WASHINGTON, October 3, 2011—“Do you know what they call a Quarter Pounder with cheese in France,” Vincent Vega asks his partner Jules Winnifield in one of the most instantly memorable movie lines from 20th Century cinema.
A film as satisfying today as it was in 1994 when Quentin Tarantino released his film noir homage "Pulp Fiction."
Lionsgate Home Entertainment and Miramax release a digitally cleaned and visually sharp 1080P transfer of one of “the Greatest American Movies of All Times" (acording to AFI), along with the incredible soundtrack bolstered as a 5.1 Loseless DTS-HD Master Audio track that is a masterful mix of rock, pop, soul and surf.
The music of Pulp Fiction comes home to roost in our collective soundtrack with Dusty Springfield’s “Son of a Preacher Man” introducing the sultry red lips and daddy-o swagger of Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman) who brings a brilliant Laura Petrie repressed sexuality to the screen.
One can barely wait for the Jack Rabbit Slims twist contest to “You Never Can Tell” just knowing that Urge Overkill’s rendition of Neil Diamond’s “Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon” will begin a tale of American crime and drugs beautifully told by a cast peppered with contemporary film icons including John Travolta (Vincent Vegas), Samuel L. Jackson (Jules Winnfield) and Uma Thurman (Mia Wallace).
Vincent Vega (John Travolta) and Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman) in the Jack Rabbit Slim dance scene (Pulp Fiction)
Actors showcased in Pulp Fiction include a brilliant soliloquy by Christopher Walken (Captain Koons) to a young Bruce Willis (Butch Coolidge), an on edge Amanda Plummer (Honey Bunny) and Tim Roth as Pumpkin.
Actor Ving Rhames provides a powerhouse performance as crime boss Marsellus Wallace. His scene, once Butch (Willis) is able to overcome “Zed” and his crew in the basement of the pawn shop, is powerful, showing the absolute humiliation of a powerful man needing to be saved as others abuse him.
As Winston Wolf, Harvey Keitel creates a legendary character whose role is to solve the problem of a car filled with brains, blood and matter for the loquacious hoodlums Jules and Vincent.
As a hotchpotch, or pastiche, of film noir and pulp magazine crime novel references and imagery, Pulp Fiction is considered a leading example of postmodern film due to Tarantino’s unconventional multi-streamed story telling style and his ability to give the audience the permission to suspend all belief in the probability of any situation presented.
Even with seventeen years separating the film and the Blu-Ray’s release, the masterful melding of the films seven distinct narrative sequences are fresh as they weave in and amongst the films core narrative trio that includes the briefcase of the Bonnie Situation to the thuggish LA Criminal syndicate run by Wallace and the haphazard actions of small time criminals highlighted by Honey Bunny and Pumpkin.
Bruce Willis as Butch Coombs (Pulp Fiction)
Travolta, as Vincent in his heroin enhanced, cooler than cool, stance, reasoning how he will remove himself from the home of Marcellus, and the obvious sexual attraction he shares with Mia Wallace, remains an all time greatest moment in the actors career.
Logic is the propellant of Vincent Vega's personality. Using logic, Vega is able to comprehend a world where shooting an informant in the face – and across the bright white interior of a car – is a bit of happenstance to be dealt with.
It is all just a logistical problem that needs to be handled. Absolutely no panic exhibited anytime. We want to be more like him, don't we. Admit it.
Vincent’s ability to reason via logic is presented clearly in the scene where he is discussing whether Marsellus threw a man to his death for giving wife Mia a foot massage. Jules responds that a foot massage is harmless and that would not be reason to throw a man to his death.
Vincent turns this emotion-based response on its head by simply asking if Jules would “give a man a foot massage?” Logically presenting that the act of a foot massage is a sexually driven act, not one of “just a foot massage” and therefore Marcellus’ reaction may be justified. Logically, that is.
A film noir Mr. Spock to Jules more emotionally driven Capt. Kirk.
