Release Date: 7/28/2007

The Film

I wasn’t a huge fan of Shaun of the Dead, but most certainly appreciated the spirit behind the film. Now, the team of Simon Pegg, Edgar Wright, and Nick Frost are back with Hot Fuzz, a buddy comedy/action thriller. Keeping the comedic formula in tact, the film takes Pegg and Frost into the realm of law enforcement with the usual elements of quirky humor and gory violence.

Nicholas Angel (Pegg) is a police officer that is just a little too into his job. In fact, we learn that his arrest rate is 400% higher than the rest of the precinct’s rates and consequently, he separated from his wife because of his over dedication to his line of work. Because of Angel’s overzealousness, his superiors are concerned that he’s making the rest of them look bad, and so, Angel is promoted to sergeant. Unfortunately, he has also been transferred to a quiet town that boasts a very low crime rate.

However, it doesn’t take long for Angel to begin suspecting that foul play is abound as many of the town’s suspicious deaths are simply ruled as accidents. Now on the hunt to uproot a supposedly idyllic world, Angel must uncover the village’s dark secret all the while trying to temper his devotion to the law and maintaining a friendship with a dopy partner (Frost).

The DVD

The main menu offered comes with a nice introduction and transition scenes between menus and submenus. Atmospheric music plays throughout the menus.

The video is offered in 2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen Format. The picture looks very good with vibrant colors and a decent amount of detail. Many of the gory special effects even come through as very realistic this time around with the blood looking nice and red.

The audio is offered in English Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, and French Dolby Digital 5.1. The tracks are well done and utilize directional speakers when necessary. The bass thumps right when they are needed and the atmospheric score comes through nicely. Subtitles are offered in English, Spanish, and French.

The Extras

The Audio Commentary is provided by filmmakers, Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright.

The Fuzzball Rally: US Tour Piece runs 28-minutes and features a video diary of the team as they press the flesh across the country.

Hot Funk is a quick 4-minute piece showcasing the show with much softer language for television broadcast.

Danny’s Notebook is very short throwaway piece that features a flipbook animation of just what Danny’s got going on in his thick skull.

The bonus options round out with a 10-minute Outtakes reel, 22 Deleted Scenes with optional commentary, Storyboards, a Trivia Track, and Trailers.

Final Thoughts

Fans of Shaun of the Dead will most certainly find entertainment from Hot Fuzz especially with all the bonus options. Personally, this is a rental with some laughs here and there with lots of action and gore, but nothing with any huge replay value.

- Morris Tang