Available at Amazon.com
Dimension Home Entertainment presents Death Proof. Written by Quentin Tarantino. 113 minutes. Unrated. Originally Rated R for graphic violence and language.
Directed By:
Quentin Trantino
Cast:
Kurt Russell. Stuntman Mike
Rosario Dawson. Abernathy
Zoë Bell. Zoë
Mary Elizabeth Winstead. .Lee
Tracie Thoms. Kim
Sydney Tamiia Poitier. Jungle Julia
Vanessa Ferlito. Arlene/’Butterfly’
Jordan Ladd .Shanna
Monica Staggs. Lanna Frank
Rose McGowan. Pam
Quentin Tarantino. Warren the Bartender
Eli Roth. Dov
The Film:
For those who saw Grindhouse in the theaters it was a unique and unforgettable experience. Two films for the price of one as well as a few fake trailers thrown in as an extra bonus. It was over three hours of over the top retro entertainment. Now Tarantino’s half of the project, Death Proof, has found its way to DVD and the big question is: Does it stand on it’s own?
Well this reviewer is happy to announce that the answer to that question is yes! This extended version of the film adds almost 30 minutes back in including, but not limited to, the elusive lap dance sequence which only appeared as a “scene missing” in the theatrical release.
For those who don’t know the story, the star of this film is the despicable Stuntman Mike played by the always entertaining Kurt Russell in possibly his best role since working in tandem with John Carpenter. Stuntman Mike, it seems, has a hatred of women and uses his modified stunt car to take out this hatred on them.
If you know Tarantino’s style, then you know the film is going to be filled with lots of fast-paced, witty dialog and some great action sequences to boot. If that is what you’re expecting then you won’t be disappointed. This film has a slow build up as it spends time with the women who are to be Stuntman Mike’s victims. The first half the film introduces a first group of women and ends in their gruesome demise. The second half introduces us to a second group of women and well, if you want to know how that one ends you’re going to have to rent it yourself. Let’s just say the film contains one of the greatest chase scenes seen in a long time.
There is a lot of great talent in this film including the ravishing Rosario Dawson, but the spotlight it stolen by Kurt Russell and Zoe Bell. Bell was Uma Thurman’s stunt double in Kill Bill and really caught Tarantino’s attention there. In Death Proof she plays herself in a role Tarantino wrote specifically for her to utilize all of her talents. During the last 20 minutes of the film that really is her on the roof of that car the whole time.
If you’re a Tarantino aficionado there really is no reason you shouldn’t like this film. However, if his rambling dialog gets to you then I recommend you stay away as Death Proof is over flowing with it.
Ladies and Gentlemen: Zoë Bell
The DVD:
This film is presented in 2.35:1 widescreen and is enhanced for widescreen TV’s. The audio is in Dolby 5.1 and can be watched in Italian and French with English and Spanish subtitles. NOTE: While the box lists that it has Spanish audio, there is a sticker on the box explaining that this is, in fact, not included.
Extras:
Stunts On Wheels: The Legendary Drivers Of Death Proof: This is a wonderful in-depth piece about the stunt drivers of the film. Tarantino has an obvious love and admiration for these men and women and gives them their due here.
Kurt Russell as Stuntman Mike: This featurette focuses on the casting of Kurt Russell as Stuntman Mike. This is a short little piece and is both informative and entertaining.
Finding Quentin’s Gals: Here Tarantino takes us through the process of how he found all the women for his film and why he chose them. It’s no surprise that this is a good featurette as well.
The Guys Of Death Proof: Can’t talk about the girls without talking about the guys and here we learn how Tarantino picked his guys.
Introducing Zoë Bell: As one might imagine, this one focuses on how Tarantino met Bell and the events that led to him writing her into the script. Again, this is a great little piece that is fun and informative and doesn’t overstay it’s welcome.
Quentin’ Greatest Collaborator: Editor Sally Menke: Sally Menke has been Tarantino’s editor since Reservoir Dogs and talks about how she, more than anyone, helps him shape the final cut of the film. This is followed by a cute montage of all the actors turning towards the camera during shooting and saying hello to Sally.
Music Selection: Under the scene selection page there is an option to skip to scenes if you want to hear a specific song. There are 20 of these. Also, as an added bonus, there are three songs that are presented in their entirety. These however are offered up with no video to go with them.
Double Dare Trailer
Trailer Gallery
Poster Gallery
Grindhouse Presents, Death Proof – Extended And Unrated |
|
The Inside Pulse
This is a pretty fantastic DVD release. The added footage is actually good and interesting and all the special feature are worth your while. The only thing really missing here are the fake trailers that were in the theatrical release of Grindhouse. With the two-disc release of Planet Terror coming next month, it’s a wonder if there will be a DVD of Grindhouse as it appeared theatrically with all fake trailers intact.
