Plot: What’s it about?
Have you ever imagined that you were all of the sudden 6’6″ tall, looked like Arnold Schwarzenegger (10 years ago), had certain “attributes” that were favorable and could get any woman you wanted? Me neither. Well, for those of you who did, it comes true in the new release of Heavy Metal. So what does all that mean, exactly? Yeah, that’s a good question…what does it all mean. I couldn’t really figure it all out the first time around. Yeah, that’s right I watched this thing twice. But what made it all click was watching the documentary. So, I got it. Now all I could think was one thing “Why didn’t Mission: Impossible have one of these?!?!?!?”
So, ok, what is Heavy Metal about anyway? It’s basically a collection of stories. Some stories are directly from the cult (adult) comic magazine, and some were made up entirely for the screen (imagine that). There is a silly idea that ties all of these together, though. And I learned it all from Ivan Reitman. It is a ball. It is no ordinary ball. It is a green ball. It is made of entirely pure evil, and someone always finds it (according to it, but I hardly ever listen to inaminate objects).
We start out with “Harry Canyon”. A lot of compairsons have been made between this guy and Bruce Willis’ character in The Fifth Element. Well, this came first, so as far as I’m concerned, the argument ends there. Things don’t work out for this tough guy taxi cabber and he ends up melting all of his enemies in the back seat of his cab. There is also a sequence with John Candy’s voice (I referred to this above). He finds the green ball of evil and is transported to another universe, where he is the total pimp and can’t seem to help finding beautiful women and, uh, well…you know. They live happily ever after. There is also a sequence which features a B-52 bomber that seemed to really spook some people (me included).
I could go on and on, just like this movie did (although it only clocked in at 91 minutes), but for all those die hard fans out there, you’ll love it. If you’re a fan of the comic magazine, you’ll love it. If you’re a fan of Science Fiction, you’ll love it. If you’re like me…you won’t.
Bottom line is that Heavy Metal is a very true adaption of one of the better written cult followings to come around. Personally, I didn’t like it. Just not for me. If you do, and I’m sure there are a lot of you out there, you’ll love it. The sheer content on the disc makes this one to own, that’s for sure.
Video: How does it look?
Columbia Tristar…need I say more. This may have been a cartoon that is almost 20 years old, but it shines better than almost any episode of The Simpsons. Thank you for 16:9 enhancement, it really works. Most of this movie was done in a time and era that tried to reflect what the future would look like. so the amatuer (me) might mistake some of the background shots for being hazy and having grain (and therefore not a good picture). Then I watched the documentary. Yes! The documentary told all, and assured me that Columbia had not let me down with their new Special Edtion, but had upped their level a notch or two. Top notch picture quality!
Audio: How does it sound?
I have never heard individual footsteps on a movie before, maybe that’s because I’ve never listened. While Heavy Metal may not have the absolute best sound out there, it certainly has some of the best seperation. Left to right, front to back…all of it was there, and clearer than a bell. The classic rock soundtrack that featured some pretty rockin’ bands never sounded better. This, above all, is a reason to use Dolby Digital 5.1.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Ok, just had to check if I’m running out of room or not. Let’s see (deep breath) you get a beautiful 16:9 transfer, a newly remastered 5.1 soundtrack (that’s where Disney and Paramount would stop), a feature length commentary of the “rough cut” version. If you’re a fan of the magazine, you get every cover in a comprehensive photo gallery (and let me tell, you, these covers are something to look at!). There’s some deleted scenes and a very in depth interview with the folks who brought Heavy Metal to the screen. And these are not your ordinary, average joes…Ivan Reitman, Harold Ramis and John Candy…all movies should have this much supplemental material (even if they don’t deserve it).
