The Hamptons

Speranza

"Grey Gardens"

Love these women!, August 11, 2012


If you are like me and can't get enough of the two Edies, you will enjoy this DVD. There are some treasures not seen in Grey Gardens:

Big Edie reciting poetry; the fire; and Little Edie's costume changes requested by Big Edie.

There is also more singing by both Edies and a visit from Lois.

We see Edie flirt with the Maysles, more of Jerry, and more of the cats.

The story line may not be as clear as the first DVD, and is probably best enjoyed as a continuation of the first.

But for those of you who loved Grey Gardens and wanted more, this is it! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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5.0 out of 5 stars You could not write better fiction!, June 10, 2012
By jeff belli - See all my reviewsAmazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)
However it is not fiction.

As much a window into Jackie Kennedy's personality as it is into the Beale's eccentric life.

A short watch, then go buy the book.................amazing to think this only happened a few decades ago.

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American Gothic at its best! Or, worst!, November 24, 2009
By Jude Barnes "Jude Barnes" (Buffalo, NY USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)


The infamous Beales; what more can be said?

It was interesting, but far too sad when you think of what she could have done with her life.

What a monster of a mother!

0 of 5 people found the following review helpful
1.0 out of 5 stars A disappointment, November 19, 2009
By Ellie Siskind "artistellie" (Indianapolis, IN) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)


Tedious and repetitive, without the fascination factor of the early documentary by the Maysles. Thought I was ordering that one - next time I'll check more carefully. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars THE BEALES of GREY GARDEN, October 29, 2009
By Anthony cruz "pointer165" (new york, new york USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)


THIS is NOT the original documentary..and WHAT a precious piece of film it is!..they've added scenes that were deleted and there's an interview by one of the brothers that is still alive at this making...

Little Eddie was an amazing woman..

I've seen this film so many times..cause she took a life that she did not choose and made the most of it.

From an amazing sense of STYLE in clothing, to her reading with a magnifying glass and a pretty amazing BODY!!..she was FAR FROM STUPID!

She was just a plain ole' character like you would find in old Greenwich Village,NYC!...no harm to a soul...she had a nice life in that house..and I remember reading that she would only sell that house, after her mom died, if it was NOT torn down..and eventually the executive producer of 60 minutes , bought it and redid it...but it is still Grey Gardens and will always be..I liked it before..I fell totally in love with these characters

Tony(nyc) Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Great documentary!, October 14, 2009
By Presley "mads mom" (Louisiana) - See all my reviewsAmazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)

If you liked the first documentary then you will like the second. It shows more of the two ladies that everybody loves! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars In Edie-Beale Land, October 6, 2009
By Susan Miller "SueM" (York, Pennsylvania USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)


A revealing, honest look at New York society in ruins.

The famous Beale women, living with rats, racoons and reporters, yet still acting the roles of "grand dames" - a fascinating pictorial memory.

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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A keener insight into the life of Edie Beale, September 12, 2009
By J. F. Higgins "HIGGINS" (New York, New York United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)


This film captures a greater insight the life and thoughts of Edie Beale. A must see to balance Grey Gardens -- this film demonstrates and supports even more so how manipulative the Maysles were as 'film-makers'. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Big and Little Edie Part 2, August 15, 2009
By Arlene D. Kock (Hayward, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)

Additional footage not used in the Maysles original documentary of these two remarkable women.

Of course you see more of Little Edie singing and dancing and her revolutionay fashion ensembles.

Just as importantly, you see more of Little E as she discusses politics, war, womens rights and religion.

A wonderful interview with the surviving Maysles brother.

Surprise footage and interview of the Marble Fawn as he is today!

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5.0 out of 5 stars Superb!, June 30, 2009
By Susan L. Lampasona - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)

The Edith's of Grey Gardens is one of the best documentaries I have ever seen. I keep watching it over and over. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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5.0 out of 5 stars OUTSTANDING, June 28, 2009
By catherine C. Lampley (IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME) This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)


The Beales are such a fascinating family that you just can't seem to learn enough about the transition from riches to poverty, and how it never seemed to occurred to them that they were poor .

