This weekend, the Quentin Tarantino classics KILL BILL Vol. I and II are being re-released in theaters, shown as ONE film and called THE WHOLE BLOODY AFFAIR. Fans have long-wanted this version to be released, but the wait is well worth it, as those seeing it will be treated to extra bloody violence and added footage, and even a new “lost scene” when it’s all over. I thought it would be fun to post some spoiler-free thoughts and tips for those going to see it, or thinking about going. It hits theaters on December 5th.
I really enjoyed seeing both films back on the big screen, and both hold up quite well considering they’re now over 20 years old. And yes, there is a 15-minute intermission, and it’s just a simple title card that says “intermission”, so perfect for a bathroom break. And because this is being presented as a “whole” package, there are no end credits after part I, just expanded credits after part II.
Added footage – there are some new scenes added into the films, including an expanded Anime sequence that gives the origin of Lucy Liu’s O-Ren character in greater detail, that sequence is considerably longer now. There are also new bits added in the scene with Beatrix (Uma Thurman) versus the Crazy 88’s, new kills and edits, and the black and white switch is GONE, it’s all in bloody color… a lot more bloody color. There are also a few added dialogue scenes, but it’s hard to say specifics – I did notice some dialogue moments I don’t recall seeing before in BOTH halves. I was sad they didn’t add back in the Michael Jai White / David Carradine fight scene that was included as a bonus feature on the Blu-ray, I really wish that had been included, and this would have been the perfect opportunity to do it.
Lost Scene – there is a new “Lost Scene” featuring Uma’s voice and done with computer animation, although rendered in a very realistic way. It’s kinda cool, but really only serves to explain how Beatrix lost the “Pussy Wagon” she stole from Buck – you may remember in the movie (Part II), she makes a small mention of losing it along the way. This “Lost Scene” is very video game-like. Also, that scene is shown at the very end of the lengthy credits after both halves are over. I wouldn’t be surprised if some folks miss it as you might expect it’s all over, and it’s preceded by a weird computer-animated “Let’s all go to the lobby” re-creation. Honestly, the fact it’s Uma’s voice is the coolest thing about it.
Length – we started at 5pm and ended about it 9:30pm, so you’re looking at four and a half hours all in. The intermission helps for sure, but the added footage might make the films feel longer than needed for some. I love these movies, so for me, more is good. If you’re even a casual fan of the KILL BILL films, or if for some reason you’re never seen these films before, watching them on the big screen is really a treat.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
