Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a thermoplastic container-shaped intermediate or article having biaxially oriented side walls and a bottom having an unoriented portion surrounded by a biaxially oriented transparent portion. In the method, a sheet of thermoplastic at its orientation temperature is secured over the mouth of a forming tube. A plunger having a circumscribing sharp edged lip and a plunger follower sandwich the thermoplastic sheet and the plunger and plunger follower are driven into the forming tube while preventing the circumscribed portion of the thermoplastic from becoming oriented. Thereafter the thermoplastic is blow formed to yield a container-shaped intermediate. The final container is formed by heat shrinking the intermediate onto a male form having a predetermined size, shape and texture. The apparatus includes the forming tube, plunger, plunger follower and pressurized air for performing the method.