Romper Stomper DVD Review:


The Movie

Romper Stomper starts off with a bang! Right from the start we're introduced to the amount of violence that follows later in the movie. I think this movie kind of served as an inspiration of American History X. These two movies are considerably identical. Well, almost. History X has a bit more meaning to it than Stomper, because there's actually a lesson learned and it's more emotional. Not that Stomper isn't emotional, but it felt sort of flat in terms of having a message. The views expressed here are more likely to be neutral, favoring neither the skinhead's or the oppressed POV. Nevertheless, the movie was powerful. It's got a hazy feel to it and much of the picture is blue (maybe because it's so cold in that part of Australia? I think it's more likely due to the fact that Wright intended to tamper with the filter a bit to create a more wary atmosphere).

I don't think the characters are nihilistic. They're not immune to emotions and they do bleed. The realistic manner in which all the characters were portrayed raised the ante of involvement, maybe making you feel a little bit of sympathy for them because for the lost purpose of their lives. The last 30 minutes of Romper Stomper are renegade-like and build up to the perfect, yet unhappy ending. A triangle relationship never works. Proving it is the confrontation between gang leader Hando (Crowe) and his best friend Davey (Pollock) at the end. Gabe (McKenzie) was Hando's girlfriend for a while, but Davey always had an eye for her. Davey is fighting for Gabe while Hando is fighting to get rid of her (everything makes more sense in the end). It also makes an interesting point, which is kind of ironic, about how a character is basically setting up his own death in the end (remember the knife Davey bought from Hando's dough).

Romper Stomper is a powerful film that glorifies its subject matter just a little too much. Its soundtrack and the respective performances of Crowe, Pollock, and McKenzie all add to the reality of the movie. I don't think anybody should avoid seeing this movie, because it makes you aware of the situation of desperation and lost cause that took place, or still does perhaps, in Melbourne at the time (and most likely anywhere else).

8 out of 10

The Video

The transfer of the video is definitely a great improvement from the video version. Shot in super-16 film, the picture adds black bars to top and bottom (anamorphic). Now, I'm not saying it's perfect. Compared to grainy VHS, the picture quality of this DVD is pretty buff, too. There are some occasional scratches and a little grain is left. Some of the colors are not completely fleshed out.

7 out of 10

The Audio

The sound is also a major improvement from the video version. Its soundtrack rocks the speakers in three formats this DVD has to offer: English 5.1 Surround, English 2.0 Surround, and English 5.1 Surround DTS presentation, though it could've been a little bit better. Again, a big improvement over the VHS quality, but it's not close to THX or anything like that. It didn't affect the enjoyment of the movie, but it sure could've boosted the amount of noise that Romper Stomper identifies with.

7 out of 10

The Extras

Speaking of extras, I wish there'd been some deleted scenes. I'm aware that there's a bootleg copy out there of the uncut version, because this movie initially received an NC-17 for the violence and sexuality. Sadly, any excised scenes that were definitely made are not included in this 2-disc set.

Next is Geoffrey Wright's commentary. I guess he recorded this in his house somewhere, because there is the occasional hollow sound. Nevertheless, Wright provides a lot of insight of the movie that is both intriguing and interesting. I learned that Daniel Pollock lost his life in 1994 (he actually did not mention how, but under the 'Facts' section his death was due to his cocaine addiction that caused him to throw himself in front of a train; pretty fucking sad actually). Then there's the time when Crowe and some of the cast members were arrested because they wore the skinhead attire while getting ready for the characters. He also mentioned how Romper Stomper got its funding and that he received [some] support from the Vietnamese community.

The interviews section is pretty much loaded with all sorts of information and insight. There are the promotional interviews the cast did in 1992 and new/recent interviews by Wright. The making-of and "Skinhead" documentary that are included add to the reality that Romper Stomper conveyed.

I think that the 2nd disc is somewhat scant. Sure, there is the trailer and the many interviews, two documentaries, three reviews of the movie, and facts. However, it would've been nice to know about the deleted scenes and maybe a second commentary by Wright, Crowe, and McKenzie all together. But why bitch when you have a lot already.

8 out of 10

Overall DVD Rating: 8 out of 10

Site Contents Copyright© The Z Review, unless used with permission.This site has no intention to infringe on the rights of the film owners of Romper Stomper and intellectual copyright holders of the movies mentioned herein & hold copyright over the movie, characters, merchandise & storyline.