Blu-Ray Review: Controversial ‘Dressed to Kill,’ ‘Straw Dogs’

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CHICAGO – At first glance, Brian De Palma’s “Dressed to Kill” and Sam Peckinpah’s “Straw Dogs” may seem to have little in common beyond a studio and a need to be on Blu-ray. It’s common for that to the be the ONLY link (such as when “Scary Movie 2” and “Trainspotting” hit the format next week…come back for coverage). But these two actually have more in common than just a company and a spiffy new transfer. They’re a pair of controversial thrillers from two of the most interesting directors of their era. And with the remake of “Straw Dogs” about to open on Friday, perhaps it’s time we revisit them.

“Dressed to Kill”

HollywoodChicago.com Blu-Ray Rating: 4.5/5.0
Blu-Ray Rating: 4.5/5.0

It might be considered logical to start with the source material for the new remake, but I’d like to start with the superior film. That’s right, “Dressed to Kill” is a more interesting and consistent work than “Straw Dogs,” a film I still like but don’t love like De Palma’s wacky ode to “Psycho.” “Dressed to Kill” was released at a time when De Palma was easily one of the five most interesting directors alive. In fact, it started a streak in the ’80s that would include “Blow Out,” “Scarface,” “Body Double,” “The Untouchables,” and “Casualties of War.” His work would slide significantly in the ’90s and ’00s (with a few exceptions), but he was a master craftsman when he was at his peak.

And watching De Palma’s notorious style in HD has been a joy the last few weeks with the release of “Scarface” and now “Dressed to Kill.” The man had an abundance of style (arguably too much) and HD allows you to appreciate his touch in ways that VHS and DVD never did. It almost makes me want to start a letter-writing campaign to get more De Palma on BD (“Body Double” and “Femme Fatale” should definitely be given the upgrade sooner than later). “Dressed to Kill” is over-the-top ridiculous but it is so in such a riveting way. It’s aged better than you remember. Check it out again.

Dressed to Kill
Dressed to Kill
Photo credit: MGM

Synopsis:
Writer-director Brian De Palma “maintains a fever pitch from start to finish” (Leonard Maltin) with this “steamily libidinous and extremely bloody thriller” (Newsweek)! Starring Michael Caine, Angie Dickinson and Nancy Allen (in a Golden Globe-nominated performance), this taut psycho-sexual chiller is a razor-sharp tale of passion, madness and murder that’s as “scary as the devil [with] suspense to spare” (Playboy)!

Fashionable Manhattan therapist Dr. Robert Elliot (Caine) faces the most terrifying moment of his life, when a psychotic killer begins attacking the women (Dickinson and Allen) in his life - with a straight razor stolen from his office. Desperate to find the murderer before anyone else is hurt, Elliott is soon drawn into a dark and disturbing world of chilling desires. And as the doctor edges closer to the terrible truth, he finds himself lost in a provocative and deadly maze of obsession, deviance and deceit - where the most harmless erotic fantasies… can become the most deadly sexual nightmares!

Special Features:
o The Making Of Dressed To Kill Documentary Including o Interviews with Brian De Palma, Angie Dickinson, Nancy Allen, Dennis Franz and More
o Unrated, R-Rated and TV-Rated Comparison Featurette
o Slashing Dressed To Kill Featurette
o An Appreciation By Keith Gordon Featurette
o Animated Photo Gallery
o Theatrical Trailer

“Straw Dogs”

HollywoodChicago.com Blu-Ray Rating: 4.0/5.0
Blu-Ray Rating: 4.0/5.0

It’s probably blasphemy to some to even suggest that something as goofy as “Dressed to Kill” is superior to ANY Sam Peckinpah movie, but I’ll take “Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia” or “The Wild Bunch” over this flick any day. That’s not to say that “Straw Dogs” is without value — it’s definitely a good film, but it may not be the great film you remember. We’ll let you know for sure on Friday if Rod Lurie pulled it off, but there’s certainly a bit of room for improvement with a remake.

Not completely unlike “Dressed to Kill,” “Straw Dogs” is more interesting as a cultural item, a reflection of the time in which it was made. And, of course, Dustin Hoffman’s stellar performance. “Straw Dogs” is a good film that the cult of Peckinpah has mildly overrated but it’s still totally worth seeing, especially if you’re one of those folks who likes to torture themselves by watching the original before you go see the remake — rarely a good idea.

Synopsis:
Brace yourself for the extended version of this daring and provocative drama from the director of The Wild Bunch. Starring Dustin Hoffman in a “superbly realized (Time) performance, this brilliant (Cue), disturbing film charts one man’s brutally violent journey from cowardice to courage and delivers one helluva jolt (Playboy)!”

Special Features:
o Original Theatrical Trailer
o TV Spots

“Dressed to Kill” and “Straw Dogs” were released on Blu-ray on September 6th, 2011. They are both unrated.

HollywoodChicago.com content director Brian Tallerico

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

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