'Death Proof' - High-Def Digest Review

[Attebery]

Josh has reviewed 'Death Proof.' Which he says worked better as the second half of 'Grindhouse.' As a standalone film, this is Tarantino's weakest release, but it holds up on its own better than 'Planet Terror.' This Blu-ray comes half-recommended, since you oughta buy it along with 'Planet Terror' if only to approximate the 'Grindhouse' experience.

Full review here:
http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/1792/deathproof.html

[Blu-Balls]

I don't know about this transfer. Yes the film is intentionally grainy but I'm kind of kicking myself for double dipping. I did a comparison to the DVD and didn't see that much of an upgrade.

Does anyone else agree/disagree?

[Master X]

I might rent it and if I like it ill try to buy it on HD DVD first.

[Favelle]

Originally Posted by Blu-Balls

I don't know about this transfer. Yes the film is intentionally grainy but I'm kind of kicking myself for double dipping. I did a comparison to the DVD and didn't see that much of an upgrade.

Does anyone else agree/disagree?

What about the sound?

[eNoize]

Josh, I agree that 'Death Proof' is slightly the better of the two as an homage. 'Planet Terror' was fun and entertaining, but there actually is a brilliance to Tarantino's version of grindhouse movies, especially since it adheres to the genre more closely than Rodriguez's 'Terror'.

Great read.

[Columbo345]

Death Proof was at times brilliant and frustrating. If only Tarantino could remind himself to use some economy in his long dialogue scenes. He works better as a short and punchy writer, not long rambling monologues - he's not that good yet.

[Nut Bunnies]

I will defend Tarantino's dialogue to the death, but it was just way too much in this movie, and what was there was annoying and boring. By the halfway point of that seemingly 45 minute conversation between the second set of girls I was sure they'd be dead soon and was praying for it to come quickly, but astoundingly they were somehow the heroes.

[posters5]

"HD Bonus Content: Any Exclusive Goodies in There?

Although the disc is BD-Live enabled, at the time of this writing there is no online content available for 'Death Proof'. The Blu-ray does have one exclusive feature, but it's not much of one.

Extended Music Cues – Audio-only renditions of three music cues by Ennio Morricone, Guido & Maurizio de Angelis, and Franco Micalizzi."

the extended music cues aren't high-def exclusives. they're on disc 1 of the two-disc dvd set.

[Blu-Balls]

Originally Posted by Favelle

What about the sound?

The sound is definately better than the DVD with the TrueHD mix. It's louder and more crisp.

[acidpossum]

I agree and disagree with the review. I loved Death Proof so much more than Planet Terror, due to the dismay of a few of my friends. However I want this more as a standalone film. I have the DVD already, and will upgrade as soon as the funds become available.

The problem with wanting the whole grindhouse release, is that its experience really is intended for theatres only. You needed to go sit for a long time till your rump gets tired... and have people falling asleep around you, having your tennis shoes stick to the evaporated pop syrup spilled on the floor, and smelling stale popcorn (while adding to the mess with your own bucket) There were plenty of commercials and down time in the films so you could take a bathroom break. It was an "experience", that you can't really replicate at home when you look at the intentions of the filmmakers. They just don't do double bills anymore. Its a nostalgia trip. for THEATRE-goers...

I don't really know why i'm adding my 2 cents here, since this is all a win-win situation for me. Sure i would like the grindhouse set complete with all trailers released eventually on blu-ray. However i know it would be a 40 or 50 dollars set domestically, and since i only really like Death Proof out of the set, its much easier to justify buying the unrated extended cut of that film on blu-ray.... for a lot less.

[skywalkr2]

IMO Death Proof rocks all over Planet Stupid. Death Proof is a good fun time. Planet Terror is just disgusting gore after disgusting gore... not funny. I know gore fans probably love it, but I just find no appreciation in it.

[Konrad]

I have been a fan of Vanishing Point ever since I saw it for the first time in the theater at its original release. This movie was so cool in its days! Owning a white Dodge Challenger was also my dream but it never came true. I am thrilled that Vanishing Point will be released on blu soon and as a die-hard QT fan I will get Death Proof, too, that's a sure thing. A pity I missed it in the theater.

[bradavon]

We never got the Grindhouse experiencing over here. The extended Death Proof was released then many, many months later Planet Terror came out in limited cinemas. It wasn't sure anywhere near me.

I've still not seen it and don't get I'd like it. Rodriguez has only made one decent movie (Desperado). I liked Death Proof though.

[cheez avenger]

Josh, you obviously liked Deathproof, why only 3.5 stars? Dude, make it a 4 or 4.5.

[FreddyC]

I got to see the films together at the theater and enjoyed it. As stand alone films, I just am not that excited about them.

So far as Tarantino being more "economical" with the dialogue, I sort of agree. He really goes over the top in this one. In comparison, the dialogue in say "Pulp Fiction" was very to the point, and interesting. Same with "Resevoir Dogs".

Freddy