MOVIE REVIEW
Zyzzyx Road (2-Disc Collector's Edition) [4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray]
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Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Year Released: 2006, 2024 4K Dark Arts Entertainment
Runtime: 1h 20m
Director(s): John Penney
Writer(s): John Penney
Cast: Katherine Heigl, Leo Grillo, Tom Sizemore, Rickey Medlocke, Yorlin Madera, Meguire Grillo, Di Koob, Nancy Linari, Michael Lugenbuehl
Where To Watch: available November 26, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.mvdshop.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In a universe where box office numbers often dictate a film's perceived value, ZYZZYX ROAD emerges as a striking contradiction. Despite securing a spot in history for its notably meager $30 earnings (yep, it was only released in one theater), this 2006 release offers a compelling narrative that dives deep into psychological tension and moral ambiguity. Set against the haunting expanses of the Mojave Desert, the film weaves a tale that challenges the metrics we gauge cinematic success.

The plot centers on Grant (Leo Grillo,) an accountant whose life veers off course during a seemingly benign business trip to Las Vegas. Here, he crosses paths with Marissa, a younger woman played by Katherine Heigl (just before her rise to fame.) The narrative turns darker when Joey, Marissa's impulsive ex, portrayed by Tom Sizemore, steps into the picture, escalating the drama to lethal levels. Their attempt to erase their tracks leads them into the barren desert, only to confront the unknown, propelling them into a psychological maze that mirrors their desolate landscape.

John Penney’s direction aims to encapsulate the characters' solitude and internal conflict through a meticulously crafted visual style. Enriched by David Klein's cinematography, the desert is painted in shades that heighten the suspense, making the setting a silent narrator of the unfolding drama. The desolate vistas serve as a backdrop and a canvas reflecting the characters’ escalating despair and confusion.

While the film’s story ambitions soar, its performances are mixed. Grillo, who pulls double duty as producer, delivers a nuanced portrayal of Grant, though his performance occasionally lacks the depth to fully anchor the film’s heavier moments. Heigl brings a complex blend of fragility and cunning to Marissa, providing a textured performance that the script only partially explores. Sizemore adds a robust intensity to the film, ensuring that his character’s presence is felt throughout the narrative despite a backdrop of personal and legal controversies.

A significant strength of the film is its approach to suspense, sidestepping conventional thriller tropes in favor of a slow-building psychological tension. This strategy sets the stage for a cerebral cat-and-mouse game. The film’s minimalist production, focused heavily on character and setting, magnifies this tension and exposes the dialogue and pacing to potential criticism.

The film’s infamously dismal box office is as integral to its story as the plot itself. With a release confined to a single theater in Dallas and minimal promotional efforts, its financial fate was sealed from the outset. While disastrous financially, this strategy paradoxically bolstered the film's cult status within the enthusiast community, making it a subject of curiosity and retrospective acclaim.

ZYZZYX ROAD displays sporadic brilliance with the stark contrast between the barren desert, which helps explore the film’s darker themes. At the same time, the sound design uses minimalism to amplify tension, allowing the quiet moments to resonate as strongly as the score. While predictable, the film reflects the overarching issue of a project whose reach sometimes exceeds its grasp. The ending encapsulates the film’s journey—a blend of high ambition and imperfect execution.

Despite its flaws, ZYZZYX ROAD stands out as a study of how high concepts can sometimes exceed the grasp of indie filmmaking budgets. It examines darker human facets and the repercussions of desperate choices. It provides a viewing experience that resonates well beyond its initial box office impression for those drawn to psychological depth and cinematic innovation.

4K ULTRA HD DISC FEATURES:
4K Restoration of the film supervised by Director John Penney and presented in HDR 2160p in its original 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio
New Introduction by Director John Penney and Actor Leo Grillo
Commentary Track with Actor / Producer Leo Grillo
Commentary Track with Writer / Director / Producer John Penney
Optional English Subtitles

BLU-RAY DISC FEATURES:
4K Restoration of the film supervised by Director John Penney and presented in 2K 1080p HD in its original 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio
New Introduction by Director John Penney and Actor Leo Grillo
Commentary Track with Actor / Producer Leo Grillo
Commentary Track with Writer / Director / Producer John Penney
"The Legacy of Zyzzyx Road" featurette
11 Archival Behind the Scenes Featurettes
Archival Interview with Director John Penney
Shooting Location: Then & Now Featurette
Storyboard to Scenes Featurette
Storyboard Slideshow
"The Mystery of Zyzzyx Road" Music Video
Optional English Subtitles
Trailer

Bonus Materials
4K ULTRA HD DISC: 4K Restoration of the film supervised by Director John Penney and presented in HDR 2160p in its original 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio
4K ULTRA HD DISC: New Introduction by Director John Penney and Actor Leo Grillo
4K ULTRA HD DISC: Commentary Track with Actor / Producer Leo Grillo
4K ULTRA HD DISC: Commentary Track with Writer / Director / Producer John Penney
4K ULTRA HD DISC: Optional English Subtitles
BLU-RAY DISC: 4K Restoration of the film supervised by Director John Penney and presented in 2K 1080p HD in its original 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio
BLU-RAY DISC: New Introduction by Director John Penney and Actor Leo Grillo
BLU-RAY DISC: Commentary Track with Actor / Producer Leo Grillo
BLU-RAY DISC: Commentary Track with Writer / Director / Producer John Penney
BLU-RAY DISC: 'The Legacy of Zyzzyx Road' featurette
BLU-RAY DISC: 11 Archival Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes
BLU-RAY DISC: Archival Interview with Director John Penney
BLU-RAY DISC: Shooting Location: Then & Now Featurette
BLU-RAY DISC: Storyboard to Scenes Featurette
BLU-RAY DISC: Storyboard Slideshow
BLU-RAY DISC: 'The Mystery of Zyzzyx Road' Music Video
BLU-RAY DISC: Optional English Subtitles
BLU-RAY DISC: Theatrical Trailer

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[photo courtesy of DARK ARTS ENTERTAINMENT, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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