Intro
It is about damn time that The Empire Strikes Back made it to DVD… oh wait; this is Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back, not The Empire Strikes Back (Damn it). Oh well, at least we now have one “Strikes Back” on DVD, and it is a dandy DVD release.
Synopsis
“First seen in Kevin Smith’s breakthrough film “Clerks,” Jay and Silent Bob have continued their adventures in both live-action movies and animated television shows. In JAY AND SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK, when they learn that t…ere’s a film being made in Hollywood based on themselves, Jay and Silent Bob set off to make their fortunes in the movies. Their adventure attracts a crazy cast of characters that create laughs from New Jersey all the way across the U.S. to Southern California.” – BVHE
Audio
Considering the type of film this is, the audio here was very good. It is very rare to see a comedy (especially a stupidly funny film such as this) receive a decent audio treatment. The surrounds are used effectively to convey the effects and the score, the vocals are sharp and clear, and the soundstage is quite full. You will also notice a very pronounced bass presence in this mix that is quite rare for comedies on DVD. All-in-all, the sound was solid.
Video
This could be the best looking Kevin Smith film on DVD yet. The colors and darks are both very sharp and clear, and the 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer is as clean as can be expected on DVD. Some edge enhancements are noticeable at times, but nothing too distracting. It is very nice to see a quality transfer for another quality (if you can call it that) Kevin Smith film.
Features
It is crazy the amount of special features jammed packed into this 2-Disc set. Disc one contains the basics such as sneak peeks, audio & video options, scene access, and a wonderful commentary featuring filmmaker Kevin Smith, producer Scott Mosier, and co-star Jason Mewes. Disc two is where the most fun is packaged…
Almost as entertaining as the deleted scenes themselves were the introductions to these scenes by Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes. These two are so funny, and they play off of each other like no others. The 90+ minutes of deleted and extended scenes, all this the aforementioned introductions, are mostly very funny and worth of this film. Due to time constraints, these clips were shaved down or cut from the film. All I have to say here is “Play All”. Also, be sure to check out the gag reel, which will make you chuckle at mistakes made by the cast.
The making-of featurette and the Comedy Central feature are both very funny and give you a behind the scenes look at Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back. You will laugh while you learn a little about the film and the antics that take place behind the scenes. You can also check out the “secret stash” to see many combined clips from the film.
That’s not all folks. This DVD also includes music videos, storyboards, many trailers and TV spots, DVD-ROM features, and a feature on Morris Day and the Time. All of these goodies are presented very nicely through very simple but animated and scored menus. Also be warned… there is an Easter egg to avoid. To access this scary feature (18+ only please… hehehe), press the up arrow when you are in Jason Mewes bio.
Closing Thoughts
If you want to laugh at some vulgarity, and/or want to re-live the days of Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, and Dogma, you NEED to own this disc. Not only is the film stupidly funny (dubbed “The Muppet Movie on Crack” by Kevin Smith), the DVD presentation is fabulous. The audio, video, and special features are very good bordering on great. If you dig Kevin Smith’s work, don’t pass up the chance to own this disc.
Special Features List
- Deleted Scenes
- Audio Commentary
- Gag Reel
- Still Galleries
- Behind the Scenes Featurette
- Music Videos
- Comedy Central Reel Comedy
- Filmographies
- DVD-ROM Features
