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The Movie:
Unfortunately, Emilo Estevez's fame now is stuck to the "Mighty Ducks" series, while "Repo Man" still remains a cult favorite - and for good reason. The film is hilariously written and often so out there that you can't help but laugh. Estevez plays LA punker Otto, a grocery clerk who gets annoyed with his boss one day and walks out. Later that day, he finds himself "accidentally" helping out a repo man named Bud (Harry Dean Stanton) get a car out of a less-than-good neighborhood.
There really isn't a solid plot to be found, but the adventures that are strung together are more than mildly entertaining. Aliens, rivals and other obstacles get in the way of Otto's well...I would usually say dreams, but this character doesn't really seem to have any. He's guided by Bud (Stanton) who at least tries to offer his philosophy on a wide range of topics and the code of the Repo Men.
Performances by Estivez and Stanton are perfect for the material, and although the movie has a low-budget nature, it still looks good and provides a lot of entertaining moments. "The life of a repo man is always intense!" Indeed.
The DVD
VIDEO: "Repo Man" is presented in a THX-Approved anamorphic transfer in the film's original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Although it's not a stunning transfer, it's still very pleasing for a film that's now getting up there in age. The image never really attains strong sharpness; it generally looks crisp at best, and somewhat soft at worst, but never terrible. Slight pixelation is visible once or twice, but it remains slight and not terribly noticable. The print used is clean and crisp, and I noticed a very minor amount of wear. Colors are still well-presented, looking natural and accurate, if not terribly vibrant.
"Repo Man" fans will be pleased with Anchor Bay's efforts here; although it doesn't look perfect, the film still looks excellent considering age and budget.
SOUND: The film's audio has been remastered in Dolby Digital 5.1, but the sound still isn't a very active presentation. The majority of the sound still is from the front. There is some surround use, but it's minor and not that memorable. Fidelity is fine, as well - I never felt that the audio was thin or harsh, but it doesn't compare really to the quality of more recent films. Dialogue is clear and clean, easily heard.
MENUS:: Nicely done menus with film-themed animation.
EXTRAS: The trailer for the theatrical and video release of "Repo Man" as well as a very funny and informative commentary from director Alex Cox, executive producer Michael Nesmith, casting director Victoria Thomas, actors Sy Richardson, Zander Schloss and Del Zamora.
Final Thoughts: "Repo Man" isn't for everyone, but those who do appreciate its entertaining qualities will definitely like Anchor Bay's new edition. Also available is a special edition tin.
Film Grade
The Film B+
DVD Grades
Video 85/B = (340/400 possible points)
Audio: 84/B = (336/400 possible points)
Extras: 84/B = (252/300 possible points)
Menus: 82/B = (164/200 possible points)
Value: 83/B = (249/300 possible points)
TOTAL POINTS:1341/1600
DVD GRADE:B/83%
FILM GRADE: B+
DVD GRADE: B
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