Total Recall: Ultimate Rekall Edition DVD Review

13th Jul 2012

Well, here we have a re-release of a disc of a movie which is currently being re-booted. Or re-made. I’m not quite sure what the proper term is these days, but you get the idea. So, are the studios simply cashing in on the idea of mooching off this re-boot, or is this a disc worth buying and can stand on its own?

Well, if you are a fan of 1990’s sci-f films, by all means go out and get Total Recall. It is the film you remember, with Arnold Schwarzenegger hammering home as the reluctant hero of Mars. The story, based loosely on the story “We Can Remember It For You Wholesale” by Philip K. Dick, still holds strong and it’s easy to see why we will be seeing it in theatres again soon.

Quaid (Schwarzenegger), the bored construction worker, dreams of a more exciting life, goes to Rekall – a company which can implant exotic memories and ego trips into the brain of those who request. There, he opts for the “memory” of being a super spy, saving the planet of Mars from total annihilation. And, it is at this point that Quaid does indeed have a memory, but one that was removed from his mind by the government. And Quaid does indeed set out to fix the wrong he has just recalled.

It is fair to say that Schwarzenegger is not known for his acting talents. In fact, I’m pretty he’s known for his lack of them. But he is surprisingly charismatic and welcoming in Total Recall as the hero who isn’t sure how he’s a hero. Sharon Stone stars as his homicidal wife, while love interest Rachel Ticotin is sublime in quite possibly her most well remembered role.

The other villains along with Stone are Michael Ironside and Ronny Cox, who are devious in their methods which come to a twist in a reveal towards the final act. And, taking into account that this film is over 20 years old, some of the make up throughout set standards for it’s time. The asphyxiation, the mutants, the removal of a mechanical bug from the protagonist’s skull each come with an element of awe.

And, just as all discs do these days, this comes with its special features. You’ve got the usual for a film of its age – trailers, commentary etc. However, if you need any incentive to get this disc, there is this. Recorded especially for this release, there is a new special feature which had not been seen before – an interview with the director, Paul Verhoeven, which goes truly in depth into the film. He talks of everything from casting, set, and how you can take the ending – which genuinely made me think, and rethink about the film.

This is a feature to bear in mind, especially with this reboot coming up. You will see the original Total Recall in a different light (pardon the pun – you’ll get it when you watch the interview), and you may watch the newer version with different eyes than the others seated around you. And it’s always nice to take away something new. It’s even nicer to get something new from something over 20 years old.

And who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?