Search - Surveillance on DVD

Jason G. from BUFFALO, NY
Reviewed on 1/4/2010...

I was very excited to see Surveillance after learning that Jennifer Lynch was behind it, and David Lynch served as executive producer. What results is one of those movies that lures you in with eccentric characters, bizarre situations, and a not-so-clear direction, but ultimately takes a huge dump on the build-up that left you somewhat intrigued. To me, the ending was ludicrous and completely unbelievable....in fact, it is one of the worst endings that I have ever seen, and more or less voids any positives that I could take from the rest of the film. Jennifer Lynch did a far better job with Boxing Helena, which I would recommend over this lackluster effort.

3 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.

Not a solid Blu, but definitely a Lynch film

Steve Kuehl | Ben Lomond, CA | 08/13/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"What a wicked film this turned out to be. Was not prepared for the level of depravity, and I think that is partially responsible for the hate directed at this film. I could not give this a higher rating on the product review end because I was just not that impressed with the Blu results.

A plot description beyond the poorly written version of events on the cover typically gives too much away, as noted on several other reviews here (as bad as it sounds try not to read most of the other reviews here as they keep giving the twist away - which once the film is done, the twist is the only worthwhile plot device). The performances are good, especially in the final 18 minutes of carnage and Natural Born Killer references, and when the credits roll, you will probably find yourself either aligning with the half that hated everything about it, or the other half that felt Lynch's daughter is definitely following the train to left field (therefore loving it).

The picture clarity is a mixed bag as the majority of flashback sequences are done with a heavy grain and an over saturation. The colors are overexposed during those times also, insofar that the Blu display isn't exactly given a fair shake. The DTS is sporadically excellent, but there was some obvious mixing problems during the police station sequences (reference the hall echoes and interrogations). The supplements are short but include:
* 15 minute making-of that covers the production in a Lynch kind of way (complete with her dropping the F bomb 30 or so times as she directs to make her point). If anything, the obvious humor the crew had with the Canadian town name - Regina - was fun to watch (they kept repeating "the town that rhymes with the word for fun").
* 5 Minute HDNET clip, essentially a long trailer.
* 12 minutes of deleted scenes; they prove the gratuitous and over-the-top nature Lynch was working towards - as yes, these include the now famous cuts of Ormond and Pullman smothering themselves in lard and love - for a very lengthy time. The alternate ending is very different than what one sees in the main cut; much more Romeo and Juliet.

Sitting on the fence on whether to recommend it outright or not, so I would have to say it might be worth spending your BD budget on this one if you are a big fan of Lynch; and without giving too much away, wanting to see Pullman and Ormond do something very different. 3 for the film, 1 for the extras, enjoy."

Surprising and memorable

J. D. Best, author | Arizona | 09/08/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Surveillance is one of those movie's that lingers with you. Watch it one evening, and you wake up in the morning thinking about it. But it's not for the squeamish. This is a tense, broody, and violent thriller with a surprise ending.

The movie reminds me of Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs (15th Anniversary) in both horrific violence and the use of flashbacks to gradually reveal the story. Not for everyone, but if you enjoy stylistic and shocking filmmaking, you'll probably enjoy Surveillance.

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