The controversial footage described in the Murder in the Heartland documentary as Video X is at last available to the public! Video X is raw footage, taken straight from the camera of crime spree killers Dwayne Foote and D... more »arla-Jean Stanton, two rural Kentucky youngsters who amazingly videotaped their trail of crime and murders throughout six states. Video X depicts the young sweethearts from the time they depart their hometown driving down a terribly wrong path where events quickly spin out of control and there is no possible return for the youngsters. The footage initially claimed "non-existent" by the authorities, quickly became known as "Video X," and has been secured through legal sources for this unusual release. "Dwayne and Darla Jean?s violent crime spree is our reality TV culture gone mad!" ? Dr. C Watanabe, Criminal Psychologist« less
"I teach a law class in San Francisco and we used this Video tape for a case study of a Crime Spree. While I understand there is considerable controversy over the public release of this video, I, for one, both support and encourage the viewing of this tape. I am a Victim's advocate and this tape does considerable good for the understanding of what really happens in the real world.In addition to the above product description and for those unfammilar with the news accounts of the events. Two kids (two young adults) basically went on a crime spree and video taped both their crimes, themselves, their feelings, their interactions with others. While some of the tape presents very violent acts,a lot of the tape lets you into the minds of these kids. While their acts can certainly not be condoned, when you step back from the situation, you can see how these kids went from good (but stupid) to extremely dangerous. This video is something that is both chilling and compelling. It created quite interesting debates in class and I would encourage people to see and discuss this tape."
Blair Witch meets Natural Born Killers.
Phillip E. Puryear | md | 10/31/2003
(2 out of 5 stars)
"If you buy this dvd expecting to see a real crime spree, you'll be sorely disappointed. However, if you're looking to be entertained and shocked, Video X has its moments and keeps you riveted. However, it's a little bloodless and the backwoods country folk cliches are almost laughable at times."
Entertaining, fairly well done
C. Carabine | San Diego, CA | 08/17/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Anyone thinking this is real isn't very bright. This is clearly a blair witch style independent film. That doesn't make it bad though. It's an entertaining movie."
Fake? Yes. But believable nonetheless...
Beefy | Middle Island, NY | 12/15/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I picked up this movie at the library of all places (as rentals are free) and could tell that, despite Vanguard's claim that this is real footage, it was fake. Unlike Blair Witch, however, it was believable. Some reviewers mentioned that the two didn't have a charger or spare tapes, but if you pay attention, at one point Dwayne mentions that he doesn't want to keep having to charge the batteries, and it's possible to put 101 minutes onto 1 tape. Be that as it may, during the final scene, the end result is predictable yet shocking. I found myself wanting more after the film was over, which I can't say for a lot of the so-called "blockbusters" that have been released recently. The creators, however, should have done a little more research into the handgun used, because at one point too many shots were fired without Dwayne reloading, but that's a minor point. Still, overall, it was well done and good for an emotional rollercoaster."
It might Be Fake, But its very good!!
Pauly | Penna | 08/15/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One would have to be a complete idiot to have rented Video X thinking that a video chain or even a mom and pop store would be able to rent real murders! I recall, in my youth, that's called a Snuff film. Anyway, I never buy rent or watch a film unless I read a review or two about the film or TV show.
I have various places that I trust online (Amazon!). The first review I read about Video X was more of a promotional tag. Not being an idiot I immediately thought this an obvious hoax. My brother-in-law owns a video store and receives Video Store magazine. They had an article talking about a new film called Video X that is actual crime footage. Apparently, according to the article, there were a couple of white trash types handing out flyers in Las Vegas at a video convention. This obviously was enough to hook the reporter to write the article. I'm sure that reporter is fired by now for not doing their research, but I was intrigued and looked into it. The first review was from filmcritic.com. Christopher Null. He usually tears apart films and did give a jab or two to Video X, but then went on to claim parts of it ingenuous. He then went on to give it 3stars. Over the years I've found this critic to be brutal and give many 50 million dollar plus films 1 and 2 stars. Now I'm really intrigued.
I then went to http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/hauntedcoffee/corner/mainpage.html
and saw the most glowing review I think I've ever seen for an independent film. It was pretty in-depth. He obviously thought he understood what the filmmakers were trying to do. I also checked out IMBD.com and an armature critic at one point said "It'll hook you like a crack rock". Not ever using crack myself I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not.
Three very diverse views.
Now I was set to rent Video X. I did. This armature critic of some intelligence will give it four stars for what it is. Actually, we watched it several times to make sure there were no holes in the plot. I'm not the biggest fan of reality TV, but this is an almost futuristic voyeuristic view of what could become of people who are over exposed to the flash and instant gratification of TV and the accolades some criminals are given for horrendous crimes. If you want to see a film that has some pretty bleak characters and lack of understanding for the real world that makes some of it extremely funny. (Think Anna Nicol Smith) you might be in for a treat in Video X. Apparently there is a mockumentary called Murder in the Heartland: The search for Video X that is also out. I've not seen it yet."