I am still tying to put together the pieces of this wonderful mystery. Outstanding insight into their world. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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3 of 9 people found the following review helpful
1.0 out of 5 stars Buyer beware, June 4, 2009
By Olwin "Dewey" (Knoxville, TN USA) - See all my reviewsAmazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)
Being completely caught up with the intriguing tale of the Beales, I followed Amazon's advice which suggested I buy not one, but both DVDs, "Grey Gardens" and "The Beales of Grey Gardens". Every indication led me to believe that these were two separate films.

Imagine my disappointment to open the double set, only to find that one of them is a duplicate of the single DVD. Shame on Amazon for this misleading sales tactic.

Loved the Beales!, May 31, 2009
By Lisa Buchhold - See all my reviewsThis review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)

The Beale girls got it goin-on! When you watch for a first time you are absolutely captivated. I love how their world was a capture of the then and now which you are able to envision the high society which they once knew to the world they built in the now from survival. After watching the Beales there is something that keeps haunting you to watch again and again. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent "sequel" to the original!, May 29, 2009
By R. Schneider "Love the "Edies"!" (Indianapolis, IN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME) This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)


So glad Albert Maysles decided to release this additional footage! I've had the original documentary for several years, watched the EXCELLENT HBO adaptation with Jessica Lange & Drew Barrymore, so I decided I wanted to see the additional footage on this DVD. I highly recommend this DVD to anyone that is a Big Edie, Little Edie fan that hasn't seen it! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Ms., May 21, 2009
By Patti Fortner (Ohio) - See all my reviewsThis review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)

A wistfully sad, amusing inside view of the lives of an eccentric Mother and daughter. They are almost resigned to their inter-connected, yet bizarre fate and accept fate with graciousness. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Truly Fancinating!, May 18, 2009
By Sandra L. Moorhouse "mollymoor" (Austin, Tx) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME) This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)
The Beales of Grey Gardens - Criterion Collection

I really enjoyed this shortened version of the Beales. I will purchasing the movie with Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore next.
Very interesting characters and I was astonished at how they lived and their living conditions as a whole. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars The Beales of Grey Gardens Criterion Collection, May 11, 2009
By Kelly Fernandez (New Jersey, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)
After seeing the Broadway Play and the HBO Movie, this original documentary answers all my questions.

It's intriguing and heartwrenching. Thoroughly enjoyable. I've watched it over and over. Each time I find something new. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars worth every penny, May 9, 2009
By BLRombold-Gillies "stitchcrazy" (Bellingham,WA.) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)
i had just watch Jessica Lang and Drew Berrymore in the HBO Grey Garden and this was a great addition to the whole story. Have seen first Video on this story and too. A great insigth into two women. thank you Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars a tender look at these women--with a wardrobe montage and even numerous musical numbers !!!, February 20, 2009
By Matthew G. Sherwin (last seen screaming at Amazon customer service) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER) (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER) (VINE VOICE) This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)


The Beales Of Grey Gardens is essentially a continuation of Grey Gardens, the close-up portrait of two most intriguing and reclusive ladies, Big Edie and Little Edie who live in an old house called Grey Gardens.

Once ladies of society with Grey Gardens standing as a stunning mansion, the house has now crumbled and we get the sense that even after Jacqueline Onassis and her husband helped them it just wasn't enough to carry them through.

These ladies are peculiar and somewhat out of touch with the world yet they remain quite endearing; their mother-daughter bond is very strong and this film also gives us a great look at the profound dynamic of the mother-daughter relationship.

In the introduction to the film, Albert Maysles makes no bones about it.

He states that since there has been such a fuss over the original film entitled Grey Gardens with people making it into a Broadway show, etc, he decided to release this additional footage of Big Edie and her daughter Little Edie to let us see more of them.

He's "cashing in;" but the quality of what we get is excellent.

He also says that Little Edie wanted to sing and dance in this extra footage--and she certainly does!

Little Edie does a great deal of modeling and appears to take a child-like delight in showing off her outfits for the camera.

Despite the passage of time Little Edie has retained a considerable wardrobe and we see lots of it as she parades and sings as she models for the camera.

We learn so much about these two women it's absolutely incredible.

