Inglourious Basterds (Blu-ray)

(Universal Home Video, 12.15.2009)

Quentin Tarantino’s madcap blend of world history, film history and faux history sparked one of this year’s most divisive debates amongst cineastes -- it seemed as though critics and audiences were either dubbing it his best or his worst. For me, QT’s latest genre riff falls somewhere in between, and considering that all of his films are essential viewing, no matter how off-balance or over-indulgent they tend to get, that’s nothing to moan about.

But I’m not looking to re-ignite these flames, particularly because we already published a lengthy review arguing both sides of the argument (my verdict rests in similar territory to JD’s). Simply put, IB demonstrates some of Tarantino’s best and worst qualities as a postmodern auteur. The near-perfect opening and closing chapters exemplify his impeccable skill with shifting tone and slow-burning suspense, which makes you feel as though you’re about to (or just did) witness a career-defining masterwork (this thought is playfully invoked in the film’s final line).

However, almost everything in between plays like Tarantino's most stylistically and emotionally incompatible work to date. Still, watching these characters ramble-on at length -- at the cost of cutting some potentially terrific scenes that were included in the screenplay -- is as popcorn-movie satisfying as any of Tarantino's other films (NOTE: I'm convinced that reading the script one year prior to seeing the film hugely influenced my opinion –- and not for the better).

While this review isn’t intended to influence anyone's opinion of Inglourious Basterds, one issue I’m happy to argue with is the film's hasty home video release. Truth be told, I could’ve easily waited a little longer to rediscover IB on the small screen, but here is, less than four months after its theatrical debut, just in time for holiday gift giving and intensified awards consideration.

For the most part, this Blu-ray is a clear-cut winner. Presentation-wise, it looks and sounds as glossed-up as any McBay-buster would in high-def. The visuals still have the rich yet pleasingly understated quality of the film’s 35mm presentation, while the sound thunders in short bursts between lengthy stretches of dense dialogue.

Of almost equal value is the disc's bonus materials, best of which is a candid half-hour roundtable discussion between film critic Elvis Mitchell, Brad Pitt and Tarantino. Regrettably, this is the only extra that features Tarantino, whereas Mitchell also narrates a very nice featurette that dissects some nifty examples of the authentic and artificial poster art in the film.

Another highlight is Eli Roth’s film-within-the-film, Nation’s Pride, and its hilarious making-of. Roth does a superbly unconvincing job portraying the film’s smug, Peter Lorre-sounding German director. One peculiar snafu worth mentioning is the decision to offer the making-of in high-def (with beautiful black and white HD excerpts of Nation’s Pride), while the short itself is included in standard def.

Additionally, we get an interesting featurette that brings up the original, correctly-spelled The Inglorious Bastards. Contrary to what you might think, the Italian B-flick has little to do with Inglourious Basterds, other than its title, genre giddiness and central conceit: American soldier’s exterminating Nazis in unconventional ways.

Also included is a short piece on QT's clapboard, a shout-out to his long-time editor Sally Menke, two brief conversations with Rod Taylor (of The Birds fame; he also plays Winston Churchill in IB), two extended sequences and an alternate scene that takes place when Nation’s Pride is first projected.

Rounding out the disc are four domestic and international trailers in HD, a poster gallery and a few throwaway gimmicks like a Nazi-hunting trivia game, some interactive junk for your iPod and something to do with vibrating home theater cushions (!). A low-def digital copy is also provided (really, you shouldn't have), as is a chintzy IB dog tag to wear while you enjoy/dissect the film.

All things considered, this is a more than serviceable BD release (QT’s minimal involvement notwithstanding) and a fantastic stocking stuffer for just about anyone who can deal with goofy gore and Eli Roth’s horrendous acting chops. -- Neil Karassik