Potato Dreams of America Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		3.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		3.5

Potato Dreams of America Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 2, 2022

Writer/director Wes Hurley has been working to bring his life story to the screen. He initially turned the strangeness of his Russian upbringing and American life into a well-received 2017 documentary short, and a second offering of the tale was offered that same year. With “Potato Dreams of America,” Hurley is presented with a chance to fully explore his history with this biographical offering, bringing the specifics of his unusual maturation to the screen. The helmer has a game cast, a theatrical presentation, and distinct appreciation for confusion, but he’s not a great judge of tone, with “Potato Dreams of America” gently pawing at elements of comedy and drama, never quite sure how to play scenes that carry innate peculiarity.

Potato is a boy raised in the Soviet Union by his mother, Lena, who struggles to make a life for her family as a divorced woman. The pair put their faith into the wonders of Hollywood, trusting in a happy ending for themselves, which is teased when John, an American, brings Lena overseas as a mail-order bride. Now in his dream world, Potato deals with maturity and his sexuality in a strange land, getting used to the American way of life.

“Potato Dreams of America” unfolds like a play in its first half, with Hurley giving the feature an exaggerated look to best support the unreality of Potato’s experiences. He’s fascinated by American movies, believing in the fairy tales while shielding himself from the harsh realities of life in the Soviet Union, making a friend in Jesus Christ (Jonathan Bennett). Hurley supplies candy colors and flat sets, working through the developments of his life while watching his mother struggle to be an individual after divorce. “Potato Dreams of America” has a strange atmosphere of camp for its first half, but there’s darkness as well, and the helmer doesn’t always know how to balance the extremes, creating scenes meant to be funny that aren’t, and horrors occasionally seem very silly.

Potato Dreams of America Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation is hit with encoding issues, finding blockiness present during the viewing experience. Slight banding is detected as well. Detail is acceptable, capturing facial surfaces and decorative highlights with this theatrical feature. Costuming is fibrous. Colors are bright and inviting, with defined primaries throughout, especially with lighting choices and clothing options. Skin tones are natural.

Potato Dreams of America Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix captures performance emphasis, with distinct dialogue exchanges and crisp accent work. Scoring supports with a defined sound, offering a circular presence as music periodically fills the surrounds. Low-end isn't challenged. Atmospherics capture community movement.

Potato Dreams of America Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features writer/director Wes Hurley.

• Behind the Scenes Featurettes (HD) include "American School Day" (19:06), "Soviet Russia" (14:46), "Jonathan and Hersh Dancing" (1:23), "Extended Dance Sequence" (2:25), "Recording the Score" (3:47), and "Breakdown Scene" (:25).

• Intro (1:02, HD) features members of the cast working to encourage people to see "Potato Dreams of America."

• Actor Interviews (HD) include Dan Lauria (6:40), Hersh Powers (7:45), Jonathan Bennett (4:37), Lea DeLaria (7:55), Marya Sea Kaminski (10:03), Tyler Bocock (4:28), and The Boys (2:46).

• "Potato at Pride" (:41, HD) is a deleted scene, presented without sound.

• "Little Potato (The Story Begins)" (13:54, HD) is the original documentary short that inspired "Potato Dreams of America."

• Short Films (HD) offer "Rachels Don't Run" (14:46) and "Rusalka" (8:37).

• "Capitol Hill: Season 1" (HD) is a 10-episode web series.

• And a Trailer (2:07, HD) is included.

Potato Dreams of America Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Potato Dreams of America" follows Lena and her difficulties with men and empowerment, but Hurley is most interested in himself, developing Potato's odyssey into homosexuality, understanding his desires and how to express them while surrounded by hateful people. It's a tale of growth and acceptance, and a valuable one with some heart and universal experiences to share with viewers. Select ideas connect in "Potato Dreams of America," but the movie falls flat overall, offering an underwhelming, tonally unsteady exploration of a most unusual life.