|
|
| Special Features: |
El Mariachi:
Interactive Menus
Director's Commentary
Robert Rodriguez's short film "Bedhead."
10 minute film school.
Theatrical trailer.
Scene selection.
Widescreen format.
Several languages and captions.
Desperado:
Interactive menus
Director's commentary.
10 minute film school - (Anatomy of a Shootout).
Theatrical trailer.
Scene selections.
Widescreen format.
Several languages and captions.
|
| Video Format: |
Widescreen (1.85:1)
|
| Languages: |
El Mariachi:
Spanish (Dolby Digital 2.0) Mono
Desperado:
English (Dolby Digital 5.1) Stereo
English (Dolby Digital 2.0) Stereo
Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1) Stereo
Portuguese (Dolby Digital 5.1) Stereo
|
| Captions: |
El Mariachi: English, Spanish, Portugese.
Desperado: English, Spanish, Portugese.
|
| Casing: |
1-Disc Keep Case
|
Robert Rodriguez's story is legend among all hopeful filmmakers. With a mere $7,500.00, the young
director amazed the world with "El Mariachi." The success of that film was followed by job offers
galore. Rodriguez reworked "El Mariachi" with a big budget and name actors as "Desperado."
The plotlines to both films are similar, however "Desperado" also tries to be a sequel to the earlier film.
This schizophrenia in "Desperado" prevents it from reaching the level the original did. Both films are still
worth owning. This DVD allows fans to own both films on one disc.
"El Mariachi" is a case of mistaken identity and being in the wrong place at the wrong time. El
Mariachi (Carlos Gallardo), drifting musician comes to a small Mexican town the same day that Bigotón, (Jaime de Hoyos) an imprisoned drug dealer hits town with revenge on his mind. Turns out that Bigotón
was ripped off by Moco (Peter Marquardt) who has now become a wealthy kingpin. Bigotón enters a bar and
kills several of Moco's men. El Mariachi enters town shortly after this and finds himself fitting the
description of Bigotón. He is hunted down by Moco's henchmen and kills several of them. He finds sanctuary
at a bar owned by Moco but run by the lovely Domino, (Consuelo Gómez). She is wary of the mariachi player at
first, but then realizes that he is a victim of mistaken identity. The remainder of the film has El Mariachi
dodging Moco's henchmen, while Bigotón continues try go after his old partner.
Salma Hayek and Antonio Bandaras work through a tough scene in Desperado. |
"Deperado is similar in storyline. Both films were made in the same town and on many of the same locations.
In "Desperado" El Mariachi, (Antonio Banderas) except he now only plays with guns. His hand was shot thus
ending his musical carrear. He comes to town to get revenge on yet another bad guy, Bucho (Joaquim de Almeida).
It seems that he is after the badguy from the first film, but that can't be, and Bucho was nowhere to be seen
in the first film. The question becomes, "Why is El Mariachi after Bucho?" I have no idea. There are many
things about "Desperado" which make it a confusing film. It made more sense to me before I saw "El Mariachi."
Nevertheless, "Desperado" has some incredible action and funny humor. The opening scene with Steve Buscimi and
Cheech Marin combines both of these elements. There is a cameo appearance by Quintin Tarantino which also
combines the humor and action elements. There is also Salma Hayek as (Carolina) the bookstore owner who give
the mariachi sanctuary. Ms. Hayek is the most beautiful woman in the world. Here, she is dressed to maximize
her charms to the viewing audience. She also appears fully nude for and extended lovemaking scene which is
perfect for the "step" and "magnify" features of the DVD. While "Desperado" lacks some of the coherence and
character development of "El Mariachi" it is still a good film. Not a great film, but a good one.
Great disc. Why you ask? Because of Robert Rodriguez. You get to know the filmmaker through his commentaries
and the two "10 minute film schools" on this disc. You know what, he seams to be an approachable filmmaker
who is interested in helping those who will come after him. I was totally impressed by the man's humility,
artistry and humor. I like both of these movies. I enjoyed them more because of the time Rodriguez took to
talk with his fans and budding filmmakers. Great extras.
Picture Quality: El Mariachi: 7/10; Desperado: 10/10
The picture quality of "El Mariachi" is inferior to "Desperado" by what the heck, he made the thing for $7,500.00! The picture is as good as it can be on "El Mariachi."
Sound Quality: El Mariachi: 10/10; Desperado: 10/10
Columbia remastered the sound on "El Mariachi" for release. While it is in Mono, you lose nothing. The sound is richer for "Desperado." I especially enjoyed the credit sequence featuring the music of Los Lobos.
Menu: El Mariachi: 10/10; Desperado: 10/10
The menu's get the job done. They make good use of the movie's sights and sounds.
Extra Features: El Mariachi: 10/10; Desperado: 10/10
I loved the "10 minute film schools." I wish he would come out with a series of these. Great insights into the filmmaking process. This is especially true for the "Film School" which appears on "El Mariachi."
I have two teenaged kids. I enjoyed Rodriguez's student film "Bedhead" dealing with sibling rivalry. my kids got a kick out of it too.
The Final Word:
Great movies. Rodriguez seems to be a decent human being. He connects with fans and filmmakers alike. Great extras.
Rusty White
|
American Red Cross volunteers have been deployed to the hardest hit areas of Katrina’s destruction, supplying hundreds of
thousands victims left homeless with critical necessities. By making a financial gift to Hurricane 2005 Relief, the Red
Cross can provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need.
