The first film is Desperate Living. I must tell you I am a long-time Waters fan, and have seen all his film from Mondo Trasho on (including The Diane Linkletter Story), but sadly, this is my least favorite of his films. It's not necessarily bad (for a John Waters movie, that is); it just is not as funny or as happy as his other films. Neither Divine (who was unavailable) nor David Lockery (who was dead) appeared in Desperate Living, and Waters seemed lost without them. This movie is about a town called Mortville, where criminals are allowed to live instead of going to prison. Edith Massey, in her best film role, plays evil Queen Carlotta, who relishes in humiliating her subjects and having her sexual needs met by her "goons". Mink Stole is also in top form here, thanks to the meaty role of an hysterical housewife, who, together with her maid Grizelda, murder her husband and escape to Mortville. Another Waters regular, Mary Vivian Pearce, plays Princess Coo-Coo who, against Queen Carlotta's wishes, falls in love with the garbage collector at the Mortville nudist colony. There are also a female-to-male sex-change operation, a bowl of dog food used as a murder weapon, and female "glory holes" which must be seen to be believed.

Polyester, on the other hand, is a great film. Although Hairspray was Waters breakthrough to mainstream filmmaking, you can tell he was on his way with Polyester. Divine is back, this time playing a victimized housewife with a philandering husband and two dilinquent children. Her life is a complete mess until she meets suave, debonair, (and rich!) Todd Tomorrow, played by Tab Hunter, Waters' first "real" movie star. However, Todd may not be what he appears to be... In an homage to film director William Castle, who used gimmicks to promote his movies, Waters used a gimmick for Polyester: Odorama. Theatergoers were issued Odorama Cards upon entering the theater; each card had ten numbered scratch-and-sniff patches on one side. At certain points during the film, a number would flash on the screen, indicating that it was time to scratch and sniff. The DVD comes with one Odorama card, which is great, unless you want to have a movie party. However, vintage Odorama cards can usually be purchased reasonably on eBay. Just heed the film's warning: "Some things in life just plain stink!"

The commentary track for Polyester is Waters at his brilliant best--most of his audio commentaries are as funny or funnier than his films. The track for Desperate Living, on the other hand, is a disappointment. Waters shares the track with cast member Liz Renay, who has a tendancy to ramble on about things having nothing to do with the movie. You get the impression that each was allotted a set amount of time, and Waters, who's commentary is informative and entertaining is continuously curtailed by Miss Renay's incessant chatter. Waters' other "shared" commentary track is on the DVD of Hairspray. He is joined by Ricki Lake, and their give and take works great. For Desperate Living, Waters should have gone it alone.


Some people just don't get it!!   November 23, 2002
 3 out of 4 found this review helpful

John Waters' films are outrageous, disgusting and hysterically funny! That's the point! Don't expect academy award winning peformances, scripts or cinematography. Expect the unexpected, open your mind and enjoy an alternative point of view. Barry Levinson and John Waters are the cinema-laureates of Baltimore. They portray two very different perspectives; both are accurate!!


Raunchy, Disgusting, Exhilerating Entertainment!!!   August 10, 2002
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Waters treats the public to another DOUBLE DVD set of two of his most sought after films! There may not be a "sniff & scratch" card wtih "Polyester", but who needs it?! The film is such a wonderful stinker anyway! It's a hoot to watch Francine Fishpaw slowly going mad. Even the poor dog commits suicide! At least her foot stomping son survives the mental hospital through art therapy - now he paints nothing but feet!

"Desperately Living" contains the classy Grizelda, a huge black maid to the spoiled and wealthy Gravel family. Well, an escape to Mortville solves all thier problems and Queen Carlotta will always feed her birdies pizza! Oh, and what a happy ending! Queen Carlotta gets a feast of a lifetime and so what if the whore princess foams rabies? It a beautiful family atmosphere! Another classic!


Suculent   July 19, 2002
Both films are the finest examples of crummudgeonry theatre. True filth and exonerated shaniety.

John Waters is single handidly the highest ranking philomore for today's applaudable tripe.

Kudos!


I'd give this DVD package TEN STARS * * * * * * * * * *   March 16, 2002
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

This John Waters DVD package is a must-have for any John Waters fan. Desperate Living is a true display of trash-art. This movie is a work of art-- a masterpiece-- a bevy of visual delite!!!! I laughed so hard the first time I viewed this movie. Polyester, on the other hand, is a little more dull than Desperate Living. Don't get me wrong, Polyester is good, it's just a little slow. I especially enjoyed the Odorama card that was enclosed. It made my movie-viewing experience a unique one, appealing to all of the senses. Also, the commentary by Waters is also worth viewing. This man is a god!!! All in all, if if you like John Waters-- YOU WILL LOVE THESE DVDs... I promise ;o).