Plot: What’s it about?
Mike (Mos Def) works a small video rental store called Be Kind Rewind, which rents out VHS tapes for a buck to the various neighborhood locals. The problem is, large chain stores and the arrival of DVDs have taken some of the store’s business, so the owner Mr. Fletcher (Danny Glover) faces hard decisions. He has to either move with the times or lose his store, so he ventures out to see what the competition is up to. He leaves Mike in charge and asks little of his employee, except to make sure that Mike’s eclectic friend Jerry (Jack Black) stays out of the store. But when an accident overloads Jerry with electricity and he wanders into the store, the charges erase all of the store’s tapes. In order to try to stay open, the two record home movie versions of the films, only to discover that the locals love their handmade pictures. But when Jerry returns and the movie studios learn about the remakes, what will become of Be Kind Rewind?
Be Kind Rewind was the movie I hoped would return director Michael Gondry back to form, after a couple of lackluster efforts after his unique Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. As it turns out, Be Kind Rewind isn’t that return to form, but it does happen to be a warm, solid picture. Given Gondry’s involvement however, I expected more imagination and depth, but the movie seems content to be inconsistent and safe. The main issue here is the tone of the movie, which varies depending on who is the focus at the time. That means when Mos Def is at the front, the film seems more serious and genuine, only to be thrown off track by Jack Black’s over the top comedic touches. Even with the plot concerns and wild swings in tone, there is a fun movie here and while it could have been better, Be Kind Rewind isn’t bad. I do hope Gondry is able to connect with another project soon that puts his full skill set to use, but until then, this one is worth a rental.
Video: How does it look?
Be Kind Rewind is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen. This isn’t a top level high definition transfer, but it looks very good and puts the DVD to shame. The transfer has sleek visuals for the most part, with excellent detail outside of a few soft shots, while the homemade videos look homemade, as intended. The colors are well replicated to boot, with bright and bold hues that are a pleasure to watch, while contrast performs up to expectations. This is free from most noise also, which is a relief since New Line has been overly generous with DNR on some of their titles. So this isn’t a reference level disc, but the transfer looks great and fans will be delighted.
Audio: How does it sound?
This DTS HD 7.1 option sounds terrific and while the movie is a comedy, this soundtrack is active and then some. The surrounds remain lively throughout the picture, with great presence. So even reserved scenes seem to have more life, thanks to skilled use of the speakers to add to the atmosphere. I wouldn’t say there’s much power on showcase, but the low end is deep and kicks in at times to add some punch. The dialogue is strong, but trails off a little in some of the Sweded moments. Even so, this is a great track that adds a lot to the experience. This disc also includes subtitles in English and Spanish.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This DTS HD 7.1 option sounds terrific and while the movie is a comedy, this soundtrack is active and then some. The surrounds remain lively throughout the picture, with great presence. So even reserved scenes seem to have more life, thanks to skilled use of the speakers to add to the atmosphere. I wouldn’t say there’s much power on showcase, but the low end is deep and kicks in at times to add some punch. The dialogue is strong, but trails off a little in some of the Sweded moments. Even so, this is a great track that adds a lot to the experience. This disc also includes subtitles in English and Spanish.
