The Hateful Eight [Blu-ray]

The latest movie from director Quentin Tarantino. Like his last one, it's a western.In Wyoming, bounty hunter John Ruth [Kurt Russell] is on the way to the town of Red Rock via stage, along with his prisoner. The charming Daisy Domergue [Jennifer Jason Leigh]. There's a storm coming along. They end up picking up two passengers. Bounty hunter Major Marquis Warren [Samuel L. Jackson] and Chris Mannix [Walton Goggins] one time guerrilla now - supposedly - town sheriff.A stop off at Minnie's, a stagecoach way station, turns out to be a longer one than intended. As the storm makes it impossible to leave. Not that, once the travellers and those already there get together, everyone may make it out alive anyway...Shot in 65mm film, this has absolutely gorgeous cinematography. It's a western made the way they used to do it. There are some stunning snow covered landscape shots. It's very much a character drama/detective story. As the characters interact and secrets come to light. Like most of the director's work, there are long conversations. But they do all set the scene and add to the characters, and they do all lead somewhere. And there are narrative tricks, twists and turns. In a plot that is very well put together and develops at just the right pace.It's as violent as you would expect. A couple of bits being nearer the knuckle than anything even this director has done before. And it gives good actors strong parts they can really get their teeth into and make the most of. As with some of Tarantino's other films, this one takes an actor who had somewhat vanished off the radar - in this case Jennifer Jason Leigh - and gives them a career redifining role that really shows off their talents.Even with all this strong characterisation, Michael Madsen's character does feel a little underdeveloped. And this is not quite as good a film as Django Unchained, simply because since it's the director's second western in a row, it doesn't feel as original as that did. But those are only minor complaints. All in all it's memorable movie making, and worth five stars.The dvd has the following language and subtitle options:Languages: English.Subtitles: English.The disc goes straight into the film when loaded with no ads or trailers.Be aware that, when it comes to chapter selection, it only has a handful of these. The exact same chapters the film is divided into. So you will have a lot of fast forwarding to do if you want to get a certain point in the middle of one.There are two extras:Beyond the eight: a four minute long behind the scenes feature. Which is just one of those promotional pieces with cast and crew extolling the project.Sam Jackson's guide to glorious 70mm, however, is a fascinating seven minute long look at how the film was shot, and how it was done and released in the manner of certain films of old. Well worth a watch, especially for movie buffs.

Tarantino style film credits? CheckHaunting original score that's awesome at start and ties film together? CheckOver extended opening sequence that dwells on a sculpture of christ and some beautiful mountains? CheckBrilliantly acted by every single actor - including even Mr Tatum? CheckCouldn't look away - and had to re watch the beginning at the end? Even better second time? CheckControversial over use of racist word - but put into a context that works as an honest reflection on American's historical problems? CheckA faint whiff of trouble as this is partly produced by you know who - and leading lady not treated well - but again context of story spot on....? CheckI could go on with this list - but I think you get the idea.My favorite Mr T films are still Jackie Brown, Kill Bill and Pulp Fiction - but this comes 'mighteeee close' - just like the equally fab Django and Inglorious I get everything that Tarantino wants from his films from beginning to end - there is no let up usually ....The game changer in this film is the contrast between space and claustraphobic tension - you feel the director piningfor character and poetry in this film - thanks to the white landscapes, the amazing score and the fantastic script (again)Quentin fulfills his ambition mostly. I loved it. Was transfixed and amazed and a bit frightened too.Like Wes Anderson and Wim Wenders (our other great modern masters with their own outstanding filmic artistry and signature) youwant more of what they love to do - but end the film faintly wishing to be TOTALLY bamboozled by something completely new -because all these directors are clearly capable of doing something unexpected which would be even more brilliant....but likemany an obsessed artist - they are happy in their own sheds. And I really dont blame them.Guilermo Del Toro is my other modern director who's work I really like (OMG Pans Labyrinth) but for me he hits his style a little less full on in some films because you feel he's been waiting for the proper funding perhaps and some films are made as a route to get to his true calling (Shape of Water is his best since Pans by a mile.......) - well Quentin does not wait - he does - and that makes his work very immediate andunderstandably Tarantino esque each time. The twists and turns - through the dialogue are particularly brilliant.A must watch.....or listen........I wrote a poem after called The Hope For Higher Praise.........its a good poem thanks to this film.

great movie