DVDizzy Forum

D*mn one disc.
But I can't wait to see Deleted Scenes (both real and erm, fake) and Marvin's Hangman.

You know, it actually sounds pretty packed for a one discer. I'll probably be renting this first to see if I like it or not!

Well, I've just watched the film and the UK exclusive Don't Crash documentary (more on that later) and I have to say I am terribly disappointed.

It was always going to be hard to make a HHG2TG film, mainly because the radio, book and tv series didn't really have a plot. It was just random sequences, lines and observations. Sometimes these were linked with some form of narrative thread, but often they weren't - just being the amusing little side-steps presented as Guide entries.

For example, in the other versions the entry on "Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters" has nothing to do with the plot. But it's funny. Here, in the film we get a brief mention from the Guide, but no explanations, making you wonder why it is in the film at all. The same is true for the Bable Fish. Take away the bulk of the guide entry (which is what they did) and it doesn't really need a presence in the film at all. So why keep it in? To appease the fans? Or to confuse the uninitiated? The film makes the same mistake over and over again, from the importance of the alcohol and protein not being explained, to the non-appearance of the guide's entry on towels, making the fact that Ford is constantly proclaiming the significance of towels irrelevant.

It's hard for me to take an objective view of the film, but I would guess most Hitchhiker novices would be totally confused by the bulk of the film's runtime. Meanwhile those who are familiar with the previous works are constantly frustrated by the curtailed sequences and missing punchlines. Unbelievably, the brief exchange about the Guide's entry on the Earth ("Harmless" to "Mostly harmless") isn't in the actual film (but is available as a deleted scene). This is one of the most remembered bits of the work, and Mostly Harmless is even the title given to one of Adams' sequels. It only would have made the film an extra 10 or so seconds longer too!

That said, it would be impossible to cram a close to six hour radio/TV series into a traditional one and a half hour film (although the film does end before the TV series does) without making some cuts, but I think a little harsher script editing was required.

I also didn't like the guide entries. Despite being made about 20 years ago, on a minuscule BBC TV budget and animated traditionally (but with an early CG feel) the visuals for the TV series were much better.

But apart from my dislike of the guide, the rest of the film looked spectacular. I'm sure this is how Adams always imagined the Vogons would look, and they, along with everything else from "spaceships hanging in the air, exactly the same way that bricks don't" to tours of under-construction planets is a visual tour-de-force.

Some of the new additions too managed to show the inventiveness of Adams' earlier work, rather than is weaker later novels -from the Point of View gun, to the Vogon slapsticks.

I have mixed feelings about the casting, but to me Marvin, Slartibartfast and the voice of the Guide were spot on. Surprisingly, I didn't warm to Freeman's Arthur, and much preferred Simon Jones from the TV series.

On the back of the UK box, Marvin says "Oh, I'm sure you think the Special Features are special, I don't" and if you live in America I have to agree (although Marvin's hangman game does distract for a while, but disappointingly no new voice work has been recorded for it).

However, the UK exclusive Don't Crash (Named after a phrase uttered near the start of the documentary when the producer and director are celebrating being given the film while driving a car) is superb. Unlike most other 'makings of' for big-budget movies, it doesn't so much document how the effects were done (we do hear a bit from Jim Henson's Creature Shop about the construction of the Vogons) but we watch people actually working. From extra learning how to be a Vogon, to Martin Freeman and Bill Nighy playing about on set before a take, to director Gareth Jennings negotiating the red carpet at the UK premiere. At times it's remarkably frank, but not as frank as the Star Wars prequel documentaries.

Sorry to hear you weren't captivated by the movie, Netty! It's grown on me even more with a 2nd and 3rd viewing, but I was pretty pleased by it in my first encounter, too. That just isn't right that "Don't Crash" isn't included on the US DVD - it sounds excellent (and everything that the making-of featurette is not). Wonder if/when the double-dip will come; if materials are already prepped, then there's just no need for that.

Well, Luke, like I said, it's hard to like it when you know most of the previous versions, if not quite word-for-word, but very well. It probably will grow on me more on subsequent viewings. I guess, I'm too close, just like the sequel haters on this forum.

I'm definely going to listen to Gareth's commentary, as based on his presence in the documentary, he's one of the most likable and genuine guys in the movie business!

I just feel, the film could have done with another draft or two, and the creators shouldn't have been afraid to totally throw away some of Adams' ideas - brilliant as they were.

Oh, and the entry with the battlefleet being swallowed by a dog is in the film - it's displayed during the closing credits!

2099net wrote:Oh, and the entry with the battlefleet being swallowed by a dog is in the film - it's displayed during the closing credits!

Yes it is! I knew you'd be happy by its inclusion; 3rd time was the charm, for it was the first time I actually saw the end credits! Adams is attributed with the John Malkovich character/subplot and I think that was probably the weakest part of the whole film - definitely could have been cut. I think the fragmented/episodic nature of it was sort of inevitable, nonetheless.

Now, the lack of trailers =

The book that comes in the UK giftset includes approx. 100 pages of material about the film at the back, mainly interviews with the actors. One interview is with the writer who took over the project after Adams' death.

This caught my eye, when discussing how the film was reduced from it's initial draft:

Mostly I had to cut a few Guide entries, with the assurance that they would end up on the DVD someday in the future. And that's what's great about the Guide entries - they are somewhat modular, so the final decisions regarding them can be made after the filming and the movie is assembled.

Seems to confirm a second DVD release is likely, being as the current disc has a pitiful single extended Guide entry.

Review here: http://www.ultimatedisney.com/hitchhikers.html

Good review Luke. Now, we just need to find a way of getting you to see the BBC series. NetFlix perhaps?

You can get the 2 disc BBC series edition of Hitchhikers at any Wal-Mart for less than $20. Pick it up, it's worth it!

Im Not gonna pick this up... I found it kinof confusing and boring.. i didnt really like it.

but marvin and the singing dolphins were funny tho
________
Vapir no2

It appears the UK is getting a new DVD this June.
http://www.play.com/DVD/DVD/4-/5274652/ ... oduct.html


Yes, the UK already got a 2-disc release when it first came out, but considering this can be picked up for £6-7 if you shop around, it seems odd for Buena Vista to reissue the set in a new cover without making some changes to the content.

And perhaps this means a 2-disc release will finally make its way to the US?

2099net wrote:And perhaps this means a 2-disc release will finally make its way to the US?

God, I hope so! I want the "Don't Crash" documentary!

(of course, I also want them to include the trailer, but that's less likely to happen!)

Albert

Does anyone know if the region-free UK Blu-Ray has all the special feature the UK 2-disc DVD has?

No it doesn't.