Double Dip Demands is a column in which I propose films that deserve a re-release on DVD/Blu-Ray with more special features, better transfers and other nerdy bits. Some of the films have no DVDs out there for Region 1 viewers, and some of them have a really crappy version that's bare bones or poorly put together. Who speaks for these films? I do.

The Film: Southland Tales (2006)

Cast & Crew: Richard Kelly (writer/director): Dwayne Johnson, Seann William Scott, Sarah Michelle Gellar, John Laroquette, Wallace Shawn, Wood Harris, Lou Pucci, Christopher Lambert, Jon Lovitz, Justin Timberlake, Mandy Moore, Cheri Oteri, Amy Poehler, Kevin Smith, Nora Dunn

Plot Synopsis (via IMDB): Southland Tales is an ensemble piece set in the futuristic landscape of Los Angeles on July 4, 2008, as it stands on the brink of social, economic and environmental disaster. Boxer Santaros is an action star who's stricken with amnesia. His life intertwines with Krysta Now, an adult film star developing her own reality television project, and Ronald Taverner, a Hermosa Beach police officer who holds the key to a vast conspiracy.

Is it Out Currently? Yes on DVD (with some extras) and Blu-Ray (with a bit more).

Why Does it Deserve Special Features? Richard Kelly's magnum opus, Southland Tales, is a complete disaster. It premiered to scathing reviews and lots of booing at Cannes. Then it trimmed down about 15 minutes, reshot a few scenes, added some dialogue and effects and was re-released on the world - to scathing reviews and lots of booing. So why does a film that Nathan Rabin labeled a "Fiasco" deserve another release? Because it's utterly unique. Southland Tales is a weird synthesis of Philip K. Dick, Douglas Copeland,Robert Altman, Raymond Chandler, Jonathan Lethem, MTV, Saturday Night Live and a slew of college freshman political science, philosophy and sociology courses - often taking the weakest aspects of each of these influences when adding it to the stew. But here's the thing: it has a lot of good stuff in that abominable amalgamation. From the (oft mentioned) Justin Timberlake lip synching scene, to the semi-clever sci-fi aspects, to a lot of the visuals and a many of the characters - Kelly created a rich world that was intriguing and, if taking piece by piece, would be ultimately rewarding. Unfortunately, each piece belongs to the work as a whole, and so a scene played for comedy runs up against deadly serious characters, and vice versa. But it covers a lot of ground - from the energy crisis, to Patriot Act, to worshipping of celebrities, the way media manipulates reality, the impotent protestations of the Left, the need for drugs and escape...each of these elements stays with the viewer for many nights afterwards. Unfortunately, it usually culminates in "If only Kelly hadn't then done..." but still - it's always more impressive to find films that stay with you and vex you than forgettable movies that are lost in a sea of apathy.

What Should Be on the Disc?

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