Fear and Loathing in Las Ve (The Criterion Collection) [DVD]

Product Description ------------------- The Doctor is in the house!!! Oh blessed angels in heaven director Terry Gilliams fantastic film based on the novel by the immortal Hunter S. Thompson. If anyone could interpret the wild ferocious ranting of a gifted journalist completed twisted on mind bending drugs in Las Ve, it's Mr. Gilliam. This is the special 2-CD Criterion Special Edition version of Fear And Loathing in Las Ve. Starring Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro. Special features includes: Audio commentary by director Terry Gilliam; Audio commentary by stars Johnny Depp, Benicio Del Toro and producer Laila Nabulsi; Audio interview with Hunter. Thompson; Deleted scenes with commentary by Terry Gilliam; Storyboards and production designs; Original artwork by famed illustrator Ralph Steadman; "Fear And Loathing on the Road to Hollywood" BBC documentary with Hunter S. Thompson and Ralph Steadman; a selection of Hunter S. Thompson's correspondence read on-camera by Johnny Depp; Rare material on O Zeta Acosta; Stills gallery. (1998) Running time: 119 minutes. Set Contains: ------------- Criterion's high standards get even higher with Fear and Loathing in Las Ve. "Hunter Goes to Hollywood" is a fascinating 1978 segment of the BBC's Omnibus series, following "gonzo" journalist Hunter S. Thomson and artist Ralph Steadman on a Fear and Loathing-like odyssey to La-La-Land; a visit to Thompson's Aspen, Colorado, ranch offers ample proof that Johnny Depp's later portrayal is uncannily accurate. All three commentaries are worthwhile for different reasons: as always, Gilliam is intelligent, mischievously subversive, and defiantly protective of Thompson's source material; Depp and Benicio Del Toro offer passionate perspective on tackling their demanding roles without drugs; and producer Laila Nabulsi chronicles her 10-year effort to get the film made (including the protracted writer's credit arbitration). Thompson's commentary is the least coherent but most entertaining; with occasional whoops and hollers, he's like a stand-up act for freaks, dispensing occasional pearls of wisdom. Another excellent feature is Depp's reading of correspondence with Thompson; in emulating his friend, Depp proves himself to be a fine writer and storyteller. Taken together, these and other features make Criterion's DVD an essential addition to Thompson's literary legacy. --Jeff Shannon

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