Review of Wash, The

Introduction

Written (and directed by) DJ Pooh, this is a blaxploitation meets Cheech and Chong comedy buddy flick with an excellent rap and RnB soundtrack.

The film stars some of rap music`s best known stars (Dr. Dre and Snoop to name a couple), with most of the rest appearing in cameo roles.

Based around an anarchic car wash, the film revolves around the antics of a couple of buddies, Sean (Dr. Dre) and Dee Loc (Snoop). There`s even a plot of some sort but it`s not important :)

As is to be expected from this genre, the film contains a lot of swearing.

Video

Picture quality is average and just about acceptable. The main feature is presented in anamorphic widescreen (1.78:1 to be exact) but the transfer isn`t that brilliant.

The picture is grainy throughout although contrast and colour fidelity remain good. There`s some evidence of edge enhancement and the lowish bitrate points to some fairly hefty compression in places.

It`s never unwatchable however and is still streets ahead of any VHS picture ever :)

Audio

This is much better. Ths 5.1 Dolby Digital soundtrack is excellent and probably one of the most bass heavy scores ever used. If you like bass you`ll like this!

Dialogue comes across fairly well but is a little muddled in places and the surround channels are under used but the saving grace is the excellent musical score with songs from the actors as well as stuff from various other well known rap and RnB performers.

However the surround channels are again somewhat under used and this doesn`t really bring much extra over the CD soundtrack.

Features

Nothing exceptional. I`d have liked a commentary to explain what was going on in some places but we just get a trailer (which sells the film very well), three short TV spots and a 10 minute making of filmed in an MTV video stylee.

The extras are in standard fullframe (4:3) with stereo audio.

The DVD menu itself is static and backed by a slightly too short audio loop. short audio loop. short audio loop (annoyed yet?)

Conclusion

Not my cup of tea, but I know of quite a few people who thoroughly enjoyed this flick. It`s fairly harmless, brainless fun, if a little profane but is redeemed by an exceptional soundtrack.

I`d reccomend the CD, however.