Dolly Dearest Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Dolly Dearest Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 10, 2020

“Child’s Play” was released in 1988, and the little horror movie about a possessed doll managed to make some money during its theatrical run. At least more than anyone expected from a picture with such a silly concept. It proved itself with smart execution and a memorable killer in Chucky, inspiring multiple productions looking to attract the same attention with their own visions of pint-sized terror. 1991’s “Dolly Dearest” is the most distinct of the knock-offs, with writer/director Maria Lease aiming to recreate a similar feel to “Child’s Play,” pitting a demonic plaything against a family initially unaware of the danger they’re in. In terms of scares and basic pace, Lease doesn’t come anywhere near the 1988 genre triumph, but she has a few ideas that work, including the design of the titular threat, which hides malevolence behind mass-produced innocence.

Hoping to change his fortunes, Elliot (Sam Bottoms) has purchased a doll factory in Mexico, bringing wife Marilyn (Denise Crosby) and kids Jessica (Candace Hutson) and Jimmy (Chris Demetral) to a remote part of the world to begin a new life. Expecting to build a Dolly Dearest empire, Elliot is troubled to learn than the business is falling apart, with the factory requiring a major overhaul to get it back in working order. When Jessica claims one of the remaining toys as her own, the little girl begins to show signs of trouble, with her behavior worsening over time, confusing Marilyn, who senses something off about the doll. Arriving to explore a nearby Mayan ruin, archaeologist Karl (Rip Torn) is determined to understand the history of the demon Sanzia, only to learn the evil spirit has escaped, transferring its power into Dolly Dearest, ready to kill anyone trying to disturb the factory.

Storytelling speed is an issue for “Dolly Dearest,” which takes an exceedingly long time to get going as the killer toy extravaganza most audiences are looking for. Lease doesn’t have a budget, so she invests in characterization and slow-burn suspense, with Marilyn essentially the lead of the movie, following her hunt for answers as she suspects something is really wrong with the Dolly Dearest presented to her youngest child, who becomes distant and nasty when in the company of her little plastic pal. Subplots are also ordered up for Elliot, who was expecting a working factory in Mexico, only to be sold a rotting building filled with expired materials, forced to find a way to get the business back up and running on his own. And there’s Karl, a peculiar man who wants to learn more about Sanzia’s remains, endeavoring to dig out the devil child’s crypt and crack it open.

There’s a lot for “Dolly Dearest” to do, but Lease keeps the picture conversational for the first half, offering half-speed scenes of exploration for Karl and Marilyn, who isn’t comfortable with Jessica’s visits to a backyard dollhouse with Dolly, giving her alone time with a bad influence. Violence is present in the feature, with domestic help getting the first taste of Dolly’s aggression, as Camilla (Lupe Ontiveros) is the first to really grasp the visitor’s bad vibes. Lease doesn’t go bananas with Dolly attack sequences, keeping “Dolly Dearest” limited in shock value, but it does offer a full look at the mix of puppetry and acting used to bring the toy to life, and for a production that doesn’t have much, it does well with the titular threat. The doll looks fine, making for a plausible nightmare in the making, with Mayan rage using Dolly’s All-American exterior as a cover to get close to Elliot’s family.

Dolly Dearest Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Billed as "Newly scanned & restored in 2K from its 35mm interpositive," "Dolly Dearest" comes to life from Vinegar Syndrome. The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is very appealing, with a strong level of detail throughout, perhaps most striking with doll close-ups, capturing its artificial, rubbery appearance. Human characters look sharp too, with fibrous costuming and discernable facial wear and tear. Locations are deep, offering a look at rural expanse, and factory interiors are textured, highlighting damage and age. Colors are distinct, leading with bold reds for doll clothing, and bright primaries for decoration and greenery. Delineation is strong, clarifying evening encounters and limited lighting meant to preserve doll special effects. Grain is heavy but film-like. Source is in excellent condition.

Dolly Dearest Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix provides a comfortably wider listening event, with the horror atmosphere of "Dolly Dearest" secured crisply. Dialogue exchanges are fresh, with performance choices and emotionality distinct, along with the processed evil speak of the doll. Scoring cues deliver deep synth, with ideal support for shifting moods. Sound effects are clear, tracing the murderous plans of the titular creation. Atmospherics are pronounced, with excellent room tone and claustrophobic mine visits.

Dolly Dearest Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Dressing the Part" (8:12, HD) is a slightly agitated conversation with Ed Gale, who portrays the killer toy in "Dolly Dearest." Coming after his lauded work in "Howard the Duck" and "Spaceballs," Gale was in high demand, also appearing in "Child's Play" as Chucky, only to learn the producers didn't know about his previous performances, ultimately requesting the actor go uncredited to preserve the idea than the doll was a real creation. Gale admits he developed "a little bit of an ego," priding himself on his acting ability and special screen presence, and he shares an amusing anecdote about working with Rip Torn, who wasn't kind to his co-star. Gale also pulls out the Dolly Dearest dress he had to wear during the shoot.

• "Playing with Dolls" (14:52, HD) sits down with Denise Crosby to examine her participation in "Dolly Dearest," a job she won after finding success with "Pet Sematary." Crosby admits she wasn't aware director Maria Lease and producer Daniel Cady were married, providing a "united front" on production issues, and she reflects on her time with the female director, enjoying the opportunity to work with a feminine sensibility after collaborating with Mary Lambert and Tobe Hooper. Crosby discusses her interactions with Rip Torn, who offered kindness to his co-star, sharing memories of his late wife as he was tasked to portray a Mexican character. The interviewee admits Torn was tough on Lease, already prickly around directors, and she shares positive thoughts about co-star Sam Bottoms (who passed away in 2008). Crosby assesses the child actors in the film, her commitment to the material, and her personal perspective on set life. She concludes with an appreciation for the "Dolly Dearest" legacy, visibly surprised to see how the fanbase has developed.

• A Trailer has not been included.

Dolly Dearest Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Dolly Dearest" isn't supercharged or stylish, but it does provide the visual of Torn committing to the backstory of a killer doll movie, and there's the saga of Jimmy, a curious kid who often finds himself in a mess of trouble as he tours the factory grounds. Frankly, the whole picture should track Jimmy's mischief, but Lease stays with the adults, also cooking up an active finale that finally pays off Dolly's deadliness. "Dolly Dearest" isn't "Child's Play," or perhaps even "Child's Play 2," but there are genre charms to be enjoyed as Lease takes her time to expose threatening encounters and pile up dead bodies. Chucky is a more vividly imagined mean machine, but Dolly has her appeal, especially for more patient viewers.