Death Proof (DVD)

When I saw the Grindhouse double-feature in preparation for the press day back in March, it was after two other back-to-back screenings of movies I needed to review. So, after Death Proof's companion piece, Planet Terror had finished, I'd already seen three movies, plus the fake trailers… not to mention fighting L.A. traffic on the way to the theater. So, a talky movie about car chases at the end of the night didn't go over especially well with me. But I was able to recognize that, and took the gear-shifting into account when I originally reviewed Death Proof for Horror.com.

I was definitely curious to see how Death Proof would play on its own, on DVD (Planet Terror will be on disc in October). I watched it yesterday, and while I do feel it's a mixed blessing (for instance, the character cameos from Planet Terror don't make any sense, if you haven't seen it already — Also, a lot will go over the heads of those not familiar with real 1970s grindhouse films. But those are minor quibbles), Death Proof is best-viewed taking its victory lap alone.

The story is basically severed in two: In the first hour we meet the serial killer, Stuntman Mike (Kurt Russell), and a group of possible female victims in rural Texas on a rainy night. This section concludes with a most-gory and shocking death scene, then accelerates ahead some months later, where the mobile murderer has moved on and is stalking another group of girls in a different state. While the first part of the movie is very specific to the grindhouse look and feel (complete with negative scratches and jump-cuts), the second half of Death Proof is more like 'what could have been' if Dario Argento had directed Vanishing Point, with additional dialogue (lots of it!) by Quentin Tarantino.

For fans of Tarantino, there is no stalling here — the extended, uncut DVD is an absolute must-have. It's nearly 30 minutes longer than the original theatrical version, and the unrated bits includes footage never-before-seen Stateside, including the conspicuous 'missing reel' from Butterfly's lap dance, as well as a black-and-white segment in the second act which shows another side to Stuntman Mike (like his creator, he loves the female foot!).

Aside from the movie itself, Disc One has the Death Proof International Trailer, plus a Poster Art Gallery included in some 25 stills.

Disc Two has the bulk of the additional release material, and this is definitely one for the gearheads. There's a lot of information about the cars, the car chases (no CGI here!), the stunts, and the cinematic references to other great driving movies. Interviewees include Tarantino, Russell, stunt driver Buddy Joe Hooker, stunt coordinator Jeff Dashnaw, and many more. Stunts On Wheels: The Legendary Drivers Of Death Proof runs about 20 minutes long, and packs in a lot of pertinent info.

Introducing Zoe Bell talks about the stuntwoman-turned-star, and begins with Tarantino reminiscing about how he met her (she was Uma Thurman's stunt double in Kill Bill). Bells expounds on how she got the role for Death Proof, and what it was like for a non-actor to make their big debut in a Quentin Tarantino film.

Quentin's Greatest Collaborator: Editor Sally Menke is a fun little reel of "Hi, Sallys" from the actors to Tarantino's longtime editor (she's been with him since Reservoir Dogs). In the beginning, Tarantino explains about how essential Menke is, and for someone who's interested in the editing process (that's me, raising my hand), it's a welcome change from the usual behind-the-scenes featurettes.

It should be noted, with thanks, that the DVD producers closed captioned the movie and the featurettes for the hearing-impaired.

Other special featurettes include:

Kurt Russell As Stuntman Mike

Finding Quentin's Gals

The Uncut Version Of Baby It's You Performed By Elizabeth Winstead

The Guys Of Death Proof

Double Dare Trailer

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Reviewed by Staci Layne Wilson