Review of Pulp Fiction: Collector`s Edition (2 Disc Set)

Introduction

Quentin Tarantino was a nobody working in a video store, penning scripts with the hope of one day being discovered and shooting to fame. In the late 80`s, he wrote three scripts, and tried and tried to get them made. The first became True Romance - eventually directed by Tony Scott; the second amounted to nothing; and the third became Reservoir Dogs: a story of betrayal, set after a bungled heist, which Tarantino went onto direct.

After the successful release of the latter in 1992, Tarantino was asked by Jersey Films (Danny DeVito`s company) to pen another script. He at first thought of making a film in the same vein as Reservoir Dogs, but then he thought of an idea: his second script, which amounted to nothing as said above, was unique in the fact that it wasn`t one story...it was an ensemble piece that comprised of many different elements. So, Tarantino went back to the drawing board, and reworked this idea into what would become argubably the best film of the 90`s - Pulp Fiction.

To describe the plot simply, it is about three different stories, all set against the backdrop of modern day Los Angeles. First up, we have Vince and Jules - hitmen who work for fearsome crime lord, Marcellus Wallace. After being sent to kill some yuppies that dared to defy their boss, Vince has to take Marcellus` wife, Mia, out on a dinner date - not a date-date, but instead must keep her company whilst the big man is out of town. The second story revolves around a boxer by the name of Butch who refuses to take a dive in the fifth round of an upcoming bout, and then has to live with the consequences. Thirdly and finally, a couple of lovebirds, Honey Bunny and Pumpkin, plan to hold up a diner. Now, the clever thing about Pulp Fiction is that in each story, the characters drift in and out of each others stories, until they all link together into one, immensely satisfying, jigsaw.

Video

It is presented in 2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen, and the visuals are deep and well defined, with no compression signs visible. The print is always crisp and clear, and the colour saturation is just right.

Pulp Fiction is a visceral picture - and very well directed. Inventive angles, tight shots and explosive set-pieces add to the strong narrative. People have described this as violent, but too be honest none of it is gratuitous - when there is claret spilled, it is justified by the context, and fits into the gangster theme.

Audio

A choice of DTS or DD 5.1 tracks are on offer, with the DTS being the slightly better option. There are no compression signs evident, and the main audio stream is crisp and clear. The surrounds are used well, whether it is during action scenes or during the various musical numbers, and the subwoofer is given a good workout.

The script is excellent: a mixture of witty banter, strong narrative and a few twists and turns along the way, and thankfully - good character development. Tarantino has a visible flair for writing, and after the success of Reservoir Dogs and now this, it proves that he is no one-trick pony.

The soundtrack is also excellent, and fits the film perfectly. From Vince and Mia swinging in `Jack Rabbit Slim`s` to the music on the opening credits that sums up what will follow. It has Tarantino written all over it...

Features

This is a re-release after the disappointing original disc, and contains the following extra features:

`Tarantino Fiction` - An Original Documentary - featuring interviews with the cast and crew of Pulp Fiction, plus the man himself, it focuses on how the film came about. It`s a great insight into not only Tarantino, but also the production process.

Deleted Scenes - there are 4 deleted scenes, with introductions from Tarantino, plus an extended `Jack Rabbit Slim`s` scene. They add a bit to the film, but not much, and, as he says, 5 scenes in a film stick out like a sore thumb. These are those 5.

Production Design Featurette - quite a good featurette, and it does what it says on the tin - focus on the production design...

Siskel & Ebert `At The Movies` - instead of just a bog-standard review from the cinematic duo (à la Jackie Brown), they instead focus on the film itself - such as how it`s not `that` violent (which it isn`t) and other aspects that haven`t been covered in depth before. A good addition, with a good running time.

The Independent Spirit Awards Interview - an interview with QT set against what seems to be a rather hectic awards ceremony! He doesn`t delve into that much detail, but at least it offers a bit of fresh insight.

Charlie Rose Show - one of the highlights of the package, this is an in-depth interview with QT, which runs for over 40 minutes. Offering a new perspective on the production, his life, his work et cetera, this, along with the documentary, are the most enjoyable and interesting extras on the disc.

Cannes Film Festival - a clip of when the shock announcement that Pulp Fiction had beaten Three Colours: Red to the Palme D`Or, it also features the memorable bit when Tarantino silenced a section of the crowd degrading Pulp Fiction by sticking his fist in the air, and then flipping up the middle finger...

Behind The Scenes - 2 montages from on the set: "Jack Rabbit Slim`s" and "Butch Hits Marsellus".

Stills Gallery - what a selection! Ranging from posters to behind the scenes, special photo shoots to Academy Award campaign and trade ads, this is packed full of every bit of Pulp Fiction-related imagery. Only problem? Wading through all of it by pressing the damn arrow keys...a moving gallery would have been much better.

TV Spots & Trailers - try and guess what these are...

The menus are animated well with music in the background and clips from the film, and they offer the usual setup.

Pulp Fiction is presented on a Buena Vista Collector`s Edition DVD, supplied in a deluxe drawer case, with a 6-page booklet containing production notes and chapter listings, 4 collectable art cards, and a leaflet advertising the Pulp Fiction soundtrack.

Conclusion

A mixture of frenzied cool, ever-quotable dialogue, developed characters, memorable action and intense drama, Pulp Fiction is one of the best films of the 90`s, and is rapidly becoming one of my favourite films of all time. It boasts a great replay value thanks to its combination of intrigue and humour, and due to the great performances from all those involved, it sits well long after the end credits have appeared.

Disc wise, the presentation is impeccable - from a crisp transfer to ear-shattering audio, it doesn`t disappoint on the quality fronts. Extras wise? Well, like the Jackie Brown re-release, it has enough quantity, but doesn`t fire on all cylinders. Sure, the documentary and interviews are good, but where is the commentary? More featurettes? Perhaps another documentary? Hell, this film has a massive cult following...

Overall, this is well worth the price for the film alone, but, when compared to the original release it is easy to see this is head and shoulders above it. Even if the extras are a little disappointing, one can easily justify the extra few quid for this version. I mean, even the packaging kicks ass...