Desperado DVD

Advantages: Great use of the DVD format, entertaining, enlightening, great value
Disadvantages: El Mariachi has English subtitles (not English audio)

...This is a double feature - both films being directed by Robert Rodriguez (The Faculty, From Dusk Till Dawn) and each accompanied by a detailed commentary on how he made them. El Mariachi was his first film, made on a budget of $8000, and follows the exploits of a travelling guitar-player (a Mariachi) who is mistaken for an escaped convict. In isolation, this film is quite good, but once you learn from Robert himself how he made the film on such a tight budget, you really appreciate it loads. The big-budget sequel Desperado starring Antonio Banderas has far more style and great action, showing how far Rodriguez has come in only two years and again the commentary is very interesting and entertaining. Also included on the DVD are two "Ten Minute Film Schools" (one for each film) focusing on a specific scene and how it was made, a short... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: dubbed as the "mexican pulp fiction"
Disadvantages: thin storyline and lack of character history

.... Along with brand new casts and special effects, Rodriguez stays true to the first film and uses Carlos Gallardo the original El Mariachi to play a small role in the film, which seems very surreal. Also featuring is Peter Marquarot ( the bad guy ) and also Azul as well ( although briefly ), both major characters in El Mariachi. Cast : In desperado Antonio Banderas plays the Mariachi,, this is an excellent piece of casting as Banderas is superb, his ability to show sadness and anger counteracts brilliantly his more charming and humorous side ( reminiscent to zoro ), This portrays the character beautifully as he is not a natural killer and audiences can associate more with his history and purpose. Playing the girlfriend is Salma Hayek who was brought to the attention of the American audience in this film, her role is very much a kind... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great Action, pure entertainment
Disadvantages: Predictable and unoriginal

...but then you can get all of this info and much more from the likes of IMDB on the internet. Trailers - We get trailers for both "Desperado" and "Once Upon a Time in Mexico" which are a bit pointless but then there is also one for an action movie called "Love and a Bullet". * Picture Quality One of the most notable things about this DVD is the picture quality, it is exceptional. Not only does the image look sharp but the colours are really vibrant and fill the screen. Yes there are a few graininess issues on a couple occasions but this is tiny compared to a lot of films. * Sound Quality Again the sound quality on the DVD is exceptional with brilliant use of all the surround channels. The dialogue comes strongly through the front channels with special effects being dispersed equally amongst all the channels. Summary... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful