There are few directors that I rate high when it comes to true innovation and creativity when it comes to filmmaking. Most directors are content to stay within the boundaries set by film schools and the Hollywood status quo. Ranking high on my list is Robert Rodriguez. Like most directors, only a few of his films are really great as far as the entertainment value goes, but unlike other directors ALL of his films show what a creative (and frugal) genius he is when it comes to delivery. Rodriguez also has the distinction of crossing boundaries that very few directors cross. He has made films like “El Mariachi”, “Desperado” and “From Dusk ‘Til Dawn” that are bloody and excessively violent, and turned around and created the “Spy Kids” that is enormously popular with kids. What’s next I have to wonder. I mentioned before the two films “El Mariachi” and “Desperado.” I mention them again because they are the subjects of this DVD review.

Sony / Columbia Tristar has seen fit to re-release both film on DVD (separately or in a box set) with a slew of new extras. Both of these films are important to Rodriguez’s career for different reasons.

“El Mariachi”, which was released in 1992, was Rodriguez’s first feature length film. He shot it while a film student in Austin for an unheard of $7,000. With little money he created a film that caught the attention of critics worldwide with its frenzied pace and creative storytelling style. And as it told the story of a Mariachi (Carlos Gallardo) who unwittingly gets caught up in a deadly game with drug lords, Rodriguez chose to film the movie in Spanish, even though many of the cast didn’t even speak the language.

I remember the first time I caught “El Mariachi” on video, I was completely blown away by its style and humor. When I heard shortly thereafter that there was a bigger budget sequel being made, “Desperado”, I couldn’t wait to see it. That one I caught in the theatre, and I loved every minute of it. From its opening sequence in which Steve Buscemi (can you NOT love a movie that Bescemi is in?) tells a group of guys in a bar about the legendary Mariachi (now played by Antonio Banderas), “Desperado” reeled me in with its perfect blend of music and some of the most stylish camera work I have ever seen. The slow motion shootouts are reminiscent of Peckinpah, but are so extreme and over the top as to be as funny as they are violent.

Both movies tell pretty much the same story, though one is a continuation of the other. The main differences were in the casting. Antonio Banderas replaced the original Mariachi, Carlos Gallardo, in the sequel. I’d get into all the reasons why, but you can find out when you watch the discs. I had enjoyed Gallardo’s performance so much though, that I was glad to see him turn up in the sequel as one of the Mariachi’s cousins.

The DVD treatments for both of these films are terrific. The transfer for “El Mariachi” was supervised by Rodriguez (where he finds time for all these projects is beyond me), and is superb. Considering the quality of the original print, this new version looks and sounds almost pristine. The same goes for the quality of “Desperado”, though it obviously looks better due to the fact that the higher budget allowed for a high quality print to begin with. The sound on this one is incredible. Trust me when I tell you that you HAVE to turn it up loud.

Both discs offer up commentary by Rodriguez, and his is amongst the best I’ve heard. He is funny and full of great stories and information about the background of both films. Both include versions of Rodriguez’s infamous “10-minute Film School”, where the director shows you how he is able to make movies AND save money.

For those already into Robert Rodriguez’s films, and especially these two, you’ll be glad to know that he has finally made the third film in the Mariachi Trilogy, “Once Upon a Time in Mexico,” which will be released in theatres later this year. Both the “El Mariachi” and the “Desperado” discs give us a short look at it. From what they show, I think it will easily live up to its predecessors.

Lastly, the “El Mariachi” DVD contains Rodriguez’s Award-Winning Film Short, “Bedhead.” I had often heard of this short, but had never had the chance to see it. Judging from the names of the actors in this 9-minute black and white film, it would seem that they are all members of his family. It is extremely funny, and within the first few moments showcases the cinematography that has become the signature of most of his films.

As far as violent action films go, you can’t go wrong with either of these two DVDs. “El Mariachi”, despite it’s low budget, is a great film. It’s easy to see how it was able to jump-start Rodriguez’s career. “Desperado” is also a terrific, depending on your tastes. The humor is sometimes a bit twisted, and the violent action sequences are extreme to the point of ridiculous. I really think the trick to enjoying these films is to not take them seriously. Rodriguez certainly doesn’t want you to.

El Mariachi
Directed by: Robert Rodriguez
Starring: Carlos Gallardo, Consuelo Gomez, Peter Marquardt
Extras: Director’s Commentary, Robert Rodriguez Short Film “BedHead”, 10-minute Film School Featurette, Sneak Peak “Once Upon a Time in Mexico
Specifications: Widescreen (1.85:1), Spanish and French Dolby Surround, Subtitles in English, Spanish French and Korean
Studio: Sony / Columbia Tristar
Release Date: 8/26/2003
Region 1
MPAA Rating: R (Strong Violence)
Website: http://www.sonypictures.com

Desperado
Directed by: Robert Rodriguez
Starring: Antonio Banderas, Joaquim De Almeida, Salma Hayek, Steve Buscemi, Cheech Marin, Quentin Tarantino
Extras: Exclusive First Look at “Once Upon a Time in Mexico”, 10 More Minutes with Robert Rodriguez – “Anatomy of a Shootout”, Director Commentary, Free Trial of Screenblast Movie Studio? – Video Editing Software
Specifications: Widescreen (1.85:1), English and French Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, Portuguese and Spanish Dolby Surround, Subtitles in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Thai and Mandarin Chinese
Studio: Sony / Columbia Tristar
Release Date: 8/26/2003
Region 1
MPAA Rating: R (Strong Bloody Violence, a Strong Sex Scene and Language)
Website

We'll give Desperado / El Mariachi an A.