a joyous, fun bundle

Rating: 10/10 (15 May 2008)

My score flatters the two individual movies a little but this is such a joyous, fun bundle that overall it certainly deserves top marks. I was so dismayed when it became clear that the movie was to be chopped up for theatrical showings, I could not even get up the enthusiasm to go and see them. Am I glad I didn't know that we have the glorious Japanese DVD release spread over 6 discs. I watched it in one go and had a smile on my face, when I wasn't wincing, for almost the entire duration. First up after a great fake trailer is Rodriguez's 'Planet Terror' is fast moving and very gory with lots of great action plus a cameo from Tarantino as a rapist/jailer. I have to confess I looked at my watch about two thirds of the way through and I would say that because it is very much the same sort of zombie horror stuff all through it does begin to pall before stepping up a gear for the finale. Afterwards there are more fun trailers and then the excellent, Tarantino segment, 'Death Proof'. This is one great hoot with sparkling dialogue, superb action sequences and lots of lively humour and tremendous performances from everybody. I think it is a sign of a great director when all the cast, even non actors, are made to shine as they do here. It is really sad that this gem was so panned upon original release and it is only to be hoped that big sales for this DVD set will encourage more releases until we can have the whole thing back in the cinema, where I shall be first in line to see it all over again.