It really is a shame that films are too often
associated (even blamed for) with the horrific violence that occurs on a day to day basis.
When Idle Hands was released in the USA, it was merely weeks after the terrible Colorado
School Massacre. Idle Hands being a teen oriented horror flick, was very unfairly
compared to this event simply because it involved a youth who's hand was possessed by the
devil and killed people (his hand not him).
Honestly after watching this film there is no way you could share any resemblance between
them. Idle Hands flopped at the Box office, not because it;s terrible film, but
because of some negative publicity and just plan bad timing. They say Idle hands are the devil's playground so school bum /
stoner / general looser Anton Tobias (Devon Sawa) is the perfect vehicle for such a thing.
When he wakes up one morning, he discovers his parents are missing never mind the fact
there have been numerous reports of serial killings all over his home town Anton, being
such a slacker goes about his business of watching TV, smoking Pot and hanging with his
friends Pnub (Elden Henson) and Mick (Seth Green).
As luck would have it Anton Discovers his hand has been possessed and is responsible for
all the killings.....and the latest target is Anton's new girlfriend Molly (Jessica Alba).
Meanwhile on the trail of the Killer hand is Debi (Vivica A. Fox). She is a Druid
who has been chosen to seek out and destroy the evil that possess the hand. As She
makes her way into town she regrettably hooks up with Anton's Motorhead neighbour Randy
(Jack Noseworthy) as he knows about Anton's possession and has the hots for Debi so watns
to help her out.
Okay So Idle hands isn't going to win any awards but it's a
hell of fun movie. With tongue planted firmly in cheek, the ridiculousness on screen
will either have your laughing yourself silly or reaching for the remote in agony
:-)...You've been warned!!
So How Does This Transfer Hold Up??
VIDEO
Being such a new film this Anamorphic Widescreen Transfer has been
sourced from an immaculate print. Contrast was a bit off though, as a result extreme
detail was lost somewhat emphasising an overly greyish look (having seen this at the
cinemas I know it was not as severe, though definitely inherent in the print). The
great use of filtering colours was well captured with many sequences having a high
saturation of either green or red and remained bleed free throughout. In an attempt
to increase picture quality this 88 minute movie has been spread over 2 layers of an RSDL
DVD (the DVD slick credits it only as a single layer DVD running at 92 minutes:)
While the layer change occurs in mid action at the 52:39 min mark it is not at all
disruptive to the flow of the movie. Whereas the USA DVD of Idle Hands is single sided in
all honesty I couldn't see any major improvements over ours, even with the much high bit
rate (which I'm assuming is the result of a nice clean problem free transfer in the first
place). It's not one of CTHV's Best efforts, but it's still nicely presented
Video Highlights
Ch 04 13:40 - 13:56 Looky what I've found
Ch 09 29:15 - 29:28 Everything's gonna be cool
Ch 09 31:15 - 31:24 You can swing a cat in here!!
Ch 12 39:03 - 39:17 You're Dead!
Ch 17 56:48 - 57:21 No Chance Baby Snakes
Ch 20 67:00 - 67:27 Let's Dance
AUDIO
Now this is a very cool Dolby digital 5.1 mix(in English or
German). You even have the kitchen sink thrown in here. You'll be given a full
5.1 workout with this film with clear and Intelligible dialogue along with a constant
mixture of both extremely subtitle and over the top sound effects all around you. In
fact I immediately noticed this region 4 Mix sounded even better than the one on the
USA DVD.
Audio Highlights
Ch 02 04:32 - 05:02 Things go bump in the night
Ch 07 22:20 - 23:29 Killer's under the Bed
Ch 09 27:28 - 27:39 Shake, Shake, Shake
Ch 09 31:15 - 31:24 You can swing a cat in here!!
Ch 17 56:32 - 55:37 The Flying hand
Ch 25 77:00 - 77:06 Hanging Around
Ch 25 77:20 - 77:34 Little Pieces of Tania
EXTRAS
CTHV have thrown in some terrific extras for this Collectors Edition DVD.
- Director Rodman Flender as well as Actors Seth Green & Elden Henson have joined in
for a commentary track that is a hoot and holler. Never a dull
moment to be had here. Seth Green, a fan of Laserdisc (he calls this comm the
analogue track here, as he did on the Can't Hardly Wait comm track) just about takes over,
(though Rodman Fender gets a few words in to), and he speaks with such sincerity that
you'll probably believe half the bull he comes up with. Funny fella. (This
commentary also comes with German and Dutch Subtitles)
- The Original Ending to the film, which runs for about 9 minutes,
has also been included (4x3 Widescreen only) and comes with both the standard soundtrack
and an alternate director's commentary track. This ending is also fronted with an
intro by the director. nice...
- a rather plain Jane Theatrical Trailer in 4x3 with Dolby 2.0 sound. (would
really like to See CTHV go Anamorphic with DD5.1 on these)
- a 5 minutes behind the scenes featurette..usual stuff
- Story Board comparisons (of the Sawblade and Cuff me
sequences) . The story board is at the top of the screen and the movie sequence
below.
BIG PROBLEM HERE. The movie sequence is so damn dark you
won't be able to see what's going on!!!! (this problem is also on the region1 DVD).
bugger hey
- Cast and Crew Bios, Dolby Digital city Trailer
If you like your films that are self mocking, then Idle Hands is for you. This file
takes the piss out of itself from start to finish, and never takes itself too seriously.
It's a blast. (and I curse the stupid twit in the video shop who told a
friend of mine not to hire it out....OUT OUT YOU DEMON OF STUPIDITY!!!)
| PICTURE QUALITY |
8/10 Very Nice |
SOUND
- Quality
- 5.1 WOW Factor |
- 9/10 Lots of detail
- 9/10 such a fun 5.1 mix |
| FEATURES |
8/10 nice Collectors
Edition |
Review Equipment
TV: Pioneer SD-T50W1 (16:9 RPTV)
DVD: Pioneer DV717 (using RGB outputs)
Receiver: Marantz SR870 & Sony SDP-EP9ES
Speakers:-
Fronts: B&W 602
Centre: B&W CDMC-SE
Rears: Jamo Magic 14
Subby: M&K V125
- Reviewed 15th February 2000
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