The Exotic Dances of Bettie Page is more for completists, owners of previous docs and movies about the 1950s pin-up girl who has a large fan base that probably has only grown over the years.
The Exotic Dances of Bettie Page
(1951)
Genre(s): Special Interest
Cult Epics | NR – 35 min. – $29.98 | September 13, 2016
Date Published: 09/27/2016 | Author: The Movieman
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THE MOVIE — 2.0/5 |
| Note: The rating I gave is on the feature itself and it’s mainly historical-esque footage, raw 8mm video (converted to HD) from Irving Klaw of Bettie Page in various poses. Playing over it is 50s-style adult music. There’s not much here however the biggest contribution to this release is with the features as well as a bio on the inside of the case outlying Page’s history. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 3.0/5 |
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This release comes with a matted slip cover and the disc is housed in a clear HD slim case. On the inside is a chapter listing for the main feature and an bio and essay written by Nico B of Cult Epics. Kamera Club Films (14:24; HD) is a selection of four Bettie Page films: Bettie Page Nude, Bettie Page in Black Lingerie, Bettie Page in White Lingerie and Bettie Page in Red Lingerie. Irving Klaw Photo Video Gallery (1:42; HD) Bettie Page Uncovered: The Private Life and Photographs (22:30; HD) is an interesting featurette where Ron Blem, nephew of Page, commenting at a ceremony at a museum featuring his late aunt. |
VIDEO – 1.5/5 |
| As I mentioned, the 35-minute main feature is presented in its original 1.33 full frame format culled from the original 8mm film and upgraded to high-definition however if there was a difference, I couldn’t see it. However, it shouldn’t be surprising given the film type in conjunction with subject and era, it’ll never look great unless some company wanted to spend a bucket load of money to restore and even then, I doubt it’d be that big of a jump. As it is, and as I stated before, this is more for historical records and for fans of Page than something that will look incredible on the small screen. |
AUDIO – 3.0/5 |
| Similarly, though not quite as bad, the Dolby Digital Stereo track showcases the music fairly well, mainly using the center channel. Like the picture, your home theater system is not going to get much of a work out. |
OVERALL – 2.5/5 |
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Overall, The Exotic Dances of Bettie Page is more for completists, owners of previous docs and movies about the 1950s pin-up girl who has a large fan base that probably has only grown over the years. As for this particular release, there is a nice featurette with Page’s nephew commenting about his aunt. This Blu-ray offers pretty poor video but that’s to expected given the quality of film and the era, so-so audio and an OK selection of special features. |