Review of Reservoir Dogs: Ten Years Special Edition

Introduction

It`s hard to believe that Reservoir Dogs in ten years old. It`s hard to believe that it`s ten years since the then unknown director Quentin Tarantino unleashed this remarkable movie on the unsuspecting public. It`s also hard to believe that after overnight becoming one of the most highly rated directors in the world, he`s only released two more films since Reservoir Dogs - the utterly brilliant Pulp Fiction and Jackie Brown. That is all about to change with the release of Kill Bill, Tarantino`s homage to Hong Kong cinema, and as those who have seen the trailer will confirm, it looks like another Tarantino classic.

Of all the movies that have earned notoriety over the years, Reservoir Dogs bucks the trend, by being as good as, if not even better now that it was when it was released, but ten years ago, the film caused such a furore that a UK home video release was in serious doubt and the film, or rather one scene in particular, caused uproar.

The film didn`t receive a full release in the UK, so I had to go to an independent cinema to see it originally, and it`s the only film that I`ve ever seen at the cinema where people left half-way through sickened at what was unfolding in front of them on the screen. I wasn`t one of them...

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the movie, Artisan released a new special edition DVD with a choice of five different slip-cases containing the same film, each featuring one of the dogs. I chose the Mr Blonde cover, featuring one of my favourite actors, Michael Madsen whose role in the movie is utterly unforgettable.

Video

The video is presented in both 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen and full-screen, and I it goes without saying that I watched the widescreen version of the film.

The remastered picture is very crisp and clear, although is slightly lacking in contrast with the blacks not quite as dark as I`d have liked. There is no grain or dirt present on the print, which is also pleasingly free from compression pixilation.

The visuals in the film are unforgettable, set primarily in a warehouse as the gang reconvene after a failed heist, the story is told in a series of flashbacks, which in true Tarantino style are exceptionally violent at times. Whilst a blood soaked Tim Roth lies dying on the floor, the other gang members recount the build to and failure of the robbery. Most people`s memory of the film is however the infamous "Stuck In The Middle With You" torture scene, where a dancing Michael Madsen tortures a captured police officer, cuts off his ear and douses him in petrol. The tone of this scene was the primary reason for the BBFC`s dislike of the movie, and the primary reason why people left half-way through the film at the cinema!

Audio

The soundtrack comes in a choice of Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1 and Dolby Digital 2.0, I watched the movie with the DTS 5.1 soundtrack, although aside from a few moments of action, any of them would be more than sufficient, this is a movie built on visuals and strong dialogue, not sound effects.

The dialogue is very clear throughout the movie, and it goes without saying that the film contains some of the best dialogue scenes ever recorded, the opening scene in the coffee shop is one example, it is sheer brilliance and riveting. "Stuck In The Middle With You" sounds as good as ever though, even though the policeman would only have heard it from one side...

Features

This two-disc set contains a variety of extra features, although the lack of a director`s commentary from Tarantino is disappointing, presumably he was too busy making Kill Bill.

Extras include deleted scenes, including new angles of the infamous "Stuck In The Middle With You" scene, interviews with Tarantino, Bender, Roth, Penn, Madsen and others; a tribute to the late Lawrence Tierney, a director tribute, a look at the films and filmmakers at the 1992 Sundance Festival where the movie was launched, an action figure development, "select scene commentary", interactive radio, a style guide, gallery and trailer.

A documentary on the making of the movie and looking at the notoriety would also have been nice though.

The disc is packaged in a double-Amaray case that contains an insert detailing the 22 chapter breaks; and in turn this Amaray case is housed in the slip-case of your choice, which also houses an insert with pictures of your chosen dog.

Conclusion

Reservoir Dogs is rare amongst notorious movies in that it lives up to, and easily exceeds the hype. I`d place the film very high up on my list of the best films ever made, and it is a testament to Tarantino that the movie is still utterly compelling despite that fact that I`ve seen it numerous times.

The strength of the film is the script and cast, both of which will probably NEVER be equalled, every single member of the cast delivers a breathtaking performance, particularly Tim Roth, who is simply brilliant from start to finish. Similarly, the dialogue, always a Tarantino strongpoint, is gripping, and Tarantino manages to tell the story with words, not pictures, which for the most point are largely irrelevant in the film.

Add a good set of extras, and Reservoir Dogs finally has the DVD release that a film of its stature deserves.

This DVD is highly recommended, and if you`ve not seen this film for a while, buy it immediately, this one gets even better with age.