Mallrats 10th Anniversary Extended Edition—Universal

Video: 3
Audio: 4
Extras: 5

Mallrats may be considered Kevin Smith’s worst movie, but I love it. It’s stupid and funny, and that’s all it was ever intended to be. Doing an extended edition was Smith’s idea, but, shortly into the editing process, he realized the theatrical release is as good as this movie is going to get. In fact, he tells you to flip the DVD over to watch that version instead. Many of the added scenes are just painful, and that’s coming from a fan. If you’re not familiar with the plot, it follows Brodie and T.S. as they wander around the local mall solving their problems as they go.

The video (anamorphic 1.85:1) is much, much improved over the original release. Colors are more vibrant, and there is a lot more detail in the image. That said, it’s still not a very good-looking movie. It’s not that detailed, or that colorful, and it’s fairly grainy. The Dolby Digital 5.1 track is also improved. Dialogue is clearer and more separated in the mix, and there is more bass. There’s still very little in the surrounds or the subwoofer, but it’s a comedy, so that’s to be expected.

The extras are what make this disc worth at least a rental. There’s most of the extras from the original release (like the excellent commentary), plus a 10-year-reunion Q&A, outtakes, interviews from the set, and a separate Q&A with Kevin Smith that’s hilarious. If you’re a fan, it’s worth the upgrade. If you don’t know this movie, this disc is the version to get. Just avoid the extended version.

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