Plot: What’s it about?
Otto Maddox (Emilio Estevez) has a short temper and when his boss at the grocery store ticks him off, he storms out of the place and decides to find work somewhere else. Otto had plans for his future at one time, but now that he has learned what happened to his college fund, he has lost his high hopes for the time being. It seems his parents have given his tuition fund to preacher on television, leaving Otto with few options as to what to do with his life. He lives in a miserable section of town and with few jobs to be had, he soon finds himself in a state of desperation. But when the prospect of adventure and potential cash enters his life, he thinks perhaps things might be picking up after all. He meets Bud (Harry Dean Stanton), a repo man who is perhaps the best in the business and soon, Otto is being schooled in the ways of the craft. Otto loves the rush of the profession and seems to be good at it, which is why he decides to attempt to track down a ’64 Malibu, which the government has placed a massive reward on. What is so special about this particular car and just what is so important that’s hidden in the trunk?
Although he hasn’t made too many films in his career, Alex Cox has created a few timeless films that seem to grow in popularity with each passing year. This film is one of them to be sure, one of those movies that you just have to see and if you don’t, someone you know will harass you until you do. In high school, this movie was almost a rite of passage in my friend circle, like if you haven’t seen it, how can you discuss movies at all? This is all the more impressive since the film was made in 1984 and over four decades later, people still exclaim how fresh the movie is. If that isn’t a testament to this movie, I can’t imagine what would be. Cox delivers a hilarious low budget picture with Repo Man, one that deserves to be called a true cult classic.
Video: How does it look?
It’s been a while since I sat down and watched this movie, but seeing it in the Criterion Collection brought a smile to my face. I’ve seen this film on a plethora of home video editions, but this one is light years better than any of the previous releases I’ve seen. I was surprised to find the grain and debris on the print to be minimal, giving us stark and a well-balanced image. This opened up detail and definition I’d never seen in the film before, I was very happy with this treatment. The colors look natural, perhaps a little faded, but no real issues to be concerned with. A fine visual presentation, we can all finally own this one in good form.
Audio: How does it sound?
Sometimes one channel is the way to go. And that’s the way that Criterion went here. I’d rather have it be pure than some matrix piece of junk that’s trying to make use of speakers that you don’t need. Granted, Repo Man wasn’t really renown for its sound, but this more than serves its purpose. Vocals are crisp, pure and sharp. With no surrounds to speak of, the action is – literally – front and center. It’s a nice mix that’s sure to please.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Disc One (4K)
- Audio Commentary – This is the same track from 1999 that appeared on the first DVD. Writer/director Alex Cox, executive producer Michael Nesmith, the casting director Victoria Thomas, and a few actors from the film. This is a packed track at all times, but I never had trouble understanding them and knowing how was speaking at certain moments. This was a fun listen and I think fans of the movie will want to take the time to give it a spin also.
Disc Two (Blu-ray)
- Audio Commentary – This is the same track from 1999 that appeared on the first DVD. Writer/director Alex Cox, executive producer Michael Nesmith, the casting director Victoria Thomas, and a few actors from the film. This is a packed track at all times, but I never had trouble understanding them and knowing how was speaking at certain moments. This was a fun listen and I think fans of the movie will want to take the time to give it a spin also.
- TV Version – If you feel the need to watch a poorly-dubbed version shown in full-frame in subpar picture quality, this is for you. Of note, it does contain several deleted scenes and runs 5 minutes longer than the theatrical version. So there’s that.
- Repossessed – Director Alex Cox and producers Peter McCarthy and Jonathan Wacks literally sit around a dinner table and reminisce about the film, its origin and long-lasting appeal.
- The Missing Scenes – Cox and other producers look at nearly 25 minutes of deleted scenes.
- Harry Zen Stanton – An interview with the late actor.
- Plate O’Shrimp – A series of interviews with some noted musicians as they wax philosophic about the film’s punk origins.
- Iggy Pop – An interview with the noted musician and his thoughts/comments on his contributions to the film.
- The Secret Truths of Repo Man – A weird analysis of the film as well as some even stranger conspiracy theories.
- Illustrated Booklet – Film critic Sam McPheeters offers an essay along with the usual bevy of production photos.
The Bottom Line
Films of the 80’s have a certain vibe to them and Repo Man fits the mold to a tee. It’s a rather unique film that, looking back, makes much more of an impact on me now than when I first saw it. As per usual, Criterion has given it a nice overhaul with a plethora of supplements as well as upgraded audio and video. If you’re a fan, this is what you’ve been waiting for.
