Inglorious Basterds (R) (2009) (DVD)

Now available for home viewing, this film of sweet revenge may well be a contender in the 2009 awards circuit. Director Quentin Tarantino grabs his audience in the opening French farmhouse scene and does not let go for two and a half hours. Plots and sub plots all centering on revenge and retribution converge in one big Nazi production that has a very explosive finale.

Seething with talent, Basterds never lets you forget that you are watching a brutally whimsical sequence of fantasy events. The characters are over-the-top as is the story itself. Brad Pitt is superb as the fictional, stereotypical, WWII hero, Aldo Raine, who will stop at nothing to avenge the European Jews targeted by Hitler and his Third Reich. At the top of the talent list is Christoph Waltz who carries off the (supporting) role of Nazi Col. Hans Landa to over-the-top perfection. 

Watching Inglorious Basterds at home proved to be the perfect venue. Second looks were as common as ammunition. The ability to access immediate answers to, “Did he say…?” were invaluable. The fact that freshly popped corn goes well with craft beer is another plus for a home screening.

Of course, included in the home entertainment package are plenty of bells and whistles. All of the home entertainment selections worth their salt have extras and bonus features, but Inglorious Basterds offers some memorable materials that enhance your viewing experience rather than just take up your time. For example, a great spoof is the attention given to the fictional propaganda film at the center of the movie (the movie within the movie), Nation’s Pride. In addition, you be privy to several deleted and extended scenes and some great interviews.