As Vincent’s reluctant partner, Jules is presented cooler than cool with a shiny Jheri curl hairstyle and spiritual nature that he expresses by reciting Ezekiel 25:17 “The path of the righteous man is beset on all side by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men…” before capping someone because it helps him to justify the wrong of killing men and because he thinks it sounds cool.
Vincent balances Jules, keeping him from wandering the world – as did Caine – following the unjust murder of Able Jules responds towards the innate situations they find themselves in exhibiting anger, frustration in situations with Vincent, then easily switching on his “God” like power before coldly and often brutally killing.
Jules emotion played against Vincent’s logic, creates a symbiotic dichotomy between the characters that is endearing and fascinating.
Tarantino brings forward the non-linear storyline perfected in the Reservoir Dogs (1992) film. Pulp Fiction, relying heavily on pop-culture and cinematic references leading to the film being nominated for seven Oscar Films including Best Pictures, Best Original Screenplay (Tarantino and Roger Avery winning. John Travolta, nominated for an Academy Award, enjoyed a revitalization of his career.
Costars Samuel L. Jackson and Uma Thurman similarly received award nominations.
THE EXTRAS:
Pulp Fiction Blu-ray “Extras” are deep, and fun. Jackson, Tarantino, Travolta are among the cast and crew stepping forward to offer behind the scenes and respective commentary to the film, working with Tarantino and cast mates and how being cast in these iconic roles offered changes to their lives and career.
Pulp Fiction most noticeable transformed John Travolta’s career, showing us a previously un-mined depth to this actor’s repertoire. For which millions of fans are most grateful as he stepped forward with the freedom necessary to take on roles such as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray as well as launching his career as a leading man in action films.
It is particularly fascinating to have the behind the scenes look into Tarantino’s devotion to the actor via his collection of board games based on the various Travolta shows, such as Welcome Back Kotter. It is just great movie trivia to know.
Extras: The Enhanced Trivia Track is found on the previously released DVD Collector’s Edition, however it is worth repeating as it features a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes anecdotes that are fun and informative.
Not the Usual Mindless Boring Getting to Know You Chit Chat (HD; 43:01). Having many of the cast and crew come forward to discuss the film and is impact on cinema and their lives is worth the price of admission.
Here are Some Facts on the Fiction (HD; 20:37). Film critics Elvis Mitchell, Scott Foundas, Stephanie Zacharek, Tim Lucas and Andy Klein discuss Pulp Fiction's impact on cinema and the movie business. While this can be interesting, I am not sure I care about their opinions.
Pulp Fiction: The Facts – Documentary (SD; 30:31) These are interviews recorded circa 2001 for the previously released DVD special edition.
Deleted Scenes (SD; 24:39) This feature includes twenty-five minutes of excised material.
Behind the Scenes Montages: "Jack Rabbit Slim's" (SD; 4:44) and "Butch Hits Marsellus" (SD; 6:02).
Production Design Featurette (SD; 6:22) features Production Designer David Wasco and Set Decorator Sandy Reynolds-Wasco.
Siskel & Ebert At the Movies: The Tarantino Generation (SD; 16:00) Legendary film critics Roger Ebert and the late Gene Siskel on Tarantino's impact on filmmaking.
Independent Spirit Awards (SD; 11:29) Tarantino interviewed by a young Michael Moore.
Cannes Film Festival – Palme D'Or Acceptance Speech (SD; 5:20)
Charlie Rose Show (SD; 55:27) An interview with Quentin Tarantino
The Marketing Gallery includes the U.S. Theatrical Trailer (SD; 2:35), UK Theatrical Trailer (SD; 1:04), French Theatrical Trailer (SD; 2:32), German Theatrical Trailer (SD; 2:34) and the Japanese Theatrical Trailer (SD; 2:17). Additional extras include thirteen TV spots, and a gallery of Stills, Posters and Academy Award Campaign and Trade Ads.
Pulp Fiction Trailer
“Le Big Mac”
“Jack Rabbit Slims”
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