Blu-ray Review: Mallrats

Reviewed By Jason Lockard

In 1994 Kevin Smith made an independent film that took the world by storm and introduced us to Jay and Silent Bob. The next year he would take Jay and Silent Bob and a bunch of slackers to the mall in Mallrats.

It is so hard to believe it has been 25 years since Mallrats release. So for the silver anniversary Arrow Video has decided to give this cult classic a deluxe Blu-ray release. Complete with bonuses featuring Kevin Smith himself.

When comic book obsessed Brodie and best friend TS are simultaneously dumped by their girlfriends, they plan to ease the pain of their losses by taking take a trip to the local mall. Among the shoppers, they discover the mall is being used as the venue for a dating show, in which TS's girlfriend Brandi is the star. Hatching a plan to win back their significant others, Brodie and TS enlist the help of professional delinquents Jay and Silent Bob to hijack the gameshow in a bid to win back Brandi. Meanwhile, Brodie carries out his own mission to make good his relationship with Rene, who has attracted the attentions of his nemesis Shannon (Ben Affleck).

Mallrats was a film of a different era. There are a lot of ideas here that won't fly well in this politically correct world, for new viewers. The film also does not have a real point to make. It's just jokes and off the wall antics. But fans of 90's films and Kevin Smith films are gonna love it! It is good to note that the actual theatrical and extended cut of this film is filled with adult themes and language. So these are off limits for the kids. But the really awesome thing is that Arrow Video included the TV cut on this release.

The 4K restoration of the film look and sounds absolutely stunning in HD. The neon colors pop off the screen and are so retro it's pleasing to the eyes. Even the hilarious profanity free TV cut looks amazing on this Blu-ray. But three cuts of the film is not all that is on this release. Arrow Video went above and beyond loading up this release with bonuses. Take a look at what is included here.

DISC ONE - THEATRICAL AND EXTENDED CUTS

Brand new restoration by Arrow Films of both the Theatrical and Extended cuts of the film, approved by director Kevin Smith and cinematographer David Klein.

Newly assembled TV cut of the film featuring hilarious overdubbing to cover up profanity

High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentations

Collector s booklet featuring new writing by Philip Kemp

Fold out poster featuring replica blueprints for Operation Drive-by and Operation Dark Knight

Original DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround audio

Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing

Audio commentary with director Kevin Smith, producer Scott Mosier, archivist Vincent Pereira, and actors Jason Lee, Ben Affleck, and Jason Mewes

Brand new introduction to the film by Kevin Smith

My Mallrat Memories - and all-new interview with Kevin Smith

A newly filmed tribute to producer Jim Jacks by Kevin Smith

Brand new interview with actor Jason Mewes

Brand new interview with Cinematographer David Klein

Hollywood of the North: A newly produced animated making-of documentary featuring Minnesota crew members who worked on the film

Deleted Scenes - Kevin Smith and Vincent Pereira discuss deleted scenes and sequences originally cut from the film

Outtakes and behind the scenes footage

Cast interviews from the original set

Erection of an Epic: The making of Mallrats - archival retrospective with cat and crew looking at the making and release of the film.

Q&A with Kevin Smith - archival Q&A filmed for the 10th anniversary

Build Me Up Buttercup music video

Stills galleries

Theatrical Trailer

DISC TWO - TV CUT

Newly assembled TV cut of the film featuring hilarious overdubbing to cover up profanity

Original stereo audio

Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing

Brand new introduction to the TV cut by director Kevin Smith

Stills gallery of the comic books featured in the film s opening sequence

Easter eggs

Now I have seen some amazing Arrow Video releases over my years, but the bonus features on this release takes the cake.

You might think that the extended version would be better, but in my humble opinion the extra time added made the film drag a bit. For me I had the most fun with the hilarious TV Cut. It was my favorite version on this release.

So if you are a fan of Kevin Smith films, Jay and Silent Bob or 90's cinema, you really need this Arrow Video Blu-ray of Mallrats. Add this to your Blu-ray collection today by heading over to Amazon.com.

Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best Arrow Video's Blu-ray release of Mallrats receives....