Multiple Maniacs (1970)

[Scottie]

John Waters has been a cult icon for decades, but not all of his works are easily seen. Janus Films is helping correct that with a theatrical re-release of “Multiple Maniacs,” his 1970 film carrying the tagline “Restored! Reviled! Revolting!” The restoration comes courtesy of the Criterion Collection, with Janus Films set to premiere the long out-of-release “celluloid atrocity” at the Provincetown Film Festival next week.

“Restoration is an amazing thing,” said the “Pink Flamingos” director in a statement. “Finally, ‘Multiple Maniacs’ looks like a bad John Cassavetes film! I couldn’t be more thrilled!” Waters’ second movie, “Maniacs” has rarely been seen in the many decades since it first raised eyebrows and pushed the envelope in a way that has become the filmmaker’s trademark.

“Multiple Maniacs” features Divine, one of Waters’ best-known collaborators. Janus Films is releasing the film on August 5 in New York before expanding nationwide.

http://www.indiewire.com/2016/06/joh...ms-1201686706/

[Worship.my.wreck]

Pink flamingos needs a Blu Ray release

[GasmaskAvenger]

Hmmm...I guess it took long enough for John Waters to end up in the Criterion Collection.

Maybe this is just the beginning and we'll get some more high profile releases later down the road.

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by GasmaskAvenger

Hmmm...I guess it took long enough for John Waters to end up in the Criterion Collection.

Maybe this is just the beginning and we'll get some more high profile releases later down the road.

He was there before. Pink Flamingos was a Criterion Laserdisc title.

[schlock]

W@W!!! Great news. Maybe "Mondo Trasho" is next!!! And hopefully, they cleared the music rights.

I could see CC delving into the other earlier Waters films as well since CC has a good relationship with WB (+ New Line), and these are titles that WB doesn't seem to be interested in distributing again themselves.

[GasmaskAvenger]

Originally Posted by hoytereden

He was there before. Pink Flamingos was a Criterion Laserdisc title.

Damn, I never knew there was a Criterion LD of Pink Flamingos.

It probably was a really good release for its time too (judging by my Criterion LDs of Akira and Cronenberg's Crash).

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by GasmaskAvenger

Damn, I never knew there was a Criterion LD of Pink Flamingos.

It probably was a really good release for its time too (judging by my Criterion LDs of Akira and Cronenberg's Crash).

It was and, of course, his commentaries are always entertaining.

[essayceedee]

There was also a Criterion LD of Polyester, with a reproduction of the original scratch 'n' sniff card.

[silverlakephil]

As a John Waters fan, I'm happy he's finally getting a Criterion Blu-ray. Hopefully Female Trouble, Pink Flamingos, and Polyester will eventually get the Criterion treatment as well.

[dissention]

Hopefully it has a commentary. Coming from him, they're always as entertaining the actual movies.

Originally Posted by essayceedee

There was also a Criterion LD of Polyester, with a reproduction of the original scratch 'n' sniff card.

Haha. The DVD had one, too, and holy hell, that set stinks all these years later.

[klauswhereareyou]

I've been hoping for a long time now that the pre-Hairspray John Waters films would be coming from Criterion since no one else has put them out yet.

[postmodel]

I am very excited for this. I also hope more of his titles get the criterion treatment. I unfortunately have only seen this film via a low quality YouTube upload...so seeing this restored and on bluray will feel like a totally new experience!

I wonder if the expanded theatrical release will reach beyond major cities.

[lolwut]

This has been on my watch list for years.

[PaperThinWalls]

According to the Baltimore Sun, Multiple Maniacs will be released in August:

John Waters’ proudly perverse 1970 meisterwerk, the one in which Divine is violated by a 15-foot lobster, is being lovingly restored by the Criterion Collection in preparation for an August DVD/Blu-ray release and — Oh joy! Oh rapture! — a limited theatrical run that will include three September screenings at The Charles Theatre.

Criterion already announced their Aug. slate, so maybe they mean Sept? I guess we'll see.

[hoytereden]

For a good background on the early Waters/Divine films I can highly recommend the documentary Divine Trash which is available on DVD. One of his funniest stories is about trying to recruit local tv pitchman "Mr. Ray" into his films. Mr. Ray had a god awful Baltimore accent that Waters loved. YouTube has examples.

[Rockercub]

I can't wait to see the extras they have lined up on this.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by PaperThinWalls

According to the Baltimore Sun, Multiple Maniacs will be released in August:



Criterion already announced their Aug. slate, so maybe they mean Sept? I guess we'll see.

I'd say the BD will be released after the theatrical run.

[billyearle]

Originally Posted by klauswhereareyou

I've been hoping for a long time now that the pre-Hairspray John Waters films would be coming from Criterion since no one else has put them out yet.

Any speculation or hints on this? Well, any good blu-ray release. Been wanting to watch these for ages and, thanks to a friend, only recently got the DVD of Pink Flamingos. Even the DVD looks pretty gorgeous. Loved it, and confident I would like the rest of his early films as well.

[ThisKid]

Well, I might pick this up in the November B&N sales if it's released before then.

[Scottie]

Multiple Maniacs poster available to order from Criterion website.



https://www.criterion.com/shop_produ...maniacs-poster