The vengeful Bride returns to cross a few more names off of her rapidly shortening list in Miramax Home Entertainment's release of Kill Bill Vol. 2, and though it feels like only a precursor to the inevitable feature-packed release that will follow soon after, this release does offer a few choice gems in addition to a solid presentation of the feature attraction. Presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen, the image offers even skin tones, solid blacks, and vivid colors. Though the occasional intrusion of edge-enhancement may prove somewhat distracting to some viewers, the overall commendable visual presentation is generally solid. Audiophiles will be happy to note the inclusion of both an English-language Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 track, both of which are accompanied by closed captioning and provide a rich, full-bodied listening experience without any notable distortion or hiss. In addition to an alternate French-language audio track, Miramax has also seen fit to include optional Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish subtitles. Of course, fans of both Kill Bill films are no doubt aware of Miramax's plans to release them at first separately and then with a super deluxe combo package following at some point in the near future, and though the extra materials provided on this disc are indeed satisfying, they do seem more like an appetizer than a hearty meal. A three-and-a-half-minute deleted scene in which Bill faces off against a vengeful gang of thugs whose boss he previously killed finds Tarantino's Shaw Brothers fanaticism in full effect. A 25-minute behind-the-scenes segment offers interviews with Tarantino, Uma Thurman, Daryl Hannah, and David Carradine in which they discuss the appeal of the characters and the manner in which Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Kill Bill Vol. 2 compliment one another. Though those looking for in-depth details regarding the production may walk away with a slight pang of disappointment, viewers simply looking for a little fun will surely enjoy the featurette. Rounding things out is a solid performance by Chingon at the Kill Bill Vol. 2 premiere, in which the band (featuring director Robert Rodriguez on guitar) strums one of the tunes from the film's soundtrack.

Harvey Keitel, Steve Buscemi, Michael Madsen, Quentin Tarantino. As they hide out from the cops, a group of criminals try to figure out how their jewel heist went so terribly wrong in this thrilling directorial debut for Quentin Tarantino. 1991/color/100 min/R.

Artisan gives Reservoir Dogs the treatment it richly deserves on this tenth anniversary Special Edition. The film is offered in both a widescreen transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1, and an inferior full-frame image. English soundtracks are rendered in Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital Surround, and DTS Surround. Supplemental materials include a variety of scene specific commentaries from people involved in the production as well as major film critics, featurettes about the actors, the original theatrical trailer, and a variety of quirky small extras like a reenactment of the famous torture scene using only the Reservoir Dogs action figures.