DVD Corner

Mallrats 4K UHD Review

“Mallrats” is one of Kevin Smith’s best films.

Having messed up with their girlfriends, pals T.S. and Brodie venture to the mall to talk through their problems. Upon learning that a cheap game show will be taking place at the mall with T.S.’s lover (Brandi) as a contestant, T.S. vows to win her back somehow (with a little help from his friends). Likewise, Brodie tries to win back the love of his life (Rene) too.

Writer/director Kevin Smith’s “Mallrats” isn’t high art nor does it ever pretend to be. It’s a cult comedy about slackers, romance, commitment, disillusionment, friendship and, of course, mall culture (which is a dying thing in and out of itself). Is it cartoonish? Is it not always PC? Absolutely, but this View Askewniverse film is in many ways ahead of its time much like its predecessor “Clerks.” It’s easy to take it for granted nowadays, but back in 1995 Smith went against the grain and was unafraid to make references to film and comic books. Nowadays, geek culture and pop culture references are in virtually everything you watch. Smith is always at his best when he makes films like this that are filled with memorable characters like Jay and Silent and Brodie and endlessly quotable lines of dialogue. Sure, it can feel dated and maybe some have grown out of his brand of comedy, but even now “Mallrats” still stands as a genuinely funny slice of 90’s comedy.

As mentioned above, the characters are what make “Mallrats” such a beloved cult comedy. The cast is just an embarrassment of riches here with Ben Affleck (before he became a megastar), Jason Lee (as the scene stealing Brodie), Ethan Suplee, Joey Lauren Adams, Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes as the fan favorite Jay and Silent Bob, Shannon Doherty, Claire Forlani, Michael Rooker, Priscilla Barnes and Jeremy London to name but a few. It’s the type of ensemble cast where everyone just makes each other better. 

Note: I reviewed a screener copy of this 4K.. The 4K set contains the theatrical and extended cuts and is due out June 27, 2023.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p. How does it look? The new Arrow Video transfer maintains grain while providing a sharper picture. It’s not a big upgrade from the Blu-ray, but it’s a solid upgrade nonetheless. 

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA and English Stereo. How do they sound? Both the  5.1 and Stereo tracks are satisfactory. They aren’t going to blow you away or anything, but they do the job for a talky movie like this. 

Extras are the same as the previous Arrow Video Blu-ray aside from the TV cut being absent.
* Intros to the theatrical and extended cuts by Kevin smith.
* Soundtrack EPK, easter egg, “Build Me Up Buttercup” music video, and “Mallrats” trailer.
* 2 hours of dailies.
* Behind the scenes and comic still galleries.
* An hour of deleted scenes presented by Kevin Smith and Vincent Pereira.
* 8 minutes of outtakes/behind-the-scenes footage
* A 9 minute Q&A with Kevin Smith from the 10 year anniversary screening.
* Archival cast interviews from the set.
* 10 minute interview with Jason Mewes.
* Archival commentary by Kevin Smith, Ben Affleck, Jason Lee, Jason Mewes, Scott Mosier and Vincent Pereira. Kevin Smith movie commentaries are always a blast to listen to.
* “Erection Of An Epic: The Making Of Mallrats”- A retrospective making of featurette.
* An interview with DP David Klein.
* “Hollywood Of The North”- Animated featurette with cast interviews.
* “Mr. Mallrats: A Tribute To Jim Jacks”- Kevin Smith talks about the producer who inspired him.
* “My Mallrat Memories”- Kevin Smith talks about the production of “Mallrats.”

June 1, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | 90's Movies, Ben Affleck, Jason Lee, Jason Mewes, Jay and Silent Bob, Kevin Smith, Mallrats, Mallrats 4K UHD Review