Fast Company [Limited Edition] [2 Discs]

MOVIE DESCRIPTION:

Blue Underground adds to its impressive catalogue with this hot release of the David Cronenberg exploitation gem, Fast Company. Delivering not only a gorgeous version of the film, the DVD is stuffed with extras that highlight the director and even his later projects. As a bonus, two of Cronenberg's earliest and most elusive short features were supplied by him for this two-disc Limited Edition, making Stereo and Crimes of the Future available for the first time outside of grey-market bootleg copies. Technically, the disc is a dream, starting with the anamorphic 1.85:1 widescreen transfer that was supervised by cinematographer Mark Irwin and struck from the original negative. With little-to-no age marks and rich colors throughout the film, Fast Company now belies its drive-in roots, thanks to attention to detail -- something that is enriched even more by the sound mixes. Four audio options are included, with the highlights being the 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround EX and 6.1 DTS ES tracks. Full of depth, clear of distortion, and rip-roarin' when the engines are gunned, it's hard to say whether the film ever warranted such a high-level treatment, though any gripes should be thrown out of the window after feeling your teeth rattle in the racing scenes. If that weren't enough, there's also a Dolby Surround 2.0 track along with the original mono mix for those looking to relive the grindhouse feel.

As far as extras go, you can't get any better than a David Cronenberg commentary. Sure, he's got the monotone thing going, but that will always be who he is, and never will it take away from your appreciation of what the man has to say. Fast Company always seemed to be the black sheep in the director's filmography, though you'll find that much of what propelled the film directly corresponds to many of his interests and hobbies. Cronenberg has been a car enthusiast most of his life, and after hearing him talk about the various "firsts" that they achieved in Canadian filmmaking and the true love he has for this particular time and place, the bigger picture just seems to make sense with this somewhat simple flick. The high-quality extras continue with a 12-minute interview with star William Smith and cult favorite John Saxon, along with a 14-minute interview with Irwin that covers his collaborative years with the director. The theatrical trailer, an extensive photo gallery, and a Claudia Jennings bio have also been included on the disc. As far as the second disc goes, both Stereo and Crimes of the Future are stunning in their transfers and, with the inclusion of chapter selections, could easily be sold separately from this disc. Concluding the set is a quality Cronenberg bio that caps a truly remarkable package from Blue Underground. Fans of the director would be proud to have this fine release on their shelf. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi

DVD FEATURES:

• Region: All
• Number of Discs: 2
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 (Theatre Wide Screen)
• Audio: Dolby Digital Stereo, PCM Mono, Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS-ES 6.1
• Screen: Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV
• Features:
  • Audio commentary with co-writer/director David Cronenberg
  • "Inside the Character Actor's Studio": Interviews with stars William Smith and John Saxon
  • "Shooting Cronenberg" interview with director of photography Mark Irwin
  • Theatrical trailer
  • Poster & still galleries
  • Claudia Jennings bio
  • The early films of David Cronenberg: "Stereo" and "Crimes of the Future"
  • David Cronenberg bio

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Director:

  David Cronenberg

• Producer:

  Peter O'Brian, Courtney Smith, Michael Lebowitz, David Cronenberg

• Screenwriter:

  David Cronenberg, Phil Savath, Courtney Smith

• Screen Story:

  Alan Treen

• Cinematographer:

  Mark Irwin, David Cronenberg

• Composer (Music Score):

  Fred Mollin

• Editor:

  Ronald Sanders, David Cronenberg

• Art Director:

  Carol Spier

• Executive Producer:

  David Perlmutter