John Waters Collection #1: Hairspray/ Pecker (1988)

John Waters made his bid for PG respectability with Hairspray, an enjoyably trashy comedy about the racial integration of a teen dance show on Baltimore television in the early '60s. Waters, as always, makes a virtue of junk culture and the powerful emotional forces it can represent as kids vie to get on the show. Meanwhile, a parade of former stars (Pia Zadora, Debbie Harry, Sonny Bono) and pseudostars (Divine, Ricki Lake) cross the screen, playing freakish characters absorbed by thoughts of fame.

Pecker (Edward Furlong) loves to use the camera to capture his fellow Baltimore residents living their daily lives. Of course, since Pecker is a Waters movie, those daily lives include visits to strip bars, shoplifting, and various other quirky, and frequently hilarious, human activities. When Pecker's makeshift photo exhibit comes to the attention of a New York art agent (Lili Taylor), Pecker becomes the latest sensation. Pecker has something to offend just about everyone. But those who take the offenses to heart would be missing out on what amounts to a sweet-natured farce. Amazon.com

FULL OF GRACE! FULL OF GRACE!

I think these two movies are a must have for any Divine or John Waters fan.Even if they are pretty commercial and not as original as "Female Trouble" or "Mutiple Maniacs"(hopefully the latter of the two will be on DVD soon)they are wonderful example of wonderfully talented and sometimes shocking director.The cast in "Hairspray" are great including Debbie Harry,Sonny Bono,Ricki Lake and of corse,DIVINE!! "Pecker" has its moments and will grow on you as any true John Waters will.If you have never seen a Water's flick,this is a good place to start. January 13, 2003

The Two "HAPPY" Movies Of The John Waters' Collection

"Hairspray" and "Pecker" are the tamest in the John Waters' collection. They are very enjoyable, even though they don't have the shock value that Waters earlier films had. I still absolutely adore both of these films and I'm thrilled that they are together on DVD. "Hairspray" is the last Waters' film that the late Divine appeared in. It showed the potential that Divine had in regards to his acting abilities. The movie is just flat-out fun, I would recommend it to anybody.

"Pecker" is one of John Waters recent films that I thoroughly enjoy. Its a ahppy little story that just floats along on screen, its really a pleasure to watch. March 7, 2002

John Waters - need I say more?

All Waters fans - this is a no brainer. Two of the master's films for the price of one with a great commentary and an offer for a bonus disc (if you buy all three of the "collection"). I can't wait for Multiple Maniacs and Mondo Trasho! I would love to see some of his early stuff (Eat Your Makeup, Hag in a Black Leather Jacket) if it exists somewhere. Don't hesitate to buy this disc if your a fan. January 19, 2002

Least essential 'Special Edition' release....but fun!

Of the three John Waters "Special Edition" releases, this is the only one that duplicates previous DVD releases...and thus it's the one collectors may opt to refuse. (...) The bonuses in this package aren't must-haves, though any film commentary with John Waters is a delight.

I guess some reviewers have a valid point about the mainstreaming of Waters' films...and these two films are case(s?) in point. But consider the limitations placed on the writer/director as his core cast was fragmented and the cost of filming movies soared skyward. In both "Hairspray" and "Pecker" I see minor concessions to the bland tastes of Popular culture, but nary a cop-out. (...) the subversive edge of Waters' often brilliant writing/direction is an ongoing exercise in (good) bad taste. If nothing else, his characters never do what you expect of them, quite a virtue in a film world besotted with "accessible" characterization.

Despite some brilliant moments, "Hairspray" is a bit cloying on the whole. This, in my opinion, is largely due to Ricki Lake in the lead role. Despite the usual outrageous Waters' dialogue, Lake delivers her lines with such sweetness and reverance that you just want to backhand her. To her credit, she furthers the old saw about fat girls being good dancers.

"Hairspray" is also a bit overlong with dance sequences, though they certainly lend a touch of authenticity to the production. The central story is roughly linear, though the bit with Tracy in reform school seems like a delaying tactic...especially since Waters' used a similar story device in "Cry Baby". On the plus side, the supporting cast is rich with freakish appeal. Divine's last role for Waters isn't flashy, but his Edna Turnblad is a credible, nuanced piece of work. Longtime cast member Mink Stole gets lots of screen time in a fairly minor role. Lots of silly and/or hysterical cameos: Pia Zadora, Ric Ocasek, Debbie Harry, Sonny Bono and a few more. The youth leads (mostly unknowns) are right on target...thoroughly believable in their parts.

Overall, "Hairspray" is probably the most accessible of Waters' latter-day films (...).

"Pecker" is a good choice to complement "Hairspray" in this edition. Both films have youthful leads, and both deal (directly or indirectly) with social issues such as race and class. The appeal of these films is also a bit gentler and good-humored than some of Waters' recent offerings. "Pecker" might take a while to sink in with old-time fans, as it did with me. I don't know if it's because there are other writers and directors actively pursuing the raunch genre that Waters' pioneered, or because "Pecker" has such simple charms.

I grudge the obligatory star power of Lili Taylor and Indie Waif Christina Ricci, low-wattage that it may be. Otherwise, the casting and performances in "Pecker" are on target. Mary Kay Place is fretful and yet blissfully sedate as the thrift store maven; a role that seems an appropriate homage to Waters' long time friend and star, Edith Massey. Martha Plimpton plays the ultimate fag hag ("My life is trade!") with dizzy abandon. Ed Furlong's Pecker (um, keep reading) is the most functional idiot savant imagineable...a tireless servant to the "art" all around, and completely oblivious to social norms and responsibilities.

Despite a feel-good ending that smooths over a fair number of conflicts, "Pecker" is a funny and satisfying film. The rabid idiosyncrasies of Waters' characters play off each other with the kind of manic glee you can find in "Pink Flamingos" or even "Polyester." The 'turnabout' plot actually works, if you take a good look at some of Pecks' pics from his NYC premiere. (...)

Fans who already own "Pecker" on DVD may opt to wait for a single disc release for "Hairspray." Considering how infrequently some of his films have been available on home video, I'm pretty sure longtime fans like myself will snap this collection up on sight. Recommended.

J December 5, 2001

Hairspray: The BEST Movie EVER NOW on DVD!

I'm not going to bother to review the actual movies themselves, since there is no point in criticizing perfection! I'm thrilled to finally have "Hairspray" on DVD! What I will say is: I find it extremely puzzling that New Line decided to put "Hairspray" out with "Pecker." I totally understand that "Pecker" is probably the tamest (along with Hairspray- "Cry Baby" was released by Universal so New Line probably doesn't have the rights to release it) of the John Waters movies- but I would say that it's safe to say that all of the John Waters fans with DVD players bought "Pecker" the day it came out! (Well, I did!) The "Pecker" DVD IS NOT the same DVD that was out before. It has some new menu screens AND the cast/crew bios are now gone. Everything else is the same. The "Hairspray" DVD is great- the movie has never looked this good before! I've seen the movie hundreds of times, and I discovered things I had never seen before when I watched the pristine DVD. John and Ricki's commentary is interesting but it's glaringly obvious that the two of them did not record the commentary together. New Line has attempted to sort of "paste together" their commentaries to make you think they were there together- but you can tell they really weren't. Ricki's commentary is somewhat limited to her revealing that she was extremely upset about having to dye her hair and she says that she still wishes that she could have worn a wig. She also talks about how she got the part- but it's her comments on her hair that keep coming up! (I guess she really has a reason to complain! They really did a number on her hair!) It would have been nice if John and Ricki could have recorded their commentaries together- to react against what each was saying. Other than that- just about everything is perfection. The packaging for this DVD could have been a little nicer with more pictures (the velcro that keeps it all closed is sort of CHEAP!)- New Line could have come up with something a little more clever- but I'M NOT COMPLAINING! I'm just happy to have "Hairspray" on DVD! June 14, 2001

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