Total Recall: Ultimate Rekall Edition [Blu-Ray]

A unique product of circumstance, Paul Verhoeven's salacious and deceptively thought-provoking, albeit loose, adaptation of Philip K. Dick's short story about a man trying to take a vacation from his mind, only to discover that his fantasies might be more real than his memories, is the recipient of a pristine HD restoration for its 22nd anniversary. Not only does it look and sound great, the film holds up well, especially considering what the ambitious special effects team accomplished without the aid of digital technology. Where Total Recall shines, however, is in its bizarre blend of Verhoeven's relaxed attitude towards traditional standards of morality and his emphasis on the story's philosophical identity crisis, and its broad political underpinnings, with the specific expectations and constrictions of an Arnold Schwarzenegger action vehicle. This unlikely mix is discussed at length in this edition's most welcome feature, a brand new interview with Verhoeven. The director reflects on his experience making the film with refreshing candour, discussing his concerns about the script's third act as originally written, Arnold's lack of acting chops and Sharon Stone's bad reputation prior to this role. He's equally quick to celebrate the value of Arnold's charisma and praise his self-aware, tenacious work ethic and willingness to throw his considerable weight behind the director's subversive vision. Both here and in a consistently engaging commentary track he recorded with the Governator in 2001, Verhoeven explains his interest in treating both possible realities as equally real, but points out hints imbedded in the film that make his preferred reading clear. Adding more value than a split screen "Restoration Comparison" and a chintzy old "Behind-the-Scenes," "Models and Skeletons" is a recent look back at the project with the award-winning special effects team that proudly details the creation of Mars's various ghastly mutants. An extensive documentary from a prior DVD release touches upon the script's lengthy journey to the screen, highlighting Arnold's impact on securing funding for the project, the dangers of feeding a crew in Mexico and further thoughts from Verhoeven on the film's flexible political and philosophical themes. With flippant humour juxtaposed against ultra-violence and an enigmatic dual reading of reality, Total Recall remains a unique example of unabashedly pulpy, action-driven science-fiction filmmaking. It's a highlight in the careers of everyone involved, and you can safely consider Ultimate Rekall Edition to be the definitive version.