All you need to do is watch.

We see them react with panic when a small fire breaks out in the house; fortunately it does not spread and there is no significant damage.

We see Little Edie and her mother discussing romance, the town where they live, the Catholic Church and their beliefs about their religion in general including confession.

There is some wonderful footage of Little Edie at the beach and we see how each lady relates to the Maysles' cameraman assistant, Jerry.

It's also interesting how emotionally connected these women are to their old house.

Even after the renovations it's not exactly a great place to live; yet they hang on, living there as if little time had really passed since their glory days.

That's very touching and I could tell they were very attached to that house, their property and all the memories that went along with that, too.

Of course, this is a documentary film that wants to paint a portrait of these two women and so therefore there isn't actually much of a plot; but don't let that fool you--it's fascinating to watch these ladies in action with the Maysles, Jerry and each other.

Except for the introduction with Albert Maysles there are no bonus features on this DVD; and that's a bit of a disappointment since this is part of the prestigious "Criterion Collection." However, the footage that we do get is excellent so I can almost overlook it. I would have liked an interview with a neighbor or two--or maybe even a relative.

The Beales Of Grey Gardens successfully provides us with remarkable insights into what made these women tick when they lived together; we also see how they related to each other and the filmmakers. I recommend this film. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars The Beales of Grey Gardens - Criterion Collection, July 29, 2008
By richard walsh - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)
The Beales of Grey Gardens - Criterion Collection
This is a must for those who are grey garden fans....., much more of what it was like to see the footage that was left out Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Fabulous - especially the more you watch it!, July 12, 2008
By Bow Down Before The One You Serve (Manassas, VA) - See all my reviewsThis review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)


I saw this, thought it was okay. . . then took another look. It's incredible - to think of the riches and privilege these women had and lost. No wonder they're living in "la-la" land - where everything is beautiful -- except reality, and if you watch it - you know what I mean.

I just cannot get over, and it's become part of my repertoire - the whole business of

"I don't like women in skuuuurrts - I like pants under the skurt, then you can bring the hose up over the pants under the skurt, and maybe wear the skurt as a cape."

Please, I'm not laughing at them, these women spent a good part of their lives in agony - only they were forgiving enough to not recognize it as such. In some ways it's almost comforting to know EVERYONE struggles with life, money and mental health.

Get it - you won't regret it - you'll pull it out at parties. Check out youtube - great clips. A very honest portrayal. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic, January 16, 2008
By M. Brown - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME) This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)


I liked this new version even better. More fab costumes from Little Edie and lots more insight into the ladies. I saw the Musical last year and loved it, but it didn't strike me until I saw this documentary and now the ladies live. I am so amazed at the perfect reproductions that Christine Ebersol and Mary Louise Wilson made of Big and Little Edie.

I am so touched by these women. I wished that I had known them and they also scare a piece of them that live inside me.

More of "Big" and "Little" Edie at Their Best...., December 9, 2007
By J. Curtin (Virginia Beach, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME) This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)
If you have had the unique experience of viewing the original "Grey Gardens", and getting to know the story of the Beales of East Hampton, then you will delight in this DVD.

We do get to see "Little Edie" Beale in more of a "normal" angle.

She does a lot of talking, and it makes a lot of sense. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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4 of 6 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars An American Legend?, July 26, 2007
By Lily Nehman - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME) Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)
What good fortune!! I witnessed the great musical based on Grey Gardens. Christine Ebersole and mary Louise Wilson were outstanding in the roles of Big Edie and Little Edie Beale . However, I didn't see the
documentary ( Maysles Brothers ) beforehand. I was curious about the song "jerry likes my corn".

