When is double dipping OK? Should it be done every year or should studios wait until they have new technology to showcase the feature film? Seems to me we need to add a protocol to this since it's being done so often by studios. The latest edition of "Reservoir Dogs" begs that question as less than five years after the last edition we see the film trotted out yet again in collectible packaging. Admittedly the packaging is pretty cool but like everything in life it's the content not the form that ultimately determines the worth of something. ***

I'm going to skip the plot summary that I usually do here and focus on the important stuff; is this upgrade worthwhile? ---

Image & Sound:

The image quality is improved on this new edition of the film. Colors aren't as flat looking and the blacks are solid throughout with little of the crushed look that marred the 15th Anniversary edition of the film on DVD. Audio is also upgraded with nice 6.1 and 5.1 EX transfers that give the film a warmer sound with significantly better detail. Part of this is due to improved mastering techniques and a higher bit rate.

This is where new edition and old part company; the 10th Anniversary Edition had more extras included as part of the set. Gone is the documentary on the film that was a big part of the 10th Anniversary 2 disc set. Some of the extras are carried over onto this double disc double dip edition such as deleted scenes and interviews but on the whole this single disc set misses the comprehensive approach on the previous set. Missing are the interviews with the cast and Tarantino that were a highlight of the previous set. The "Small Dogs" featurette and the post gallery are also missing. ***

Retained are the commentary track from the previous edition featuring the cast, producer Lawrence Bender, Monte Hellman, cinematographer Andrezj Sekula and Tarantino. Rounding out the special features on disc one is the "Pulp Factoid" viewer which, essentially, provides pop up bits of trivia throughout the film. ***

Disc two kicks off with a new featurette on the making of the film "Playing It Fast and Loose. "Profiling The Reservoir Dogs" features "biographies" for each of the characters and "Tripping Guide" shows what the various primary color lead characters would tip. We also get dolls reenacting the scene where the police officer has his ears sliced off (similar to the Legoland version of "Monty Python" in that it's toys doing things that toys probably shouldn't be doing). We also get an add for the "Reservoir Dogs" video game. The deleted scenes that appear on the second two disc set is included here as well as "K-Billy Sounds of the 70's" interactive radio. There's also the tribute to Lawrence Tierney and Eddie Bunker included as well as tributes to other actors involved in the film. "Securing the Shot: Location Shooting with Bily A. Fox" and the original theatrical trailer are included. ---

Final Words: