DEAD MAN'S SHOES (DVD Review) - 10/7/06

I have been toying with the idea of watching this for a while and have just now got around to it and sat down and watched it. This bitterly sad but violent exploration of revenge and guilt is the fourth low-budget film from Director Shane Meadows and feature's close friend Paddy Considine (who comes across as very self-effacing in the additional behind the scenes material) in the lead role of an ex-soldier meting out his kind of justice. One of the most amazing performances comes from first-timer Toby Kebbell as Anthony (Richard's simple younger brother) who puts in some sterling work in this violent saga of drug dealers and petty thugs in a tale of really being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Not only does this have a visceral feeling of reality it also seems to be very much true to life in it's sprawling council estate's and people down at the bottom of the pile in society on the lowest rung of the ladder. It's been Rated 18 for very strong language, strong revenge violence and hard drug use - So it really doesn't flinch on really grinding you into the core of things. The use of home movies and grainy black & white footage also brings home to you the sadness of the situation and what most likely the fallout from that is going to be.
SPECIAL FEATURES: We get a Commentary on the film, Deleted Scenes & Extended Takes with an Alternate Ending. The "In Shane's Shoes" Behind The Scenes/Making Of Featurette, "Northern Soul" another short film by Shane Meadows. Scenes from the Graphic Novel, Music Video, Trailers and an Easter Egg of Audio Commentary Out-Takes.
FilmFour/Optimum Home Entertainment. Runtime: 86 Mins Approx. PAL Colour. Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic 1.85:1. Dolby 5.1. English. Region 2 (UK) & Europe. Rated: 18. 2005. OPTDO135/ISBN # 5060034571667.