The dvd of The Beales of Grey Gardens can answer any question . it is a wonderful review for the musical on Broadway. Then, of course, it is a story so awesome , that it is a gift to the world! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Kitsch-tastic, July 23, 2007
By jonathan falls (raleigh, nc usa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME) This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)
This is a great companion to "Grey Gardens" for those who need more, more, more of the delightfully eccentric Beales. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome, July 12, 2007
By Pedro Lázaro "plazaro" (San Juan, Puerto Rico) - See all my reviewsThis review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)
I saw the original Doc. and now this additional material has been icing to the cake. A must see for all those Maysels and Eddie fans around the world. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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14 of 38 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars Assault on Reason, June 24, 2007
By Chris Roberts "Chris Roberts" (Astoria, NY) - See all my reviewsThis review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)
Showing up 30 years after the original, and undoubtedly here to capitalize on the smash Broadway play and upcoming fictional feature film, "The Beales of Grey Gardens" scoops up whatever was left on the editing room floor, puts them together like links of sausage and calls itself a movie. That's fine, they have some decent material here, but still this experiment of filming Jackie O's reclusive, deranged relatives is nothing more than a prehistoric "Osbournes".

To its credit it feels much more organic as it is not burdened by MTV style editing or staged feuds with their neighbors.

We just sit around and watch crazy people sink further and further into their own messed up world. Of course it is entertaining, but as a movie it doesn't really work.

For a comedy it just isn't funny enough and for a tragedy it just isn't sad enough.

How can we feel sad for these people, ignorance is bliss, as they say, and Big Edie and Little Edie are both more than stocked up in both departments.

I think a main theme here is taking yourself out of civilized society and entering an alternate reality.

My hatred of people is well documented, but I am at least smart enough to surround myself with them for the sake of my own mental health. And so while I admit that I had a lot of fun at their expense I must emphasize the point that I am not judging them. How could I considering that my apartment looks like the Unabomber lives there, and that I eat ice cream out of the carton, and that I sit around prattling off conspiracy theories.

Then again, I never danced around in front of my mother singing show tunes.

And I certainly never burned a hole in my house and then had a raccoon come and take up residence within it.

So like that trip to see the crazy old aunt nobody talks to anymore this trip begins to wear thin about an hour in.

With very few people around to stop their wild-eyed pontifications they just went on believing their own version of the truth.

This becomes painfully apparent when Little Edie begins equating alcohol to "orgies" and "exploding livers".

Later she rails against private and public property in the same rant, quite obviously not knowing the difference.

It is my theory that when men go crazy they direct it outward, but when women go crazy everything is directed inward, and this is a perfect example.

Little Edie means and does no harm to anybody else, but you listen to her talk for five minutes and you realize that this is one lost little girl.

The film fails because, like Spike lee's "Next Movement", you really can't turn deleted scenes into a movie. They were deleted for a reason, not to mention that it is near impossible to create a narrative structure out of leftovers. **1/2 Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars I adored this movie, absolutely mad about it., June 11, 2007
By Jennifer K. Pierce "edie4711" (Douglasville, Georgia United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME) Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)
Everyone else has already said how wonderful the "new" footage, how beautiful the scenery, how in-depth the exploration...I agree with them all. I adore this film and am so grateful it has been made available (I would have taken it as raw footage). I just wanted to mention that the subtitles are way off in many, many places.

I'm from Long Island, a native speaker of the LI accent, and I've seen Grey Gardens probably around 500 times.

I know what they're saying and it is not what is printed in the subtitles much of the time. Perhaps whoever did the subtitles is not a LI native. It's not really a complaint, but if you really want to know what they're saying you just have to listen closely and let your ear guide you, because if you take your info from the subtitles, it sometimes alters the actual meaning of what they're saying. I hope this helps someone--it's my good deed for the day. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Well worth the 32 year wait, June 8, 2007
By Bioman "Biobio" (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviewsThis review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)
Though I had watched "Grey Gardens" at least 2000 times since 1975, last fall, I went to the Castro Theater in San Francisco to see the new print of it with an audience for the first time since the Bouvier-Beales were introduced to me in '75.

That night, an appearance by Jerry Torre was incentive for me to see "Grey Gardens" on the big screen.

I had just purchased the Broadway cast album and the song "Jerry loves the way I do my corn" was repeating in my brain as I waited in the long line to get into the theater.

Over 30 years of viewing, the Maysles film had made the Beales virtual friends of mine.

Once upon a time, when I said that "Grey Gardens" was my favorite film, nobody had heard of it.

I did not know that a second feature would follow the interview with the "Marble Fawn".

As Ms. Beale pranced through the yard singing "You Ought to be in Pictures," my heart felt as though I was visiting an old friend.

As true today as it was in 1975, you'll either be fascinated or repelled by "The Beales of Grey Gardens."

I now have two favorite films.

One thing is certain: you'll never forget them.

Al, if you're reading this - thank you! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars The Beales revealed, March 8, 2007
By Roxie Pettigrew "domestic goddess" (PA) - See all my reviewsThis review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)
The "Beales of Grey Gardens" brings home the story of Big Edie and Little Edie as introduced in the original "Greygardens". It is very helpful to view "Greygardens" first because it provides the background for the more in-depth presentation of their relationship and history. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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11 of 17 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars a nice follow up, February 10, 2007
By Ted "Ted" (Pennsylvania, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)
This review is for the Criterion Collection DVD edition of the film

"The Beales of Grey Gardens" is a sequel to "Grey Gardens" composed of footage not included in the previous releease.

Since the release of the first film, "Grey Gardens" became very popular and spawned a Broadway musical. This inspired a release of extra footage.

The only special feature is an introduction by one of the Maysles brothers.

This film is available by itself or in a box set with the previous release. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Must see, January 19, 2007
By K. McManus (Arkansas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME) This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)
More footage from the "Grey Garden's" documentary. A must see for those of us who can't get enough.

Not as good as the original., January 18, 2007
By V. Kaminsky - See all my reviewsThis review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)
Unlike other reviewers here, I found this new film much more depressing than the original.

Here we hear Little Eadie denying her schizophrenia, however, the bulk of the film shows her to be severely delusional.

Unlike the original, this new "Grey Gardens" lacks the sweetness and hopefulness of the relationship between mother and daughter, and substitutes a dreary voyeurism.

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27 of 29 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Edies' Through the Looking Glass, January 18, 2007
By Ron "eccentric watcher" (Kittery Point, Maine) - See all my reviewsThis review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)
A Great look and extra insight into the wonderful characters that Big and Little Edie Beale were. They are presented in a much less exaggerated way from the original documentary "Grey Gardens". A very down to earth look into these two very eccentric and remarkable women. You've got to love them. This would be a great addition to your Beale Library. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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7 of 14 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Beales of Grey Gardens, January 15, 2007
By John E. Balogh - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME) This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)
Purchased for a friend because she really loved the movie and said she would love a copy for her personal collection. Shipping and handling was excellent. Thank you. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars The Beale Ladies, January 11, 2007
By Bill S "another Beale fan" (Toronto, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviewsAmazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)
Another wonderful DVD about our favourite cult ladies. The picture quality is superb. Criterion is expensive but once you see the highest standards of transfer, you realize it is money well spent.

The content is as usual most interesting.

Just wait until you see the 'fashionista' parade of outfits. Most important of course is another opportunity to view the lives of these eccentric fascinating women Just staggering. It leaves you wanting more, more ........ Hope the Broadway musical will be filmed for distribution on DVD. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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215 of 219 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars They Oughtta Be in Pictures..., December 20, 2006
By Damon Devine (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)
Either no one's got their copy yet---or eveyone's too afraid to write a review--so I will! This is an EXCELLENT follow-up to Grey Gardens! There is no reason at all to think "nothing can match the first one" because THIS CAN! There are hundreds of great new "lines" in this, and all kinds of "revolutionary costumes" we have never seen before. You may wonder what differs in this film, as opposed to the first 'Grey Gardens.' In truth, they are extremely similar--and in that Grey Gardens was wonderful, then that's a good thing! But seriously--the Beales are captured here making many more astute observations than in the first film. "Little" Edie talks at length about the differences between the Republican Party and the Democratic Party--and she received a standing ovation for this, when I saw the film in New York last August! She also addresses the absurd notion that she was once labled "schizophrenic." She says that "NO one with convictions is ever schizophrenic---I just have a terrible temper---it's Southern."

There is lots of singing and a lot of joy in this film.

There are different shots of the house, as well, and LOTS of Jerry "The Marble Fawn."

The reason for this, is that Al maysles and his crew felt it was interesting to show Jerry's and Little Edie's rivalry and how the mother got quite a kick out of that.

