Big Bad Mama / Big Bad Mama II Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Big Bad Mama / Big Bad Mama II Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf July 12, 2021

Roger Corman struck gold with his gangster pictures of the 1970s, but he made an impression with 1974’s “Big Bad Mama,” giving Angie Dickinson a rare chance to explode with fury as a pistol-packing mom-on-the-run, taking on the Great Depression one robbery at a time. Corman waited patiently for another shot at the brand name, with 1987’s “Big Bad Mama II” arriving to deliver basically the same viewing experience, this time with more of a direct shot of low-budget action.

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Big Bad Mama / Big Bad Mama II Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

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Big Bad Mama / Big Bad Mama II Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

See above for reviews.

Big Bad Mama / Big Bad Mama II Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Big Bad Mama

• Commentary #1 features director Steve Carver and cinematographer Bruce Logan.

• Commentary #2 features actress Angie Dickinson and producer Roger Corman.

• "Mama Knows Best" (14:40, SD) is a making-of for "Big Bad Mama," featuring interviews with director Steve Carver, producer Roger Corman, writers Frances Doel and William W. Norton, and actors Angie Dickinson and William Shatner. With Corman finding success in the gangster genre, the idea for a female aggressor was born, presenting the screenwriters with multiple robbery scenarios in search of a story. Character development is explored, with Dickinson detailing her ideas on Wilma's mothering duties. Carver shares a few Corman-approved tricks of the trade, and casting is detailed, focusing on Dickinson's participation in the production, and her willingness to do nudity (she's also fine when discussing Tom Skerritt, but comes off downright disgusted when she mentions Shatner). Favorite scenes are highlighted and music is analyzed, revealing that Jerry Garcia of Grateful Dead helped with the guitar parts.

• Interview (5:28, SD) is a discussion of "Big Bad Mama" with producer Roger Corman, hosted by film critic Leonard Maltin. Corman explores the importance of a great title when star power is lacking, though the two men are quick to praise the cast, examining the hiring of Tom Skerritt and William Shatner, and celebrating Angie Dickinson's participation, along with her willingness to take off her clothes. Corman defines his participation as a producer, also sharing financial information about the value of drive-ins during the 1970s. A brief chat about "Big Bad Mama 2" and appreciation for director Steve Carver as also included.

• T.V. Spots (1:34, HD) provide two commercials for "Big Bad Mama."

• And a Theatrical Trailer (3:57, HD) is included.

Big Bad Mama II

• Commentary features co-writer/director Jim Wynorski.

• Interview (2:33, SD) features producer Roger Corman, who sits down with film critic Leonard Maltin to briefly discuss "Big Bad Mama II." In fact, the pair have extraordinarily little to share about the sequel, with the footage mostly recycled from the interview session on the "Big Bad Mama" release. Some new information about shooting action sequences is offered, and Corman examines his producer experience, reaching a place in his career where he doesn't have to be on-set anymore.

• Interview (9:46, SD) with actor Bruce Glover details his early entrance into acting, accepting work in a gorilla suit for a stripper act, using this experience to make his way to Hollywood. He also mentions advice about eyebrow control that helped him develop his craft. The interviewee talks about his time with director Jim Wynorski, who was a fan of the actor from his "Walking Tall" turn, eager to add him to the "Big Bad Mama II" cast. Co-stars are remembered as well.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:31, HD) is included.

Big Bad Mama / Big Bad Mama II Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Age and changes in technical precision are easily spotted during the viewing experiences, but the "Big Bad Mama" double feature set provides fans of the series with decent transfers and acceptable audio requirements. Supplements from previous releases have been ported over, giving the disc some creative perspective as Corman decided to double dip with one of his most famous titles.