TRAUMA MAGAZINE

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Soylent Green (Richard Fleischer, 1973)

It's made with…Heston….it's made with HESTON!! While it may be made with Heston, don't let this stop you from checking out the DVD release of Soylent Green. I know what you are thinking: isn't this just another low-budget end-of-the-world movie that Charlton Heston uses as an excuse to act out his alpha male fantasies? Ok, you're right, but so what? You knew it would be.

While this may be the case, there are some extras on the DVD that are actually worth checking out. First, you can check out the commentary section (all hail the commentary gods) that contains recorded remarks from the director, Richard Fleischer, and "Shirl," Leigh Taylor-Young. Hang on to the edge of your seat, there's more. What? Your seat doesn't have an edge? Damn, these bean-bag chairs!

Also featured in the DVD is a documentary that gives a behind the scenes look at the making of Soylent Green. Within the documentary are clips from other sci-fi movies. One such treat is a brief but relatively good clip of Buster Crabbe's Flash Gordon. This is an unexpected treat for a movie of this caliber. But I'll take what I can get.

The special feature section also includes another gem: the documentary of a tribute to Edward G. Robinson. This is a touching and heart-rending moment...so why is Charlton Heston sweating so much? Soylent Green was Robinson's 101st film-and don't you forget it, mister! Unfortunately it was also his last…have mercy on his soul.

In case you have been counting the days until someone finally recognizes Heston's work in sci-fi, wait no longer, brother. The DVD also contains a rare look at Heston's work in the genre. Even if you are a Chucky aficionado chances are you will learn something new about your hero. Then won't all the girls at the office be jealous!

Some other noteworthy items: the DVD provides a cast and crew list that can be helpful to those struggling through the plot. Also, you can have your choice of spoken languages: English and French and subtitles: English, French, or Spanish. So, come on! Get your damn, dirty hands off the remote and get this DVD.

Michael A. Sheyahshe-Lell