Ultramegalopolis Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.0
Audio		3.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

Ultramegalopolis Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 15, 2024

Between 1990 and 1995, filmmaker Larry Wessel toured parts of Los Angeles with a camera. He wasn’t hunting for a story, but attempting to capture the experience of the city, away from the glitz and glamour typically associated with Hollywood. “Ultramegalopolis” is a document of this time, offering a wandering, mostly repetitive understanding of the world as it was. Wessel aims to capture experience with the endeavor, and he’s successful, but 157 minutes of “Ultramegalopolis” is a lot to ask of viewers, who are treated to a picture that’s filled with both interesting and agonizingly dull sequences.

Again, there’s no plot to “Ultramegalopolis,” with Wessel setting out to record whatever he could find. The helmer discovers street performers and attends a wedding reception. He watches a veteran parade (with guests Ceasar Romero, Peter Graves, and Gene Autry), visits a boxing gym, and spends time studying graffiti, even meeting some teens working on their projects. There’s wrestling night, a bullfight, time with a Michael Jackson impersonator, a moment with adult film actors, and explorations of post-riot Los Angeles. Perhaps most important to Wessel are street preachers, with so much of “Ultramegalopolis” devoted to watching these people attempt to capture attention with megaphones, with hopes to attract some converts.

Andrew is as close to a through line as it gets in “Ultramegalopolis,” as Wessel looks to interview a hardened man who’s spent 21 years in the California corrections system. Andrew returns throughout the picture, sharing his thoughts on prison life and the destructive nature of the system as it deals with youth offenders. He also spent time with Charles Manson behind bars, recalling the day the cult figure was burned alive by another inmate.

Ultramegalopolis Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.34:1) presentation deals with a shot-on-video production, and there's definite age with the footage used in "Ultramegalopolis." Clarity isn't present, but a general sense of screen activity is passable throughout most of the picture. There's no detail, but street performers are mostly on view and city tours are appreciable. Colors are also basic, with a muddier sense of hues, but brighter primaries register as intended.

Ultramegalopolis Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix fights the technical limitations of "Ultramegalopolis," which works with commercial grade equipment, with Wessel often attempting to capture sound in chaotic urban environments. Some presentations of vocals and conversation are lost along the way (subtitling gives up as well), but, for the most part, interviewees are intelligible. Street performers and preachers are also understood.

Ultramegalopolis Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features director Larry Wessel.

• "The Walkertown Report" (57:33, SD) is a 2022 episode of an online show, featuring a video conference interview with director Larry Wessel, who walks through his career, examining many of his endeavors. He also offers some personal stories from his life and times.

• "King of the Underground" (11:01, HD) returns to Larry Wessel, who "reads an excerpt from his upcoming memoir," titled "King of the Underground and Other Moments of Clarity."

• "Boy Scout" (4:11, SD) is music video from Paul Roessler, directed by Larry Wessel.

• "Larry's Little Wonders" (12:09, SD) is some type of promo clip starring Brandie Marie Johnson.

• Short Films include 1980's "Lust for Knife" (9:00), 2012's "Santeria!" (8:43), 2013's "The Sugar Weasel Story" (9:31), 2013's "Summer" (5:46), 2012's "Let's Talk About Chemtrails" (3:20), 2012's "Trigger Happy" (13:20), 2012's "Have a Nice Day" (5:09), and 2012's "Oil!" (6:30).

• "Larry Wessel Trailer Vault" (35:02, SD) is a collection of marketing efforts for such films as "Hollywood Head Bash," "Taurobolium," "Sugar and Spice," "Tattoo Deluxe," "Sideshow Freaks," "Song Demo for a Helen Keller World," "Sex, Death, and the Hollywood Mystique," "Iconoclast," "Love," "Eric & Shaye," and "Palace of Wonders."

• And a Trailer (1:33, SD) is included.

Ultramegalopolis Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Ultramegalopolis" is a long sit, with Wessel in need of a greater variety of subjects and events, often returning to the same idea, with religious types taking up a substantial portion of the run time. The viewing experience requires patience, but there are moments to appreciate, especially as a time capsule of the era, with Wessel exploring the weirdness of the city and its various forms of personal expression.