer
BY Cam LindsayPublished Jul 1, 2006