Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Lust in the Dust Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 25, 2019

1985’s “Lust in the Dust” is a great example of a movie with incredible potential that falls just short of satisfaction. It’s an eager endeavor from director Paul Bartel, who’s trying to pants spaghetti westerns through the power of camp, offering the sight of Lainie Kazan and Divine as siblings in the old west, with Tab Hunter trying to keep up as a gunslinger. The poster, the premise, and the performances are all there, promising a romp, but Bartel struggles to keep “Lust in the Dust” on its feet.

“Lust in the Dust” isn’t lazy, it’s just not terribly amusing. There are songs, double-crosses, mysterious characters, and a quest for gold, and while Bartel is inspired by western formula, the feature’s broadness needs refinement, with the cartoon wearing out its welcome fairly early despite a heroically game cast and the sheer presence of Divine, who quickly becomes the highlight of every scene she’s in.

Lust in the Dust Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Bringing "Lust in the Dust" to Blu-ray, Vinegar Syndrome turns to a fresh scan from the 35mm OCN for the AVC encoded image presentation. There are two aspect ratios to pick from: 1.85:1 represents the original cinematography, and a cropped 2.35:1 ratio is offered to home video purists who originally watched the picture on VHS. Clarity is decent throughout the viewing experience, picking out textures on dusty western costuming and lacy undergarments. Facial features are equally open for inspection, with messes of makeup and sweat defined to satisfaction. Locations retain expanse, and interiors sustain tightness. Colors work with healthy greenery and natural skintones, and female costuming carries more primary liveliness, offering healthy reds. Delineation is communicative. Grain is thick but retains a film-like appearance. Source is in fine shape.

Lust in the Dust Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix provides a clear, distinct listening event for "Lust in the Dust," with dialogue exchanges sustaining timing and emphasis without slipping into distortion. Performances are handled with care, even when they fly into broadness. Scoring supports as intended, with defined instrumentation, especially with guitar strumming, and musical numbers maintain their fidelity. Sound effects are appreciable, and atmospherics deliver a sense of desert position.

Lust in the Dust Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Return to Chile Verde" (20:11, SD) is made up of two interviews with actor Tab Hunter and producer Allan Glaser, with the latter dominating the informational flow, discussing his initial viewing of "Polyester" and his major surprise to be working with Divine a few years later. First impressions of the script are shaped, and Glaser details his interactions with Divine, with the performer eager to get to work as soon as possible, only to have "Lust in the Dust" run into financing troubles. John Waters was offered the film to direct, but quickly turned it down, dashing hopes for another "Polyester." Lainie Kazan's casting is examined, and makeup and costuming achievements are celebrated, with Divine wearing heavy prosthetic breasts underneath her outfits during the shoot. Location challenges are covered, and more in-depth analysis of Divine is provided, including reflections on health issues, performance ambitions, and camaraderie. The opening of "Lust in the Dust" is also shared, with New World Pictures failing to make the movie a hit.

• "More Lust, Less Dust" (15:09, SD) is the making-of for "Lust in the Dust," with recollections provided by Glaser, Hunter, Kazan, executive producer James Katz, and actress Gina Gallego. More in-depth information is provided here concerning the development of the picture, including an attempt to fully Waters-ize the endeavor by casting Edith Massey in a prime supporting role. Production atmosphere and accomplishments are also explored.

• "The Importance of Being Paul" (16:12, SD) is a celebration of director Paul Bartel, with family, friends, and industry connections (including Roger Corman and Mary Woronov) sharing major love for the helmer and his unique presence in Hollywood. While life and times are examined, most of the featurette concentrates on Bartel's career, participating in "Death Race 2000," "Cannonball," "Eating Raoul," and "Scenes from the Class Struggle in Beverly Hills." Bartel's latter years are also highlighted, where he worked to mount new indie projects in a changing moviemaking landscape.

• Still Gallery (3:58) includes poster art, movie reviews, and newspaper articles and ads.

• And a Teaser Trailer (:28, HD) is included.

Lust in the Dust Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Lust in the Dust" should be a laugh riot, but it only hits a few tepid highs. It's a farce that's never as sharp as it wants to be, while slapstick is anemic at best. It definitely earns some respect for attempting such a vision of western satire, but the execution is snoozy, making silliness more of a chore to sit through than a blessing.