True Romance - Director's Cut DVD

This rock'n'roll adventure story follows two unlikely lovers who inadvertently betray the Detroit mob by stealing valuable contraband. Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette escape to Los Angeles, where they find themselves being pursued by both gangsters and law enforcement.

The director's cut of the film remains the same as the previous DVD release of True Romance, but this special edition includes exclusive and exceptional bonus material. Quentin Tarantino, who had previously refrained from recording DVD commentaries for his own work, delivers a top-notch, fast-paced commentary that provides insight into the history of the screenplay, his approval of director Tony Scott's "happy" ending (along with an alternate tragic ending), the inspiration behind the film's climactic "Mexican standoff," and the evolution of the story from first draft to final film. Scott's informative commentary supports Tarantino's insights, while Michael Rapaport ("Dick Ritchie") shines in one of the four scene-specific supporting-cast commentaries, humorously suggesting a sequel centered around his character.

The abundance of behind-the-scenes footage will appeal to die-hard fans of the film, and Scott's "storyboard track" showcases the director's careful planning. However, it is the commentaries—particularly Tarantino's—that truly make this special edition a must-have for fans. --Jeff Shannon

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