In truth, Mrs. Beale had quite a history of pitting her "friends" against Edie, for the sole sake of sitting back and watching the fireworks fly! There are SCREAMINGLY funny passive/aggressive "observations" on Edie's part about Jerry all through this film. "See...the cats smelled Jerry. If he'd stay away for a month or two--I'm SURE we'd get at least two back."

I feel I must address reviewer "D Kascchaks" fixation with the Beale's dirty house.

It is near impossible for two ladies (one being in bed and close to 80 at the time) to keep a 28 room mansion clean.

They lived on little money, so help was more or less out of the question, as most of those years Jackie Kennedy Onasis was busy with million dollar shopping sprees and had more or less left her childhood relatives behind.

And unfortunately, after Mr. Beale "stopped living in East Hampton" Mrs. Beale quickly spent all of the money left to her on parties and a good time. In truth---I don't blame her and hope she had fun! I commend the Maysles for not spending too much footage on the home's condition and instead, dedicated more time to these fascinating ladies.

I too---knew Edie Beale, but much later in life.

She lived in a very nice, clean apartment in Bal Harbour Florida, with not ONE cat!

She was in her 80's at the time, and although I was in my 20's, she had a crush on me!

She was a dear to the end, not at all embittered by time or disappointment.

It was very important to me to let her know that she HAD accomplished something in life, something more important than any profession or career: And that is being a TRUE original and bringing joy to millions of outcasts and free-thinkers(not to mention fashion officianados!) all over the world.

She'd say, "OH, Damon Sweetheart! Whenever I start to feel bad about myself you let me know I am A-OK."

A greater reward, I could not have received.

A week before she passed away, she was excited about a new Edie Beale fan club someone mentioned to me.

I have babbled on! Anyway, this is an excellent film, every bit as good as the original! You will love it, I promise you!

(There are not really any extras on this, but who needs them--as there is so much here! Al Maysles gives an introduction to the film, and introduces us to Jerry (the Marble Fawn) TODAY! The color and clarity are EXCELLENT, by the way.) Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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167 of 184 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars Another Grey Gardens, November 26, 2006
By D. Kaschak (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME) This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)
If you can believe it, the Maysales' films capture a rather sanitized view of Grey Gardens.

I witnessed first hand the Beales from an intimate relationship as a young boy from age 8-13, when I lived across the street from them.

Grey Gardens was between my family's house and the beach, and it was on my bike that I met Miss Beale by calling to the spooky lady with cats crawling on her back from the street.

After getting to know her from the street, then porch, spending hours with her, I finally met Mrs. Beale a year later when she descended from her bedroom, which was a rare occasion.

But Mrs. Beale favored me even more than Miss, because I could sing and she loved to teach me

"I can't give you anything but love baby"

and sing to her niece Lee Radziwell over the phone from her bedroom.

Just know that the house is CLEAN compared to when I knew it.

This was pre-condemnation by the board of health, and raid because of the squaler that I knew. There was an empty cat can mountain in the dining room, an inch thick coat of cat fesces on the stairs, and so much more repulsive conditions, it would seem better to live in a tent in the yard. These films show a romantic side to the Beale's life, which has developed quite a cult following as a result. For me, it's a time capsule that is not quite right, since I knew the Beales prior to, and more intimately when they didn't play to the cameras. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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29 of 35 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Re-vamp/Sequel to Classic Film, October 28, 2006
By Laurie Lear (Wisconsin, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME) This review is from: The Beales of Grey Gardens (The Criterion Collection) (DVD)
Taken from the Criterion Collection desription:

The 1976 cinema vérité classic Grey Gardens, which captured in remarkable close-up the lives of the eccentric East Hampton recluses Big and Little Edie Beale, has spawned everything from a midnight-movie cult following to a Broadway musical, to an upcoming Hollywood adaptation. The filmmakers then went back to their vaults of footage to create part two, The Beales of Grey Gardens, a tribute both to these indomitable women and to the original landmark documentary's legions of fans, who have made them American counterculture icons.

This special DVD includes:

.New digital transfer, approved by director Albert Maysles

.New video introduction by Maysles

.Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing

.Plus: A new essay by cultural critic Michael Musto