MovieChat Forums > Hell High (1989) Discussion > DVD Commentary (worth it)

DVD Commentary (worth it)

posted 13 years ago by flixk
6 replies | jump to latest

I have to start off by saying that the prospect of commentary when DVDs first started including that in the 'special features' always seemed like an intriguing concept. But, I think Anne Danielewski (Poe) put it perfectly in "That Day," where she stated, "the anticipation was a turn-on, but you let me down." With the exception of a few films (Evil Dead 2 being one), I find a lot of commentary being drawn out, with more misses than hits when it comes to attempts at being clever.
That being said, HELL HIGH IS ANOTHER EXCEPTION. I rented the film out of curiosity because of its ties to the '80s slasher film,' and found it to be an average movie. I didn't feel like it was all borrowed elements, as a lot of people seem to discredit it with. So, after I was done watching it, the film left me curious enough to check out the special features...one being commentary by Joe Bob Briggs.
Joe Bob Briggs's commentary of this film is more than worth the rental. For those of you who don't know him, he's a writer (from Texas, for those who were still in suspense after seeing his name) and film critic, who specializes in B-films, cult films and drive-in films. I normally can't get through an entire film's worth of commentary, but he craftily weaves his way through this movie, poking plenty of fun, while still paying some well-deserved homage to the overlooked classic that it is. Treat yourself to 77 minutes of insight and entertainment. One highlight quote: "She also keeps a 3-year supply of firewood at all times in case any teenaged boys need easy access to the roof outside her bedroom window..."

[–] CincoPastaBear 13 years ago

I LOVE Joe Bob Brigg's commentary on this movie, it made it so much more hilarious!

[–] DMT (3736) 2 years ago

i am watching this movie on a Joe Bob Briggs marathon i download. he is the best!!!

[–] jstover07 11 years ago

I have yet to hear a bad Joe Bob commentary track. He already has a gift for gab, but then you add to that all the research and time he puts into preparing for the tracks themselves, it's not by accident that they are so engaging, informative, and entertaining.

[–] Dan_Garten 9 years ago

Cool.

[–] alucardvenom 9 years ago

JBB commentary is always worth the watch. Not only he's really entertaining, but he's rather informative as well.

I would say his work on Samurai Cop is by far the most entertaining, while his comments on I spit on your Grave are most informative. You'll learn a lot about backscene of that movie, what legal troubles it had and so on.

As for other audio commentaries... I always love those. I think they are most valuable stuff you can get on DVD, because it's like having a F.A.Q. with director\producer\actor\whoever on that movie. Few examples:

David Cronenberg is usually lot of informative on his audios, John Carpenter and Kurt Russel duo is very entertaining (JC alone kinda su*ks), Sam Raimi\Bruce Campbell duo is quite funny, Tobe Hooper is quite informative about movie industry etc. Alan Jones is always super informative and helpful when he talks about Argento's movies (he did some with Kim Newman)

One of the funniest audio commentaries I've heard was for "The Gravedancer". Director and other guy played a drinking game, so halfway around they get kinda drunk. That movie is worth the watch for that audio comments alone.

[–] Dan_Garten 8 years ago

I love a good commentary track.