directed by Kevin Smith
USA 1994

 

Hailed as a 'genius' by the chattering class and high school rebels Kevin Smith is regarded by film purists as no more than hack - specifically as a director that should keep his ego in check and remain doing what he is more proficient at: writing. Faux-indie cinema hailed only because of its amateurish acting and poor production values comes across a cheapo rip-off to even the most widely sophomoric counter-cultural wannabees with an excess tank of GenX angst. Yes at $30,000 - Clerks seemed promising as it won some Euro-trash awards. However, the appeal of his films appears to have dried up faster than the flailing sentiment that he once had a following. I'm sure we will see something from him, if only to capitalize on what is left of those who are bemused by "Silent Bob" as his 'movie-star' friends flee like rats from a sinking ship deserting him for the latest photo-op or gossamer breasted starlet. Fame can be most fleeting to those who seek it out the hardest - whether in obvious of obviously obtuse ways. A true hero to the slacker culture Smith reaps the benefits of such a following - absolutely nada. I guess it is true that you DO reap what you sow. Kevin Smith needs a good shot of Jean Renoir backed up with a chaser of Yasujiro Ozu... or better yet buy the Cassavetes Boxset!

Posters

Theatrical Release: January 1994

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DVD Comparison:

Miramax - Region 1 - NTSC vs. Miramax (SE) - Region 1 - NTSC

Big thanks to Enrique B Chamorro and for the Screen Caps!

(Miramax - Region 1 - NTSC - LEFT vs.Miramax (SE) - Region 1 - NTSC - RIGHT)

DVD Box Covers

Distribution

Miramax

Region 1 - NTSC

 Miramax
Region 1 - NTSC
Runtime 1:31:36 1:31:39
Video

1.85:1 Original Aspect Ratio
Average Bitrate: 6.24 mb/s
NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s

1.85:1 Original Aspect Ratio

16X9 enhanced
Average Bitrate: 6.35 mb/s
NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s

NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate:

 

Miramax

 

Bitrate:

 

Miramax (SE)

 

Audio English 2.0

English DD 5.1, French DD 5.1
Subtitles English, none English, Spanish, none
Features Release Information:
Studio: Miramax

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen letterboxed - 1.85:1

Edition Details:
• VOB file dates: 05/14/99
• Comm. track with dir. Smith, cast and crew
• Theatrical Trailer
• Alt. ending with intro my Smith
• 7 Deleted Scenes with intros by Smith
• Soul Asylum music video (Clerks style dir. by Kevin Smith)
• 1 page chapter list

DVD Release Date: 06/29/99
Plastic Keepcase

Chapters 19
 

 Release Information:
Studio: Miramax

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen anamorphic - 1.85:1

Edition Details:
• VOB file dates: 07/30/04
• Disc 1; original comm. track
• Same Threatrical Trailer
• Animated Lost Scene (play inserted in film or alone)
• Flying Car Short Film
• 8 Jay and Silent Bob MTV spots
• 3 short features on restoration
• 4 original audition tapes
• Disc 2; Original Fullframe Version of Clerks (1:44:04, 18 chapters)
• New commentary track as audio only or as video session taped
• Disc 3; Snowball Effect Doc. (90 min., 39 chapters)
• 10th Anniversary Q & A
• Mae Day (short school film project by Smith & Scott)
• 13 Outtakes for Snowball Effect
• Still Photo Gallery, articles, journals, 24 page booklet
 

DVD Release Date: 09/07/04
Triple foldout digipack

Chapters 18

 

 

Comments

Both images look pretty pure with excess film grain, but the new SE has far superior contrast and a shade more detail, although it is evident that there has been brightness boosting and items in the background appear to be lost. We have some minor cropping on both sides (and top) of the initial release and the decision for fans of this film is quite easy. The 3 disc new SE is stacked with extras, a beefed up audio track (and offered French DUB) and wins this contest hands down.  

- Gary Tooze

 

 




DVD Menus

(Miramax - Region 1 - NTSC - LEFT vs.Miramax (SE) - Region 1 - NTSC - RIGHT)

 

 

 

Disc 2 and 3 of the new SE

 

 

 

Subtitle sample

(Miramax - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP vs. Miramax (more stuff from SE) - Region 1 - NTSC - MIDDLE vs. Miramax (SE) - Region 1 - NTSC - BOTTOM)

 

 

Screen Captures

(Miramax - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP vs. Miramax (SE) - Region 1 - NTSC - BOTTOM)

 

 

(Miramax - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP vs. Miramax (SE) - Region 1 - NTSC - BOTTOM)

 

 

(Miramax - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP vs. Miramax (SE) - Region 1 - NTSC - BOTTOM)

 

 

(Miramax - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP vs. Miramax (SE) - Region 1 - NTSC - BOTTOM)

 

 

(Miramax - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP vs. Miramax (SE) - Region 1 - NTSC - BOTTOM)

 

 

(Miramax - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP vs. Miramax (SE) - Region 1 - NTSC - BOTTOM)

 

 

 

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Report Card:

Image:

SE

Sound:

SE
Extras: SE
Menu: SE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Gary Tooze

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