'Mallrats' - High-Def Digest review

[jed]

Just posted Kenneth's review of 'Mallrats.' He says the video transfer and audio mix on this HD DVD edition are both slightly above average, but fail to live up to more well-rounded catalogue presentations. The packed-to-the-gills supplements package, on the other hand, doesn't disappoint.

Full review here:
http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/mallrats.html

[MELLISMAN]

I picked this title up because I love Kevin Smith movies and Mallrats is one of my favs. I am a little disappointed in the picture on this disk. A bit on the soft side.

I have decided to stop buying Universal catalog movies until they start remastering them for Hi Def release. It seems they are just tossing out as many movies as they can to make a buck before they concede and neutral.

Universal was they main reason I went HD-DVD along with Blu-ray and they have really been letting their supporters down lately.

[Brad1963]

I still think everybody is over scrutinizing the Universal titles lately. Other than Daylight, I think they all do not look that bad. Mallrats looked fine to me, as did Sneakers, Mystery Men, and The Big Lebowski.

[Cochise]

Originally Posted by Brad1963

I still think everybody is over scrutinizing the Universal titles lately. Other than Daylight, I think they all do not look that bad. Mallrats looked fine to me, as did Sneakers, Mystery Men, and The Big Lebowski.

I got this from Netflix the day of release, and I thought it looked fine, especially for the age of the film. Not demo material, but I wasn't expecting it to be. But then, I would never demo any Kevin Smith movie. I think they're highly over-rated, too much "stuff" in between the funny parts. A friend insisted I watch the Clerks for the first time several years ago. I was about ready to bolt for the door when it finally got funny with the dead guy in the toilet scene . . .

[eNoize]

I agree with Brad. Some are being overly harsh. This film has low budget written all over it and was shot with low grade film stock. Don't expect King Kong or Children of Men. The film looks good considering its roots.

[vegasr]

I agree Universal is getting an overly bad rap. I do tend to read the reviews of Universal films now ( and for that reason I didn't buy The Jerk and Being John Malkovich ) but most of Universal titles are good to excellent. I saw the first DVD release of Mallrats and it was incredibly bad. Kevin Smith doesn't produce the best looking films so I'm pleased to read that it's an upgrade of the anniversary addition. I think things will get better, for example they are putting TrueHD on a more regular basis. The combos seem to be causing a lot less problems. I know I keep saying it but we have to support our biggest exclusive studio. Other wise we will be helping to drive them to neutrality.

[Blu-News.com]

I don't mean to criticize Universal, but at a time so early in the format war, it would be better if they release movies that are more suited for high definition transfers. I'm not saying they haven't released any good high def transfers, but I wonder why they release so many titles not really mean for high quality high definition transfers.

[vegasr]

You have hit the nail on the head. Right now releases have to be about the PQ. J6P needs to be impressed and wowed. I'm sure a lot of us have films that we use to impress friends and maybe a few that we keep locked in the cupboard !!

[mrkiller]

i didnt see this but many people said it looked good, so i was gonna get it, but ill just get clerks 2 instead.

[KaneRobot]

Originally Posted by mrkiller

i didnt see this but many people said it looked good, so i was gonna get it, but ill just get clerks 2 instead.

Clerks II is a much, much better film (make sure you've seen the first one though) and I'm sure it can be had for cheaper than the just-released Mallrats, so good choice there.

I used to enjoy Mallrats but over time I have kind of soured on it. Lee and Affleck are solid but the rest of the performances don't do much for me, and the way the film is shot is just....so....BORING (and I'm about the last person that notices stuff like that). There is a serious lack of coverage and no camera movement. I'll pass on this release until we get the price knocked down a bit. Obviously though, if you skipped the first two DVD releases, then this is probably worth a pick-up.

The caveat to my complaints: Mallrats has, bar none, my favorite movie-related audio commentary ever. Honestly, it's more entertaining than the film at times.

[PIHB]

i picked this movie up and it is worth it

[MentokTheMindTaker]

I love the View Askew films and this is one that I don't own yet. I will be buying this soon.

[mark32570]

Does this HDDVD contain the extended television cut? Your review doesn't mention this.

[messin18]

Originally Posted by Brad1963

I still think everybody is over scrutinizing the Universal titles lately. Other than Daylight, I think they all do not look that bad. Mallrats looked fine to me, as did Sneakers, Mystery Men, and The Big Lebowski.

Born on the 4th looks really good as well. I have to watch big lebowski still

[Brad1963]

Originally Posted by messin18

Born on the 4th looks really good as well. I have to watch big lebowski still

I think "The War" looks exceptionally good as well.