Live Performances 1972 [DVD]

John Waters fans will undoubtedly be delighted with New Line Home Video's release of Pecker, offering not only a great presentation of the film itself, but some truly enjoyable, entertaining, and insightful extras. Presented in the original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and enhanced for widescreen TVs, the image is crisp and clear with lively colors complementing Robert Stevens' cinematography and the overall light, fun feel of the film. Though flesh tones have a slightly reddish tint at times, the image is, for the most part, flawless. The audio, available in either English or French Dolby Digital 5.1 or Stereo Surround, remains clear and free of distortion or hiss. With a fairly simple audio scheme the disc never really takes full advantage of the Dolby Digital sound system, utilizing the rear speakers mainly for incidental and ambient sound, with the focus remaining on the front and center speakers. Subtitles are offered in easy-to-read English and straddle the lower portion of the letterboxing, remaining fairly unobtrusive to the image itself. Simply designed and easy to navigate, the "Main Menu" offers such special features as informative cast and crew biographies and filmographies in addition to a theatrical trailer and a segment entitled "Pecker's Snapshot Gallery" in which photographer Chuck Shaccohis (who actually took the pictures credited to Pecker in the film) discusses the various influences and techniques he utilized in creating Pecker's seemingly impulsive imagery. The main attraction of the special features section though, as any Waters's fan can attest, is the humorous and lively commentary track. Waters' commentary tracks are consistently entertaining and nearly as fun as his films. His commentary for Pecker is no exception, remaining humorous and insightful throughout. A fun package with some great special features, Pecker is a well-presented and entertaining addition to any DVD collection.