A few words about…™ Diary of a Mad Housewife – in Blu-ray

Always a huge Perry fan, and would love to see their magnificent 1969 film re-constructed to its original uncut version.

Diary is a wonderful acting turn by Carrie Snodgress, and a lovely blu-ray from Kino.

A bit of minus density, that’s never a problem (want to see problem, check out the Ladybug trailer), and actually makes the presentation fully film-like, along with a velvety texture of film grain.

For those who may have not yet discovered this little gem, now’s your chance.

Image – 4.5

Audio – 5

Pass / Fail – Pass

Upgrade from DVD – Yes

Highly Recommended

RAH

Robert has been known in the film industry for his unmatched skill and passion in film preservation. Growing up around photography, his first home theater experience began at age ten with 16mm. Years later he was running 35 and 70mm at home.

His restoration projects have breathed new life into classic films like Lawrence of Arabia, Vertigo, My Fair Lady, Spartacus, and The Godfather series. Beyond his restoration work, he has also shared his expertise through publications, contributing to the academic discourse on film restoration. The Academy Film Archive houses the Robert A. Harris Collection, a testament to his significant contributions to film preservation.

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Angelo Colombus

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I think the original running time was 104 minutes and then released on VHS tape at 100 minutes? The Blu-ray is at 95 minutes and i like the film and the first time i saw it was on my local PBS station in the late 1970's.
 

Dick

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I saw this theatrically and do not remember what the running time was. I found it interesting, but not personally compelling. Might rent it just to see if I like it better. Other Frank(and sometimes Eleanor) Perry films are much more memorable for me (THE SWIMMER, LADYBUG LADYBUG, DAVID AND LISA). I think this was the first film I ever saw with Frank Langella in it.
 

Robin9

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I saw this theatrically and do not remember what the running time was. I found it interesting, but not personally compelling. Might rent it just to see if I like it better. Other Frank(and sometimes Eleanor) Perry films are much more memorable for me (THE SWIMMER, LADYBUG LADYBUG, DAVID AND LISA). I think this was the first film I ever saw with Frank Langella in it.
Last Summer.
 

B-ROLL

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Frank Perry was a small part of one of the documentaries on one of the Essential Fellini discs (La Strada I think). He, along with Fellini and another director are asked the same question in Italian and English. Perry answers in Italian :D.!

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John Gilmore

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I find it fascinating that Frank Perry directed such good films like Diary of a Mad Housewife and Last Summer, then went on to do the camp-fest mess of Mommie Dearest.
 

Noel Aguirre

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I saw this theatrically and do not remember what the running time was. I found it interesting, but not personally compelling. Might rent it just to see if I like it better. Other Frank(and sometimes Eleanor) Perry films are much more memorable for me (THE SWIMMER, LADYBUG LADYBUG, DAVID AND LISA). I think this was the first film I ever saw with Frank Langella in it.
You don’t find Mommie Dearest “memorable”?
 

Noel Aguirre

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I find it fascinating that Frank Perry directed such good films like Diary of a Mad Housewife and Last Summer, then went on to do the camp-fest mess of Mommie Dearest.
Which is run 24 hours back to back now every Mother’s Day like a Christmas Story today!
For some it’s a “mess”.
To others it’s filet mignon.
 

Desdinova

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The Kino blu ray was a Day 1 for me. The grain is very present and it's clear no DNR was used, which I respect. That having been said, I think I prefer the HD version that appeared for streaming earlier in the year; it looks as sharp as the blu ray but the grain isn't as noticeable. I also enjoyed the commentary track on the disc (though I wish it had included some of the films participants...the few still surviving, anyway). I was also hoping (but not expecting) the deleted footage to appear on the disc, but I'm happy just to finally have this excellent film available in my library (plus I have a nice fan edit that incorporates the 1080p with the best available TV footage for a long version that clocks in at 120 minutes).
 

24fpsNinja

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Responded
I watched “Last Summer” on YouTube. Curious as to what the difference would be between the uncut and cut version? It was a very powerful film and it’s a shame Catherine Burns didn’t win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, she is amazing.
Will definitely pickup “Housewife” based off of what everyone is saying.
 

Robert Harris

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I watched “Last Summer” on YouTube. Curious as to what the difference would be between the uncut and cut version? It was a very powerful film and it’s a shame Catherine Burns didn’t win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, she is amazing.
Will definitely pickup “Housewife” based off of what everyone is saying.
As I recall, there are three versions.
 

roxy1927

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Was 12 Chairs released after Diary? That was the first Langella film I saw. I would be curious to see the dates of those reviews in the NY Times.

I thought that Last Summer exists perhaps complete(which got it an X rating) on 1 16mm print.
 

B-ROLL

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Was 12 Chairs released after Diary? That was the first Langella film I saw. I would be curious to see the dates of those reviews in the NY Times.

According to WikiPedia

DoaMH was released August 10, 1970
T12C was released October 28, 1970
 
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