Plagues & Pleasures on the Salton Sea

Without a doubt the Salton Sea is one of the weirdest places in America. Documentarians Chris Metzler and Jeff Springer lovingly examine the creation, history and abysmal state of a land developer’s ecological disaster that directed water from the Colorado river to California’s sea-level Imperial Valley. John Waters narrates between interviews with Salton Sea locals describing their hopes for the forsaken area. Millions of fish die annually and regenerate in the 35 mile-long, 15 mile-wide salty pond around which communities of impoverished people congregate. The film serves as a clarion call for some type of government assistance to address the terrible plight of a place in desperate need of help. Funny, tragic, and informative "Plagues & Pleasures on the Salton Sea" is an unforgettable portrait of a desert town turned into a sewer. DVD features include six short films and an alternate environmental version. (Movie – Four Stars, DVD features – Three Stars) Not Rated, 73 mins.