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DVD Review: NATURAL BORN KILLERS - THE DIRECTORS'S CUT
By Dave Dreher - FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER OR FACEBOOK

Nov 8, 2009 - 11:18:15 AM

Think what you will of OLIVER STONE no one can deny him the fact that he is a visionary and controversial film maker.  Probably no film better highlighted those facts than 1994's NATURAL BORN KILLERS which on its surface appears to be a modern day Bonnie and Clyde but upon closer evaluation is instead a seething commentary on pop culture and how media influences just about ever aspect of our lives.

I think a lot of this film went over my head 15 years ago when I originally viewed this film.  I got wrapped up in the blood and guts and violence and paid no attention to the actual facts that STONE was presenting in his own messed up, visually artistic way.  I have to say I really enjoyed this film a ton more this time around.  I wasn't particularly looking forward to checking NBK out again but I'm really glad I took the time to sit down and watch it.

My appreciation for OLIVER STONE'S work actually began with a film called TALK RADIO that if you have never viewed it you should do so as soon as possible.  It is a brilliant film and why STONE and actor Eric Bogosoian were not nominated for Academy Awards is beyond me but that is another article. Getting back to OLIVER STONE, I think TALK RADIO kind of serves as a bit of an precursor to NBK as he touches on the same subject matter a bit.  How opinion and hype influence everything and how we as humans can't seem to help rubber necking at any opportunity given.  It really is a satire on the human condition and in the STONE universe our condition is pretty messed up.

The film is shown on this release in its complete and uncut form, the way director Oliver Stone intended if you will.  Over 150 cuts were imposed on the film and even after all that the MPAA had a problem with it just because of its overall feeling of chaos.  It really is a mind screw of a film.  Lots of quick cuts, nightmare images and really sick tongue in cheek humor pepper this journey.  It's not easy to watch and at times comes across as a little hokey but when  you view the film as a whole, when you let it play out and really think about what STONE is attempting to tell you, it all works out beautifully. 

This release is really a stand out piece of work.  As I mentioned above you get the director's cut of the film with all the content that the MPAA cut out put back in place.  On top of that there is also a brand new featurette titled NBK Evolution:  How would it all go down now.  Pretty much a self explanatory segment, it talks about how the Internet would effect a film like NBK.  It's interesting but a bit predictable and boring.  You just kind of come away with the fact that it would have greatly affected everything... duh.

Of more interest to me was CHAOS RISING:  THE STORM AROUND NATURAL BORN KILLERS which talks about how the film was received and the turmoil it caused.  Great stuff.

A bunch of deleted scenes, an interview of OLIVER STONE by CHARLIE ROSE and an alternate ending.

It's a 2 disc set which also comes with a really well done 44 page booklet that talks about the film, its stars and some kick ass pictures from the film.

Overall I would have to say that this would be the definitive release of this film.  If you don't own the film yet, this is the version to buy.  If you own it but want the best available version, this is the disc to buy and if you have hated this film in the past then you need to run out and buy this version and watch the special features, get you head out of your ass and listen to what OLIVER STONE has to say.  It's important and deserves your attention.


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