Review by John Larkin
Available at retailers everywhere!
It was only two years ago that Paramount first released PULP FICTION in 4K, both in steelbook and regular amaray case with slipcover incarnations. Now for it's 30th Anniversary, Paramount has unveiled this gorgeous Limited Edition box set. Specially included in this box set and not included in the original release are:
· Premium Slipcase
· New Slipcover with Pop-Up Artwork
· Lobby Card Reproductions
· Photography Select Sheet
· Iconic Decals
Not long ago a friend asked me who my favorite living director was. It was a loaded question and in order to answer it I had to run through a slew of possible choices; Scorsese, P.T. Anderson, The Coen Brothers, to name a few. They all had films that I would count among my favorite but I struggled to decide who the top choice was. It then occurred to me that the real answer lie in which director made me the most excited when a new film of their’s was set to be released. The answer was very easily, Quentin Tarantino.
PULP FICTION was one of the first films I watched through my NETFLIX subscription. Not the giant steaming platform that it is today but the original DVD shipment service started over twenty years ago that made it possible to get your hands on almost any film on disc. Netflix was my gateway to discovering all the classics and PULP FICTION was at the top of the list. I was 15 years old on my first viewing and to say the film floored me would be an understatement. I had never experienced anything like it and It played a huge role in shaping my life as a filmmaker and editor. I had just started making short films in High School at the time and the subsequent short films I made in the years after were heavily influenced by Tarantino, not so much dialogue wise but by how I would shoot the films and my music choices.
That fall KILL BILL VOL. 1 was released in theaters and Tarantino would be cemented as my all time favorite filmmaker. As a 4K UHD fanatic Tarantino fans still have both KILL BILL volumes and JACKIE BROWN to look forward to being released. But for now, let's talk about what is still probably Tarantino's all time best film, PULP FICTION.
PULP FICTION, the brainchild of Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary, emerged as one of the most influential films in cinematic history. Tarantino and Avary first collaborated while working together at The Video Archives, a video rental store in Hermosa Beach, California. It was here, amidst the rows of VHS tapes and shared love of obscure films, that the seeds of their creative partnership were sown. Avary, who had originally penned several scenes for TRUE ROMANCE (1993) that didn’t make it into the final draft, repurposed these ideas. They became the foundation for what would evolve into the groundbreaking script for PULP FICTION.
At the heart of PULP FICTION lies its razor-sharp dialogue. From the witty banter of Jules and Vincent in the now-iconic "Royale with Cheese" exchange to Mia Wallace’s probing question about awkward silences, the film’s dialogue doesn’t just move the plot forward—it defines the characters and their world. The conversations are rich, layered, and often peppered with pop culture references, creating a cinematic language that remains unparalleled. PULP FICTION’s dialogue has cemented itself in the collective memory of audiences, ensuring that its lines continue to be quoted, parodied, and celebrated decades later.
When PULP FICTION premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 1994, it was nothing short of a cinematic revolution. Its win of the Palme d’Or was just the beginning; the film quickly became a cultural phenomenon, dominating box offices and captivating audiences worldwide. Its bold, non-linear storytelling shattered traditional narrative conventions, weaving together three interrelated stories of crime, redemption, and chance. The eclectic soundtrack, featuring everything from surf rock to soul classics, became a defining aspect of the film’s identity, with songs like "Misirlou" becoming synonymous with Tarantino’s style.
PULP FICTION’s influence reverberated throughout Hollywood. Its success sparked a wave of imitators attempting to replicate its irreverent tone, quirky characters, and genre-blending brilliance. However, no film has captured the alchemy of PULP FICTION’s writing, direction, and performances, making it an irreplaceable landmark in cinematic history.
Despite being nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, PULP FICTION only took home the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, awarded to Tarantino and Avary. While some critics bemoaned its loss in other categories, the film’s true victory was its enduring legacy. It became a touchstone for independent filmmaking, proving that bold storytelling and unconventional ideas could resonate with both critics and audiences.
Today, the legacy of PULP FICTION extends beyond the film itself. Tarantino and Avary have reunited for THE VIDEO ARCHIVES PODCAST, along with Avary’s daughter Gala. On the podcast, the trio dives back into the cinematic treasures of their youth, watching and dissecting VHS tapes from their days at The Video Archives. The show serves as a fascinating glimpse into the creative minds that helped shape one of cinema’s greatest achievements, offering fans a chance to explore the inspirations behind their groundbreaking work.
PULP FICTION remains a towering achievement in modern cinema—a masterclass in storytelling, dialogue, and direction. Its legacy as a cultural and artistic touchstone ensures that it will continue to inspire filmmakers and captivate audiences for generations to come.
THE VIDEO
Paramount has done a superb job with the 4K restoration. The transfer is beautiful with the perfect amount of grain and no noticeable DNR. The contrast and black levels are perfect and there were only a few brief shots that seemed to have some age and noise that couldn't be properly restored to match the consistency of the image throughout. The bit rate stays consistently around 65 Mbps throughout the entire film minus the white on black chapter cards.
THE AUDIO
PULP FICTION's 5.1 DTS track is flawless with no noticeable noise, hiss or distortion. The dialogue has never crackled better and the soundtrack has never sounded so sonically seductive.
THE EXTRAS
All of the legacy extras from the blu-ray and DVD are included with this set. Unfortunately nothing new here as far as special features. The most recent special feature made is the "Not the Usual Mindless Boring Getting to Know You Chit Chat" which is featured in HD and includes interviews with several cast members discussing their involvement in the film.
PULP FICTION 30th Anniversary limited edition set arrives in 4K just in time for the Holiday season and would make a great gift for the film fan in your life, or treat yourself to one of the all time greats in a stellar limited edition release from Paramount Pictures!
Comments