Search - Human Traffic on DVD

Amazon reviewer doesn't get it

01/12/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Clubs, drugs, pubs, and parties... if you've been there, done that, you will get a huge kick out of this film, it is basically a coming of age story set in the lives of working class teenagers from Cardiff, and since it the late 1990s, they are into the rave scene. And why not? It's as well done of a film of this genre as I've ever seen, loads of slapstick humor, dream sequences, true-to-life dialogue & problems, etc. And it captures all of the frantic energy & buzz of an altered nite out on the town, as well as the inevitable comedown, without moralizing or judging its characters, emerging as a romantic comedy in the end! I loved it!Some people don't seem to realize that a lot of people actually have or do live(d) like the characters in this film at some point in their lives, just because it stars British people and drugs are part of the plot doesn't mean it is a ripoff of Trainspotting, if Hollywood were honest then there would actually be Amercian films like this too. If anything it reminded me more of Go!"

Americans stuff it up

A. Rankine | Sydney, Australia | 09/08/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"As of this evening I have seen both versions; the UK version and the US version. The former absolutely rocks. It is the closest to a great night out clubbing that you are likely to see on the screen.
Anyone who has ever gone out clubbing will appreciate the UK version of this film. For example, the scene where Felix is chatting with another spaced out clubber about how it is not as good as it used to be. I found this scene hilarious and the flashback to 1991 even more so. On the whole Human Traffic is one of the best "rave" (read: not completely anti-drugs) movies ever.
Now the bad news. This flashback scene, and many more like it, are completely MISSING from the US version. I dont know why the distributors think that the US audience are so tender and impressionable that they cannot handle such satire and wit. Regardless, US audiences are sadly deprived from a great piece of cinema. The edit has, in my opinion, spoiled the flow of the movie.
I'm not bitter, really! It's still a fantastic film, even surviving the American edit without completely disappointing.I suggest that you flip the proverbial bird to the distributors here in the US and get it from the source in the UK. (Of course you will need a region-free DVD player, plus multi-standard TV)
As a poor substitute you might want to check out "Groove", the more-alternative-than-thou movie about the SF rave scene. Great music, though give me the original Human Traffic any day."

Brett Fetzer is a dolt

David Stein | San Francisco, CA USA | 08/05/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you have half a brain, you'd ignore the editiorial review. The man obviously has no heart and any sense of humor. Whatever he mentioned, go with the opposite. The writing? Wickedly funny. Attitudes? None whatsoever. In fact, the whole premise of the film is to show how alienated young people are made to feel these days and that the only means of making sense of it all is the love and support of their peer group. The only attitude they have is that they're trying to make sense of everyday reality and when you're in your early 20's, things are not always peachy keen. Brett is the epitome of what these 4 friends are trying to escape from. Free your mind Brett. Have you ever gone out to a club and felt absolutely carried away by the music? Have you ever danced for 4 hours straight? Have you ever experienced the beauty and stillness of a sunrise with your closet friends? Have you ever fallen in love with your best friend? Obviously not, otherwise the movie would have touched you greatly. Instead you just chuck in the "Trainspotting" category. Stupid. The only 3 things this movie has in common with Trainspotting: There are drugs. There is techno. It's set in Great Britain. That's it. Maybe I was spoiled club kid, but at the time (90-92), the only thing I had to look forward to in my bleak life as a college freshman was the weekend and going to dance parties with my best mates. Every weekend was a bonding experience and I'll never forget those times. This movie is a scrapbook for the acidhouse genration, told humanly and accurately, with a fanastic soundtrack (thank you Pete Tong!)
So Brett, you missed the boat, mate and I feel sorry for you."

The last greatest film of the 90's

A. Rankine | 09/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not sure about the US release of this film, but it previewed here (New Zealand) in late 1999. The film is basically the real story of youth in the nineties which is: chemicals, clubs, bars, pubs, pushing the vinyl, blagging the guest list, mobile phones, trainers, combats, careless, monged, mashed, sorted, safe. And here it is in all its pupil-dilated, teeth-grinding, club-hopping glory. The slogan can't be closer to the truth "The weekend has well and truly landed." This is Director Justin Kerrigan's first film, and as many new and up-and-comming directors this young man is on the right path to legendary status. His unqiue and often crazy visionary methods of camera use, colors and fast-paced characters mends well with the story and overtall focus of the film. This film is based on today's youth culture and if you've ever had a big night out on the drink, the buzz, and the total lapse of memory the next day, you'll enjoy this movie all the more. If you like indy british films mixed with fast-paced dialogue and a pumping soundtrack (moby, gatecrasher etc.) then you'll enjoy this very smart film. As of now the US region 1 DVD details as to features, extras ect. are unavailable, however i do own a copy of the UK Region 2 disc, which presents the film in its entire wides0creen anamorphic format, and for an independent film project this is one hell of a transfer, in two words "totally flawless", lets hope the US release will enjoy the same quality. The soundtrack is mixed in dolby 5.1 as well as 2.0 tracks, In my opionion the only way to enjoy this film and the outragous techno house beats is through the 5.1 channel. As extras you also get the traiers, TV spots, filmographies etc, same usual treatment most discs get these days, the only truely sad thing about this disc is no commentary track. You can't win them all. Overall this is one explosive film, that should not be missed."