Heroine Redefines Action in a Dystopian World

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MOVIE REVIEW
Tank Girl (Limited Edition Box Set) (Blu-ray)
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Genre: Comedy, Sci-Fi, Superhero, Action
Year Released: 1995, 2024 Eureka Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 44m
Director(s): Rachel Talalay
Writer(s): Alan Martin, Jamie Hewlett, Tedi Sarafian
Cast: Lori Petty, Naomi Watts, Malcolm McDowell, Ice-T, Jeff Kober, Reg E. Cathey, Scott Coffey, Don Harvey, Ann Cusack, Iggy Pop, James Hong, Richard Schiff
Where To Watch: available now, order your copy here: www.eurekavideo.co.uk

RAVING REVIEW: Welcome to the wasteland of 2033, where TANK GIRL transforms dystopian decay into a canvas of radical expression. Directed by Rachel Talalay and charged with the electric Lori Petty in the lead, this film reimagines a beloved British comic with a bold mix of anarchic humor and post-apocalyptic adventure. The planet is dried and dying from a devastating environmental disaster, leaving humanity at the mercy of the ruthless Kesslee, portrayed with delicious villainy by Malcolm McDowell at the helm of the oppressive Water & Power.

Amid this desolation emerges the unyielding Rebecca Buck—TANK GIRL. Petty delivers a defiant and dynamic performance, turning a heavily armored tank into an icon of resistance. Alongside her is Naomi Watts as Jet Girl, whose understated portrayal contrasts with the wild ensemble of kangaroo-human hybrids, the Rippers. Together, they ignite a rebellion against the draconian regime, striving to rewrite the rules of their scorched earth.

TANK GIRL's aesthetic is a frenetic juxtaposition of gritty live-action and vibrant animation, a nod to its comic origins that injects the film with kinetic energy. Catherine Hardwicke's production design crafts a stark and explosively colorful world, reflecting TANK GIRL's chaotic life force. This visual boldness is matched by its ambition, with the film daring to splice genres and styles in a way that keeps viewers on their toes.

Breaking from the mold of conventional female action heroes, Petty’s TANK GIRL is a revolutionary force. She doesn’t just participate in the action—she propels it, bringing a punk rock flair to every scene that challenges the status quo of mid-'90s cinema. The eclectic cast, from McDowell’s menacing turn to Watts’ nuanced performance, adds exploration to this rich cinematic world. Ice-T’s portrayal of T-Saint introduces a surreal twist, blending the bizarre with the battle-worn.

The film’s score/soundtrack, curated by Courtney Love, features a soundtrack that complements its rebellious spirit, with tracks from Björk and Hole that enhance the gritty visuals and underscore the film’s high-octane moments. This includes an audacious musical number that disrupts conventional storytelling, infusing the narrative with unexpected musical bravado.

Over the years, TANK GIRL has rallied a formidable cult following, revered for its audacity and distinctive style. The film challenges norms with its robust feminist undertones and unconventional heroine, influencing many films that champion themes of rebellion and empowerment.

Reflecting on TANK GIRL now is a testament to the adventurous spirit of '90s cinema, encapsulating the era's fascination with dystopian narratives and anti-establishment sentiment. Its revival as a cult classic underscores the shifting tides of audience appreciation and the lasting allure of narratives that defy conventional storytelling norms.

TANK GIRL celebrates cinematic rebellion in its tumultuous production and vibrant execution. While it may not have initially achieved widespread acclaim or commercial success, its enduring presence in the cult cinema landscape attests to its significant impact. TANK GIRL stands unrivaled for those searching for a film that challenges conventions and delivers a unique experience.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Limited Collector's Edition Box Set [2000 copies]
Limited Edition Hardbound Slipcase featuring new artwork by Tank Girl cover artist Greg Staples.
Limited edition 60-page collector’s book featuring an introduction by Tank Girl co-creator Alan Martin and new writing on the film by genre cinema experts Stacey Abbott, Susan Kerns, and Kieran Foster
1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray
5.1 DTS-HD MA and LPCM 2.0 audio options
Optional English SDH
Audio commentary with director Rachel Talalay and actress Lori Petty
Not a Bedtime Story – A new interview with artist Greg Staples on Tank Girl from page to screen
Girl U Want – A new appreciation of Tank Girl with film scholar and fan Lindsay Hallam
Baseball, Tanks and Bad Tattoos – archival interview with star Lori Petty
Too Hip for Spielberg – archival interview with director Rachel Talalay
Creative Chaos – archival interview with production designer Catherine Hardwicke
The Shape of Ripper – archival interview with actor Doug Jones
Making Tank Girl – archival 1995 featurette
Theatrical Trailer

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[photo courtesy of EUREKA ENTERTAINMENT]

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