The Queen of the Universe beauty pageant is not one of the principal contests for female impersonators in this country. Nevertheless, it rates something much better than this home video tape.

Every production value that could be abused is abused, starting with an ear-piercing electronic shriek that extends into the opening credits. The sound is muddy, and one of the cameras that records the event is not color balanced. As a result, the contestants' gowns and complexions change color as they move across the Hollywood Palladium stage. The tape is plagued by jump cuts. But even worse, the camera operators can't stay in focus or even follow the action on the stage. One operator can't keep the winner in frame as she is crowned.

Video technology has made quantum leaps, but current technology is hopelessly inadequate when confronted with amateurish camera operation and slap-dash post-production.