Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.5

Diary of a Mad Housewife Blu-ray Movie Review

Featuring an Academy Award nominated performance by Carrie Snodgress.

Diary of a Mad Housewife is an impressive drama based on the novel by Sue Kaufman. The story explores the dynamics between men and women (and the ups and downs of relationships). With a Academy Award nominated performance by Carrie Snodgress, Diary of a Mad Housewife is worth checking out.

Tina Balser (Carrie Snodgress) is going through a rough patch in her life. Dealing with an emotionally abusive husband day-in (and day-out), Tina struggles to cope with her “role” as a wife to Jonathan Balser (Richard Benjamin). Her husband enjoys yelling at her and berating her (while setting a bad example for their kids).

Frustrated in her life, Tina lashes out by setting off on her own – and meets a narcissistic writer, George Prager (Frank Langella). George and Tina start a romantic affair and things go down a dark and ever-winding road. Will Tina ever find happiness again?

A complex examination begins.

The performances are impressive. One of the best elements of the film is the way in which the 3 central leads interact with each other. Carrie Snodgress rightfully earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance. Supporting actors Frank Langella and Richard Benjamin are compelling in their distinctive parts as well. There is clear tension between the actors and the roles are brought to life vividly.

The cinematography by Gerald Hirschfeld (To Be or Not to Be, My Favorite Year) has some unique and distinctive visual aesthetics. The cinematography showcases the production design by Peter Dohanos (The Swimmer, Last Summer) well. Everything seems carefully thought-out from a production standpoint. Even the exquisite costumes designed by Ruth Morley (Taxi Driver, Ghost) leave an impressive mark.

The screenplay penned by Eleanor Perry (David and Lisa, The Swimmer) is one of the central reasons the filmmaking works so well. It is refreshing to have the film made with a female's perspective and everything seems more legitimate and compelling as a result. The dialogue is well- written and compelling. The pacing is exceptional. The characters feel real.

Directed by Frank Perry (Mommie Dearest, Last Summer), Diary of a Mad Housewife is a unique drama that showcases the potential perils of marriage and relationships that are unbalanced. The filmmaking explores the characters and their world through a unique and creative lens. This is impressive directing: Perry crafted a successful film that conveys its message quite well.

Diary of a Mad Housewife Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, Diary of a Mad Housewife is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. Though the release does not include a sparkling new restoration or 4K remaster, the print seems to be in generally good shape nonetheless. Though the film features a somewhat subdued looking color palette, the print is exceptionally clean and free from egregious issues with regards to print damage, debris, burn-marks, and other issues. The scan has a healthy layer of fine film-grain left intact and doesn't suffer from any horrific DNR. Viewers hoping to find a generally naturalistic film-print will be satisfied with the high definition presentation.

Diary of a Mad Housewife Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio mono presentation. The audio track is quite sufficient for the presentation of the feature-film. Dialogue remains as crisp, clear, and easy to understand throughout. The soundstage is somewhat limited sounding (after all, it's a dramatic production), but the track never sounds harsh or garish. There are no significant issues to report regarding hiss, crackle, warps, clicks, and other audio- related deficiencies.

Optional English subtitles are provided.

Diary of a Mad Housewife Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Screenwriter Larry Karaszewski with Film Historians Howard S. Berger and Steve Mitchell

Diary of a Mad Housewife Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:54)

The release also includes a selection of trailers promoting other releases available from distributor Kino Lorber: Ladybug Ladybug (HD, 00:44), Doc (HD, 2:42), and Hello Again (SD, 1:25).

Diary of a Mad Housewife Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Diary of a Mad Housewife is an intelligent and complex drama. The film features an Academy Award nominated performance from Carrie Snodgress (in the leading role). The storytelling is strong and it excels by putting a female-voice front-and-center: screenwriter Eleanor Perry (The Swimmer) made something complex and humane. The film is well worth exploration. The Blu-ray features a strong presentation and a selection of supplemental features. Highly recommended.