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Grass
Home Vision Entertainment // Unrated // April 23, 2002
List Price: $19.99 [Buy now and save at Amazon]
The Movie:
A one-sided, but moderately entertaining and informative documentary, Ron Mann's "Grass" attempts to discuss and present the history of Marijuana, from the when it arrived in the country at the turn-of-the-century throughout its eventual criminalization by the government. The film mainly uses an extensive array of clips from older films, interviews and ads to portray the kind of assault on the drug by the government.
The film does get its message across, but it really has one message that starts to get repetitive. While I am not for drug use, I can understand the film's discussion of the fact that the government has spent ridiculous sums of money (over 200 billion) to stop marijuana, when, for example, I'd think that alcohol is probably even more of a health problem in this country. Jails are already overcrowded and putting those who are busted simply for pot (a shocking 3 million in recent years) in seems like a waste of space.
"Grass" effectively informs about the history of the drug in sequences early on that show government officials and how the Drug Enforcement Agency came about. Yet, there are too many sequences that spend time on showing the propaganda; while these little films from previous eras are funny, the film (at 80 minutes) doesn't have much time to spare - these moments could be better used later in the film, discussing medical marijuana or pot in our current pop culture (hilariously, a review copy of Universal's recent theatrical release "How High" arrived as I sat down to review this film). The 80's and 90's are given minimal time, which is surprising for a film that was produced in 1999.
Longtime hemp supporter Woody Harrelson provides matter-of-fact narration that perfectly suits the picture. As with Harrelson's narration, the documentary is a top-notch production, complete with fine editing, strong score and excellent sound mix. Overall, the film makes a good arguement for the legalization of pot, but it could have not only made a stronger, but more balanced discussion of the issues involved.
The DVD
VIDEO: "Grass" is presented by Home Vision Entertainment in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. The documentary contains clips from over many different years, so the quality of the picture varies accordingly. Still, while some of the clips are pretty old, they remain in unexpectedly good condition. Sharpness and detail vary, but usually are consistently good.
Again, some of the older clips are a bit worn with some minor scratches, specks and marks, but they really weren't too bad. No edge enhancement was seen, nor were any instances of pixelation. While much of the early part of the documentary remained in crisp black and white, color sequences later in the film presented colors that were bright and nicely rendered.
SOUND: The DVD presents the documentary in Dolby Digital 5.1. Clearly, this is the most impressive and active soundtrack that I've heard in a standard documentary - a very nice job from credited sound designer Rosnick Mackinnon. While not consistently agressive, the music is very nicely offered by the surrounds, which also provide the occasional sound effect. The music came through crisply and richly, while dialogue sounded clear throughout.
MENUS: Very nicely animated main menu, complete with catchy background tunes.
EXTRAS: Marijuana laws for all states; interview with director Ron Mann; cut scene; High Times gallery and trailer.
Final Thoughts: "Grass" successfully makes its arguement for the legalization of marijuana, but it could have provided a stronger arguement had it devoted more than a couple of minutes to the issues on the subject in today's society. Home Vision Entertainment provides a strong DVD, with minimal supplements, but good audio/video. Recommended for those interested in the subject.
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