Eisenhower is President. Rock ’n’ Roll is king. And Wade “Cry-Baby” Walker is the baddest hood in his high school. Screen idol Johnny Depp heads up a divine cast as the irresistible bad boy whose amazing ability to shed one single tear drives all the girls wild—especially Allison Vernon-Williams (Amy Locane), a rich, beautiful “square” who finds herself uncontrollably drawn to the dreamy juvenile delinquent and his forbidden world of rockabilly music, fast cars and faster women. It’s the hysterical high-throttle world of 1954 in this outrageous musical comedy from the marvelously maniacal mind of John Waters (Pink Flamingos, Hairspray). Also starring Susan Tyrrell, Iggy Pop, Ricki Lake, Traci Lords, Kim McGuire, Darren E. Burrows, Stephen Mailer and Polly Bergen, with appearances by Troy Donahue, Mink Stole, Joe Dallesandro, Joey Heatherton, David Nelson, Willem Dafoe and Patricia Hearst.

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Video Quality

Cry-Baby makes its long-awaited debut on 4K UHD Blu-Ray courtesy of Kino Classics with a stunning 2160p/Dolby Vision transfer of the Theatrical Cut derived from a 4K scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative. This release does come with the Director’s Cut on a Blu-Ray disc which is derived from the same 4K master, plus a 4K scan of an Interpositive and an uprez of the standard definition master for the unique additional material. While not having the Director’s Cut in true 4K UHD will disappoint many, it does seem like the company tried to make the best out of the materials available. The previous Universal Blu-Ray from 2014 suffered from major digital processing that obliterated natural details. Having the film look like organic film is a huge step up for fans and the ideal way to watch the film at home.

With the 4K UHD release, the transfer offers audiences a viewing experience like never before with a pristine presentation that embraces the natural intended look of the film. This release retains the sumptuous film grain of the source while always resolving naturally free of clumping and swarming. With this new transfer, you are greeted with so much texture and detail which brings out new facets of the throwback clothing and production design. Skin tones are natural to their intended state, and the clarity of the transfer gives you an unbelievable amount of facial detail. Dolby Vision provides gorgeous colors that saturate the frame. Black levels are deep and allow the image to show off a substantial amount of depth and detail in any shadowy corners. Highlights are brighter with more impressive stability that avoids instances of blooming. The precise display of contrast and overall clarity is never in question especially as you explore this distinct world. Kino Classics has delivered a top-tier release.

Audio Quality

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray presents the movie with a DTS-HD 5.1 and 2.0 Master Audio lossless track that ideally brings this story to life. This track is a sonically nuanced journey that maintains its artistic integrity. Dialogue and singing flow through clearly in harmony with competing elements. The track balances the numerous layers of sound so nothing gets muddled even in the competing gatherings or the jail.

The surround channels are fairly active as they deliver rich texture to the world with facets to make each environment stand out. The directionality of the sound is deftly deployed throughout with no errant placement. The low end comes alive when necessary for some dynamic texture. The score and musical numbers establish the proper tone of the story which radiates out with flawless fidelity. This audio presentation is a fantastic experience for fans. There are optional English SDH subtitles provided.

Special Features

Theatrical Cut (4K UHD – 1:25:11) and Director’s Cut (Blu-Ray – 1:32:03)

Audio Commentary (Theatrical Cut): Writer/Director John Waters provides a “stream of consciousness” commentary track recorded in 2022 moderated by Black Mansion Films Producer Heather Buckley (not that he needs much prodding). This is a terrific track in which Waters recalls his first major studio film, why he chose certain performers, the inspiration for the narrative, the music in the film, the makeup enhancements for certain characters, the shooting locations and so much more that is worth the price of admission.

Audio Commentary (Director’s Cut): Writer/Director John Waters goes solo in this archival commentary track that goes over some of the same material as the new track but also offers up a great amount of unique insights. One of the more rewarding aspects is Waters pointing out the new material that has been added for this cut.

Bringing Up Baby – Featurette with John Waters, Casting Director Pat Moran, DP David Insley, and Actress Mink Stole: A terrific new 38-minute making-of featurette with the legendary filmmaker and key collaborators in which they discuss how they all came together, the development of Cry-Baby, the excitement and unique qualities of making a studio movie, the influence of the studio, the performances from the ensemble, and so much more.

Pop Icons – Interview with Actress Amy Locane: A new 14-minute interview with the incarcerated lead actress in which she reflects on her relationship with John Waters, the way in which he protected her from his previous films, the characteristics she shared with her character, transforming for the time period, the art of lip-synching, and so much more.

Part Of A Collection – Interview with Actress Traci Lords: A new nearly 20-minute interview with the actress in which she discusses her allegiance to John Waters, getting to know the legendary filmmaker, making fun of her past, making her character a “sexual terrorist”, the vintage clothes, and more.

A Few Yucks – Interview with Actor and Rock Legend Iggy Pop: A new nearly 10-minute interview with the icon in which he discusses not being embarrassed to be in a John Waters film, his unique acting style that rarely works for other directors, getting an “ugly” pass for his character, and more.

All These Misfits – Interview with Actress Ricki Lake: A new eight-minute interview with the actress in which she discusses her relationship with John Waters, the love of her character, how she felt about her appearance at the time, memories of Johnny Depp, and more.

So Tired of Being Good – Interview with Actress Patrcia Hearst: A new nearly nine-minute interview with the actress in which she discusses first meeting John Waters at Cannes, her audition process, the innocence of her character, memories of her co-stars, and more.

In the Sandbox – Interview with Actor Darren E. Burrows: A new 10-minute interview with the actor in which he discusses his audition process, working with John Waters, the relationship formed on set, learning from the older actors on set, and more.

Hip To Be Square – Interview with Actor Stephen Mailer: A new nine-minute interview with the actor in which he discusses the tension between the two factions, the stunts he performed, memories of his co-star, the direction of John Waters, and more.

Talking Hair – Interview with Barber Howard “Hep” Preston: A new 10-minute interview with the man in charge of getting the hair prepared for the performers in which he discusses getting involved with hair, getting into the movie business, creating the look for Johnny Depp, and more.

It Came From…Baltimore!! 2005 Documentary with Cast and Crew: A 48-minute archival documentary is provided which covers a lot of the material covered elsewhere on this disc, but you get some additional interviews from figures such as Johnny Depp.

5 Deleted Scenes: There are five scenes of unused material totaling seven minutes provided.

Trailer: There is a two-minute trailer provided.

Final Thoughts

Cry-Baby is the legendary John Waters playing in a relatively more mainstream sandbox. Despite having some appeal beyond the hardened fans of “weird” cinema, this narrative still leaves room for the rude, crude, and unpleasant. Waters would not craft a film if he did not have the right cast for the material, and every single role feels lived-in and one-of-a-kind. It is not the best from the filmmaker, but it is a truly fun time at the movies. Kino Classics has given this one a 4K UHD Blu-Ray upgrade with a wonderful A/V presentation and a cavalcade of special features. If you are a fan of the film, this release finally treats it well. Recommended

Cry-Baby is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray and Blu-Ray.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Kino Classics has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.