Kill Bill 1 and 2 (Box Set) [2003]

This is not a comment on the films, which I think are brilliant.


DON'T BUY THIS BOXSET   August 13, 2005
Bawno (Bristol, United Kingdom)
82 out of 96 found this review helpful

Before I give my brief review please take this advice: DON'T BUY THIS BOXSET!

The Kill Bill Collection Boxset offers nothing special. It is merely both the films in their original one disc forms in their original cases. Nothing has been added, except a cardboard box! You can buy both films on this site for 14 and you can even buy both films in high street shops for this price too. Don't waste your money splashing out on this boxset because at the end of the day that is all it is, both the normal films...in a cardboard box. You pay around 20 extra for a cardboard box! Don't bother.
(It's not even a nice fold-out boxset and doesn't even have an attractive front cover. It's just a BOX!)

Now, the review. Basically Kill Bill one is a very original well shot classic Tarantino film with an absolutely excellent ending when Uma Thurman (and her Samurai sword) take on loads of japenese gangsters (also with swords). It is brilliant, no other words can describe it. Great scripting, soundtrack, cinematography and awesome action make this film one of my all time favourites.

On the contrary Kill Bill 2 is completely scripted with only a few short action scenes which don't even compare to Volume 1. The whole thing is talking!!! Yes there are some damn funny bits and still a great soundtrack but Volume One is easily a lot better.

Still these are the best Tarantino films around and the action in Volume One truly is awesome. But...DON'T BUY THE BOXSET!


The Whole Bloody Affair   January 23, 2005
62 out of 62 found this review helpful

Before I commence to review these movies, may I first clarify that I would not particularly suggest purchasing this box set. On the site, it is actually cheaper to buy the two films separately, this set is simply the first two bundled in a cardboard box. Simply, I found this to be the most appropriate outlet to express my views of both volumes.

The first volume of Kill Bill is an exhilerating rush. Set through five chapters, we follow the Bride as she pursues the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad whose attempts to eliminate her at her wedding five years previously failed. This film is a mix, with two chapters of action, two of more subdued thrills and another of Japanese 'anime' animation. This combination works well making this a pleasurable movie going experience. Uma Thurman is a wonderful actress and Lucy Liu's O-Ren Ishii is a very interesting character. On its own, this film stands well, although there is a feeling of emptiness towards the end; something is missing. Of course, that something is the second volume. As a separate film, I would give this three and a half stars.

The second volume is a whole different experience. In the final five chapters (6-10) The action of the first is dropped (to a certain extent) and the film concentrates more on Tarantino's signature dialogue which although humorous and intelligent does not wholly redeem this film which is not a success on its own. Those who have not seen the original will most likely be confused. However, the ending is worth waiting for, even if the 'apocalyptic' final battle lasts little longer than five seconds. Daryll Hannah's exceptional performance may be the strongest reason to watch it by itself. Two and a half stars.

HOWEVER, when put together as a four-and-a-bit hours marathon this film is beautiful. The action of the first volume compliments the calm second perfectly, with an appropriate combination of spaghetti western and kung-fu movies in the whole shebang. I would suggest watching both in one go, without breaks, in order to fully appreciate this exceptional duo.

Buy the movies separately, and wait for the extras-packed boxset Tarantino has promised us all.

And to think, Tarantino originally said that the whole thing could be done in ninety minutes...


Great Films, Rubbish Boxed Set!   August 9, 2005
38 out of 42 found this review helpful

Buy the films, but don't buy this boxed set!
Kill Bill Vol.1 and Kill Bill Vol.2 are both great films, sure, but if you want them buy them separately for 7.97 each - don't spend 35 on the box. Because that's all you get - a poxy cardboard box containing the exact same DVDs you can buy for 7.97 each!
When I read 'Boxed Set' I think Robocop or Hellraiser or Godfather. I want bonus disks or a clever fold-out box or something extra. Quentin says that all this is coming. I don't know when, but this is not it!


Unsure what to make of this one!   September 21, 2005
Gary Wilson (Watford, Herts United Kingdom)
12 out of 38 found this review helpful

Although I cannot deny that the opening fight scene grabbed your attention from the word go and the jumping backwards in time was true Tarrantino, having watched this movie I am still unsure if I loved it or loathed it!

The fight scenes and gore were impressive, if a little like a cartoon, but the story was thin and left me wishing there was less brutality and more story to grab you. The film clearly finished half way through the story and I dare say forcing me to rent Kill Bill Volume 2, I guess the plan all along.

I guess this is a film that everyone should see in order to make their own mind up.