The End of Violence (PAL/Region 4/Umbrella Entertainment)

 

Picture: C     Sound: C     Extras: C     Film: D

 

 

PLEASE NOTE: This DVD can only be operated on machines capable of playing back DVDs that can handle Region 4 PAL format software and can be ordered from our friends at Umbrella Entertainment at the website address provided at the end of the review.

 

 

The End of Violence is a messy film, perhaps one of the most incoherent films ever made and happens to star three people that I typically enjoy, but should have stayed clear of this disappointing feature film from Wim Wenders.  Bill Pullman, Andie McDowell, and Gabriel Byrne star in this film about the kidnapping of a famous action filmmaker and the craziness that ensues, but unfortunately the film ends up being so bizarre and goofy that it never completes a logical thought or interests its audience long enough for them to really care.  It’s no wonder that Wender’s still has yet to make another American feature and we can only hope that he won’t. 

 

Umbrella Entertainment has issued the film in Region 4 with a PAL formatted disc that fails to impress as well.  Presented in a 2.35 X 1 scope anamorphic transfer the film looks grainy, washed out, and muddy.  Even worse is the 2.0 Dolby Digital mix that is weak and problematic throughout.  We know that Umbrella Entertainment has issued superior films than this and we don’t blame them for putting little effort into a film that no one really cares about anyway. 

 

The theatrical trailer is also included, but it won’t make you want to see it anymore than this review should.

 

As noted above, you can order this PAL DVD import exclusively from Umbrella at:

 

http://www.umbrellaent.com.au/

 

 

-   Nate Goss