Product Details
Natural Born Killers - Director's Cut [DVD] [1995]

Natural Born Killers - Director's Cut [DVD] [1995]
Directed by Oliver Stone

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Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #22566 in DVD
  • Released on: 2003-05-12
  • Rating: Suitable for 18 years and over
  • Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
  • Number of discs: 1
  • Formats: Anamorphic, Black & White, Colour, Director's Cut, PAL
  • Original language: English
  • Number of discs: 1
  • Running time: 117 minutes

Editorial Reviews

Special Features

  • Trailer
  • Director’s commentary
  • Alternate ending
  • Documentary: Chaos Rising – the Storm Around Natural Born Killers
  • Additional scenes
  • Oliver Stone on original soundtrack
  • Introduction segments by Oliver Stone
  • Stills Gallery
  • Sleeve notes by Mark Kermode

DVD Technical Information:

  • Video Aspect Ratio: 16:9 anamorphic
  • Main soundtrack: English, Dolby Digital 5.1
  • Disc Format: Single sided, dual layer – DVD 9
  • Feature Length: 117 mins approx.
  • Colour PAL

Synopsis
Oliver Stone's over-the-top satire on America's worshipful fascination with tabloid criminals stars Woody Harrelson as Mickey Knox and Juliette Lewis as girlfriend-wife Mallory Wilson. Commencing with the dual murder of Mallory's sexually abusive father (Rodney Dangerfield) and grossly negligent mother (Edie McClurg), the anomic couple take off on a three-week killing spree across the country, telling everyone who they are so that they get the credit for their crimes. The media are immediately enthralled with the couple, especially Wayne Gale (Robert Downey Jr.), the bloodthirsty host of a tabloid TV show who follows their every move. By the time they're finally arrested, they've become such huge media stars that the cops treat them more like celebrities than criminals. Even the maniacal limelight-hogging warden of the Batongaville State Prison, Dwight McClusky (Tommy Lee Jones), is in awe. Stone pulls out all the stops in the prison riot, as the unwitting Gale becomes an unwilling participant in his own broadcast of the event. Again the director switches from film to video, from color to black and white, from sitcom parody to newsreel parody, and from one film stock to another, hoping to jar the audience out of its complacency with visual hyperbole.

From the Back Cover
Natural Born Killers is arguably the most controversial and critically acclaimed film of the 1990s. Quentin Tarantino’s dark, perverse and mesmerizing screenplay of Mickey (Woody Harrelson) and Mallory’s (Juliette Lewis) brutal killing spree across America.

Eagerly awaited, this uncut version of Oliver Stone’s directorial vision contains the scenes that were deemed too shocking for the UK.


Customer Reviews

Lost in a World of Ghosts...5
"Natural Born Killers" is Oliver Stone's "take-no-prisoners" assault on the media that is cinematic eye-candy to the teeth. It's an uneasy satire to watch, but it is an extremely effective film that is both thrilling and funny. Many people loath this movie, as it is not an easy one to take. I feel there's a lot of ugly truths hidden within, and those truths aren't very easy to accept for most. For those who are aware of how manipulative and hypocritical the media world can be are in for one crazy and unforgiving ride that has no limits.

Mickey and Mallory Knox may appear to be your ordinary couple, but they aren't. In fact, the two are notorious serial killers who love to get their adrenaline pumping by destroying the lives of others. The media has pretty much made the villainous duo heroes to the public, as they can't get enough of them. They headline every single news program with absolute pride. As the two continue their bloody rampage through the states, the public is watching every step of the way with bloodshot eyes.

The structure of the film is usually what turns people off from it, but I thought it was all executed perfectly. It doesn't follow your basic plot structure in the same way most films do. We're presented with the characters, the conflict, resolution, etc.--but it's pieced together in random spots as if you were surfing through different channels on the TV. This is extremely effective for what Stone is trying to convey. It's a disturbing film because it actually sheds light on something most people don't want to fess up to, and that is the glorification of criminals and violence. I found it to be a breath-taking satire, as well as an outstanding film all together.

One of the many strong points that this film has is the amazing acting from the superb cast. Woody Harrelson is savagely entertaining as the notorious "Mickey," while Juliette Lewis is beautiful and deadly. Robert Downey Jr. is a complete joy to watch as he partakes in the role of the obsessive talk-show host who is only concerned with ratings (now, who does he remind you of?). It also must be said that Tommy Lee Jones gives one of his funniest performances ever--the expressions on his face are absolutely priceless.

This particular DVD version of the movie contains a bunch of goodies for DVD fanatics. One of the main features is that this is the "Director's Cut." While it's not much longer than the original theatrical version, certain extended shots and angles deemed "controversial" have been restored in this version. The picture and sound quality is really great and does the film the justice that it deserves. Extras that can be found on the DVD include the director's commentary, deleted scenes, an alternative ending, and cast and crew interviews. Not a bad package, if you ask me.

"Natural Born Killers" is an absolute cinematic treat to film buffs. While it's most likely not to be welcomed with open-arms by most, it certainly is entertaining to those who love it. It's not your ordinary movie, that much is for sure. If you're looking for a risk-taking satire that defies all of the rules and boundaries, this might be the choice for you. It's a unique experience that never loses its appeal or originality. -Michael Crane

I Love this Movie! See it now!5
I wanted to see Natural Born Killers for ages, but as it wasnt available in the UK, I couldnt buy it ( I only had a r2 dvd player at the time and PAL video). First seen it on Channel 5 and after that, I couldnt wait for it to be released.
Natural Born Killers is a totally unique movie. The idea behind the theme is very interesting and I think Oliver Stone handles the material well, the script and the acting are good, and you end up rooting for Mickey and Mallory even though they are murderers. The supporting cast - Tommy Lee Jones and Robert Downey Jr are also great, but this is Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis's movie.
There is a lot of violence in the movie that many people wont like, but despite this, it is an intelligent and satirical movie that will certainly go down in history - you gotta see it to understand its one of I kind. The editing, which obviously Stone took a lot of time over is one thing that takes a bit of getting used to - changing from normal to green to black n white every 10 mins or so, but this just adds to the feel of the film and I think it works well.
So, I highly recommend this film. I bought the UK boxset when it came out, although there is an excellent directors cut which has loads of fab extras - including some infamous deleted scenes.

not for all tastes4
If you have heard that Quentin Tarantino had vague and unclear connections with this film, and want to buy it because you enjoyed his work, this is not for you. However, if you are a fan of Oliver Stone and incredibly infamous films, than you've come to the right place.

The film is, as you've probably already heard, is incredibly violent but it is in no way "mindless." After you get over the shock factor of the film, and watch it a couple of more times, you start to realise that there is an underlying message about humanity and its attitude towards killing and death.

With stunning performances from Woddy Harrelson and Juliette Lewis, not to mention the genuinely chillingly original directing from Oliver Stone, this film is a must have for the collection. Just so long as it is not put next to the Bridget Jones' Diary boxset.