THE INGLORIOUS BASTARDS: THE EXPLOSIVE EDITION

An inspired craftsman, director Enzo Castellari showed remarkable creativity and personal style when reworking pre-established plots/ideas. Taking inspiration from successful US and European films, Enzo often managed to inject his own aesthetic fetishes into fast moving plots, squeezing a high level of suspense from otherwise unremarkable stories. A visual stylist first, he favors speed and sensation over mechanics of plot or careful characterization (save for the poetic and tragic Keoma). Toiling in such profitable genres as science fiction, crime thrillers, and the Spaghetti Western, Enzo always favored action, and his cinematic stories are rarely less than exciting even when lacking originality. Inglorious Bastards is both thrilling and well made, and while the plot clearly owes a huge debt to The Dirty Dozen, its infectious enthusiasm and sheer over-the-top bombardment of tough men, explosions, and desperate (if not very believable) heroics makes it stand out. Castellari was just as quick as other Italian directors to hop on board a commercially exploitable sub-genre, so when the big budget US War Film enjoyed success in Europe, he went in with guns blazing. Outdoing its bigger budgeted cousins in terms of action and pacing, this muscles-and-machine-gun Epic has enjoyed a fairly loyal cult following despite its limited availability on home video, strengthened no doubt by Quentin Tarantino's long-term declaration that he was preparing a quasi remake-reworking of it. Severin's release of this three disc Explosive Edition is timely, coinciding with Tarantino's reawakened interest. Making those expensive imports obsolete, this release is as wonderfully gaudy and excessive as the movie itself, making it one of the year's most impressive Eurocult releases.

"Whatever The Dirty Dozen did, they do it dirtier!" scream the ads for this white knuckled orgy of tough talkin' and hard killing, clearly announcing what to expect. The plot is refreshingly simplistic, engaging enough to maintain interest between copious amounts of exploitative blood-spilling, yet careful to never allow character or logic to derail the simplistic carnival ride that Castellari is so obviously shooting for. Fred Williamson and Bo Svenson lead a group of condemned convicts awaiting court marshal during World War II. When their transport vehicle is attacked by Nazis, the criminals take to their heels toward the Swiss border. Their desperate flight for freedom runs afoul such jaw-dropping interruptions as skinny dipping women with machine guns, Nazi ambushes, and intensifying group hostility. Before we can duck from all the flying shrapnel, our anti-heroes volunteer to run a dangerous mission for the Resistance, risking their lives to attack a Nazi train carrying bombs.

As emotionally intensive as it is violent, The Inglorious Bastards is a love letter to carnage, revelling in explosions, squibs, and more macho posturing than a Republican convention. This is an unapologetic male bonding/buddy movie, a war film, and an escapist fantasy made for men. Unfairly derided for cheap product and slap-dash directing, Castellari accomplishes much here with little. Often working with a low budget, uncooperative actors, and hurried schedules, he manages to produce an entertaining movie. Uninspired in developing subtle moments of character introspection, Castellari's strength is in using the basic traits of a character, and the conflict of a story, to paint broad - not subtle - portraits of fiery action and sprawling violence. His characters are as large and symbolic as the plot. Similar to his crime films, he's not afraid to depict 'the good guys' in hues of gray. His angels have horns, and his criminals sometime wear haloes. Castellari arranges the gunfights and hand-to-hand theatrics with confidence and panache, making war look . . . well, fun. And that's precisely all this film is intended to be. Directing with a minimum of fuss, Enzo resembles a minimalist fiction writer using as few words as possible to make a point. He evokes mood and physical action with gusto, turning the entire world into a battlefield for around two hours. Perhaps one of the finest European directors of action alive, his visual ability surmounts a somewhat silly premise. Historical accuracy is nowhere in sight, nor was it intended to be.

While there are plenty of other horror and cult titles that better deserved this four star treatment, Severin's packaging of The Inglorious Bastards is exceptional. Various home video editions of this title under various titles (DEADLY MISSION, etc). have been around for some time, suffering from poor picture and sound quality. Severin ups the bar with this three disc collector's edition, which is fully restored from original elements. The film itself is featured in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, its correct aspect ratio. The print is near flawless in its presentation of the film's rich colors and spotless picture. Visuals are clean and detailed with no discernible grain or spotting. Skin colors are realistic and the locations captured with vitality and freshness. Audio is impressive as well, featuring a Dolby Digital Mono track that is crisp and free from background interference. Dialogue is supported but rarely overpowered by a steady barrage of explosions while the score provides the right touch of fighting spirit. While there isn't a subtitle option, the French and German subs can be turned on and off at will.

Extras for this substantial offering begin on Disc One, commencing with the package's most notable supplement, "A conversation with Quentin Tarantino and Enzo G. Castellari." More than a simple interview, this is a historically significant glance into the working methods and film theory of two of our world's more eccentric minds. Several personal and cinematic discussions are picked clean, including the motivations filmmaking and aesthetics of directing, with emphasis on Inglorious. Tarantino suffers a bit from hero worship but it comes across as enjoyable than agitating, and Castellari appears just as interested in his interviewer's career and future projects. This first disc also sports a full-length Audio Commentary with Castellari and David Gregory. Proving both informational and witty, the two discuss the technical challenges of preparing the production and such fun tid-bits as the naked female extras. While Castellari has a remarkable memory of events, several of the topics discussed here are covered more thoroughly in the Documentary on Disc Two. The Theatrical Trailer and an Easter Egg round out the first disc.

Disc Two features supplements that are as interesting (perhaps more so) than the feature itself. In fact, the feature length TRAIN KEPT-A-ROLLIN' could well serve as a visual textbook on the themes, look, and structure of a documentary. Educational and enthusiastic, this multi-visual feature examines the film from various aesthetic and technical angles. We are ushered into the film's inspiration, the casting process, and the actual filming. Along the way there are various in-depth interviews with such cult movie legends as Castellari, Wlliamson, Svenson, and FX artist Gino De Rossi. Producer Roberto Sbarigia and co-writer Laura Toscano are also featured, with segments from the discussions interwoven with footage from the film and Stills. This production is nothing less than first rate, well constructed and pulled off with class and style. Just as important, it treats both the film and its creators with respect instead of the snide sneering attitude which accompanies so many other documentaries. Some fascinating struggles are recounted here, with some highlights including the Italian government's seizure of the film and instances of FX guru De Rossi's wonderful imagination. Less impressive is Back To The War Zone, a 13-minute featurette wherein Castellari harkens the audience back to several of the film's locations. It is interesting to see what changes time has had on these locales.

Disc Three is A CD of the only four surviving music cues. While this seems less substantial than the wealth of bonus material already featured, it is certainly worthwhile, crowding a wealth of spirit invigorating music Into its 20 minute time frame. Francesco De Masi's military score summons up several scenes in the film itself, turning one's head into a battlefield.

Inglorious Bastards is itself a worthy and entertaining addition to the Eurocult DVD library. The supplements make the set stand out in today's crowded consumer arena. The technical expertise put into this collector's set and the depth of the bonus footage will almost certainly earn it a place in the year's Top Ten lists.

Review by William Simmons