Action, Identity, and Revenge: a Film Saga

Read Time:6 Minute, 31 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Mexico Trilogy: El Mariachi, Desperado & Once Upon A Time In Mexico [4k + Blu-ray Limited Edition]
El Mariachi  –
Desperado  –
Once Upon A Time In Mexico  –

Genre: B-Action, Contemporary Western, Gun Fu, Action, Crime, Thriller, Drug Crime, Dark Comedy
Year Released: 1992 / 1995 / 2003
Runtime: 1h 21m / 1h 44m / 1h 42m
Director(s): Robert Rodriguez
Writer(s): Robert Rodriguez
Cast: Carlos Gallardo, Consuelo Gómez, Jaime de Hoyos, Peter Marquardt, Reinol Martinez, Ramiro Gómez / Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek Pinault, Joaquim de Almeida, Steve Buscemi, Cheech Marin, Carlos Gómez / Antonio Banderas, Johnny Depp, Cheech Marin, Salma Hayek Pinault, Mickey Rourke, Willem Dafoe
Where To Watch: available August 27, 2024; pre-order here: www.arrowfilms.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Arrow Video's 4K release of THE MEXICO TRILOGY by Robert Rodriguez delivers an exhilarating refurbishment to this iconic series. These films—EL MARIACHI, DESPERADO, and ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO—do more than showcase daring action and Western-inspired gun fu; they weave complex stories about identity, vengeance, and the murky waters between heroes and villains. This new release offers a perfect entry point for newcomers and a high-definition trip down memory lane for long-time enthusiasts.

Starting in 1992, EL MARIACHI set the stage with its frugal yet practical production style, proving that creativity doesn't necessarily require a hefty budget. The storyline hooks viewers with a musician's dangerous adventure through a case of mistaken identity, all captured with raw authenticity. Rodriguez's use of real locations and non-professional actors lends an organic feel to the film, setting a gritty foundation for the trilogy.

As we transition to 1995, DESPERADO elevates the action and narrative stakes. Antonio Banderas stars as the vengeful protagonist, weaving his way through a maze of danger and intrigue set against the backdrop of a small Mexican town. The film is a mosaic of bullets and heartbeats, supported by a pulsating soundtrack that captures the essence of the setting. New characters, including the enigmatic Carolina (Salma Hayek) and the elusive Buscemi (Steve Buscemi), add complexity to the unfolding drama.

The trilogy reaches its zenith with ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO, featuring a star-studded cast including Johnny Depp, Mickey Rourke, Eva Mendes, and others. While visually stunning, this final chapter grapples with a dense plot packed with political intrigue and quests for revenge. Despite the narrative's tendency to sprawl, the film maintains the stylistic flair Rodriguez is known for, highlighted by standout moments punctuating the storyline's intensity.

The 4K restoration brings unparalleled clarity to Rodriguez's visionary cinematography, allowing every scene to pop with even more vibrancy and detail. The trilogy's exploration of themes such as identity and redemption is enhanced by the vivid portrayal of its characters and settings, making each film resonate with the viewer on multiple levels.

Arrow Video packs this release with features, including behind-the-scenes insights, interviews, and more, enriching the viewing experience by diving deep into the creative process behind the scenes. These additions offer fans a comprehensive look at Rodriguez's journey from an indie filmmaker to a celebrated director in the realms of action and cinema at large.

THE MEXICO TRILOGY is an essential saga for cinema lovers. It masterfully blends sharp wit, robust action, and profound storytelling, making it an indispensable addition to the libraries of both casual viewers and cinema scholars. With this release, Rodriguez's work is poised to inspire and entertain a new generation, securing its place in the pantheon of film history.

LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS
High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentations of all three films
4K (2160p) Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) of Desperado
Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing by Carlos Aguilar and Nicholas Clement
Reversible sleeves featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Paul Shipper
Double-sided posters featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Paul Shipper
Collectible poster featuring Robert Rodriguez's original poster concept for El Mariachi

DISC 1 – EL MARIACHI (BLU-RAY)
Original uncompressed Latin-American Spanish stereo audio, plus an English dub in lossless stereo
Optional English subtitles, plus English subtitles for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Commentary by writer-director Robert Rodriguez
Big Vision Low Budget, a newly filmed interview with Rodriguez
The Original Mariachi, a newly filmed interview with producer/star Carlos Gallardo
The Music of 'El Mariachi,' a newly produced featurette on the music in the film, featuring interviews with composers Eric Guthrie, Chris Knudson, Alvaro Rodriguez, and Marc Trujillo
Ten Minute Film School, an archive featurette produced and narrated by Rodriguez
Bedhead, a 1991 short film by Rodriguez
Theatrical trailer and TV spot

DISCS 2 & 3 – DESPERADO (BLU-RAY / 4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY)
New 4K restoration from the original camera negative by Sony Pictures
Original uncompressed stereo audio and DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround audio
Optional English subtitles for people who are deaf or hard of hearing
Audio commentary by writer-director Robert Rodriguez
Lean and Mean, a newly filmed interview with Rodriguez
Shoot Like Crazy, a newly filmed interview with producer Bill Borden
Kill Count, a newly filmed interview with stunt coordinator Steve Davison
Lock and Load, a newly filmed interview with special effects coordinator Bob Shelley
Game Changer, a newly filmed appreciation by filmmaker Gareth Evans (The Raid: Redemption)
Ten More Minutes: Anatomy of a Shootout, an archive featurette narrated by Rodriguez
Textless opening ("Morena de mi Corazón")
Theatrical trailers

DISC 4 – ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO (BLU-RAY)
Original DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround and 2.0 stereo audio
Optional English subtitles for people who are deaf or hard of hearing
Commentary by writer-director Robert Rodriguez
The Revolution Will Be Digitized, a newly filmed interview with Rodriguez
Troublemaking, a newly filmed interview with visual effects editor Ethan Maniquis
Eight deleted scenes, with optional commentary by Rodriguez
Ten Minute Flick School, an archive featurette narrated by Rodriguez
Inside Troublemaker Studios, an archive featurette on Rodriguez's studio in Austin
Ten Minute Cooking School, an archive featurette in which Rodriguez shows you how to cook Puerco Pibil
The film is Dead: An Evening with Robert Rodriguez, a presentation by the director given in 2003
The Anti-Hero's Journey, an archive featurette on the arc of the Mariachi
The Good, the Bad and the Bloody: Inside KNB FX, an archive featurette on the film's special effects
Theatrical trailers

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[photo courtesy of ARROW VIDEO, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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