Cecil B. Demented Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Cecil B. Demented Blu-ray Movie Review

Cecil B. Demented is a cult classic gem that revolves around the making of an independent feature. Executive produced by Fred Bernstein (The Short History of the Long Road, Everything’s Going to Be Great) and Anthony DeLorenzo. Starring Stephen Dorff, Melanie Griffith, Alicia Witt, Adrian Grenier, Lawrence Gilliard Jr., Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Jack Noseworthy.

Cecil B. Demented (Stephen Dorff) is an over-the-top independent filmmaker with ambitions to make an independent feature-film with an A-list talent. Cecil B. Demented kidnaps the A-list star Honey Whitlock (Melanie Griffith) alongside his teenage group of rebel renegades working on the film: Cherish (Alicia Witt), Lyle (Adrian Grenier), Lewis (Lawrence Gilliard Jr.), Raven (Maggie Gyllenhaal), and Rodney (Jack Noseworthy). Can the underground film be a success with an A-list star and be their gateway into the industry while giving Hollywood the middle finger?

The performances are excellent across the board. The entire ensemble does great work with their respective roles. Dorff is perfect as the egomaniacal director with a vision for an unhinged indie film throwing up the middle finger to Hollywood. The supporting cast does great work, too. Melanie Griffith was perfect casting as the Hollywood star brought into the production.  Adrian Grenier delivers a fun and memorable role. Maggie Gyllenhaal is especially noteworthy in her offbeat and zany performance.

Featuring a score composed by Basil Poledouris (The Hunt for Red October, Cherry 2000) and Zoë Poledouris (Down and Out with the Dolls, White of Winter), Cecil B. Demented features fun music. The score and soundtrack are a big part of the charm. There is a lot to appreciate about the music and the role it plays in the production. The soundtrack adds a lot to the filmmaking and brings out the best in the storytelling, too.  

The cinematography by Robert M. Stevens (The ‘Burbs, Delirious) is impressive and perfectly suited for the ambitions of the film. The low-fi independent vibes are perfectly highlighted by the excellent film cinematography. The results add a lot of charm to the production.

Edited by Jeffrey Wolf (Beautiful Girls, Holes), Cecil B. Demented is well paced and has plenty of energy. There is never a dull moment. The entire film flows with a madcap sense of mayhem energy that is undeniably the result of its filmmaker. The editing style reflects it well and never disappoints.

The production designs by Vincent Peranio (Cry-Baby, Serial Mom) are impressive. There is plenty to appreciate about the designs and what is brought to the table. The designs by Peranio are fun and ambitious. The over-the-top aesthetic goals add to the fun. The art direction by Rob Simons (Alita: Battle Angel, Walk the Line) and set decoration by Barbara Haberecht (Mulholland Drive, Arlington Road) also add to the style of the low-fi filmmaking while being ambitious throughout.

The costume designs by Van Smith (Cry-Baby, Hairspray) are top-notch and work perfectly for the ensemble cast of characters. Smith did a terrific job as costume designer. The entire cast feels unique and thought-out from a design standpoint. The efforts bring out the best in the filmmaking and make this a great showcase for the costume designer.

Written and directed by John Waters (Hairspray, Cry-Baby), Cecil B. Demented is a Bonafide cult classic gem. The film is clearly the work of Waters and his unique sensibilities as a director. The unhinged fun throughout makes it a must-see. Waters made a classic that is quite unlike anything else out there – a unique film with a distinct voice and commentary on Hollywood filmmaking. Don’t miss it.

Cecil B. Demented Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Umbrella Entertainment, Cecil B. Demented is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in a theatrical aspect ratio of 1.77:1 widescreen. The widescreen transfer is impressive. Color reproduction looks excellent on the release. The cinematography shines and is a pleasing component of the presentation. The filmic transfer looks true to the vision of the film.

Cecil B. Demented Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound. The lossless, surround sound audio presentation is quite pleasing throughout. The engaging surround soundstage adds a lot of fun throughout the feature-film. The dynamics are pleasing and robust. The score and soundtrack is well reproduced.

Cecil B. Demented Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The limited-edition version comes with a deluxe chipboard artbox, collectable booklet, art cards, and a poster.

On disc supplements include:

Audio Commentary with Director John Waters

Kicking Against the Pricks – John Waters on Cecil B. Demented (HD, 21:18)

Re-Framing Fame – Melanie Griffith on Cecil B. Demented (HD, 7:53)

Lobster Man from Mars – Production Designer Vincent Peranio on Cecil B. Demented (HD, 11:21)

A Life in Dreamland – Mink Stole on Cecil B. Demented (HD, 14:50)

Trailer (SD, 2:30)

Cecil B. Demented Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Cecil B. Demented is an incredible achievement. The quirky and offbeat filmmaking is a charm from beginning to end. The ensemble cast deliver superb performances.

The Blu-ray release provides an impressive high-definition presentation, lossless audio, and a selection of bonus features. The limited-edition version is even cooler and a must-have for serious fans. Highly recommended.