Much like 2.5, this one follows the docu-interview style, to some degree. The former featured commentary for every “failed” bit featured from director Jeff Tremaine, “talents” Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Stephen “Steve-O” Glover, “Random Hero” Ryan Dunn, among others. This one has many more stand alone stunts and pranks without the “added information.” While I really, really liked the “behind-the-scenes” explanation for everything that didn’t make Jackass Number 2, this one is a longer film and gives you much more “cutting room” footage than 2.5. One of the cooler interviews is Jeff talking about how difficult it can be to just film. Half of the circus is what goes on when they’re not shooting stuff for the movie and everyone on the set is trying to get everyone else with pranks, gags, or some form of painful torture. By the way, if anyone is worried that the footage in this movie isn’t funny, have no fear, this stuff is on par with anything that “made the cut” in any previous films or shows. It’s just these skits are a little far-fetched, or poorly executed, or just plain weird and wouldn’t fit well in the pseudo “flow” of the theatrical release. Not to mention some go a little too far for Paramount to sign off on, I imagine. One notable section is the vid-collage of Dude Perfect style testicle shots. The best way to describe it: disbelief. And the comments from cast and crew make this viewing just as enjoyable as any other in the Jackass universe.
A surprisingly bright spot in this release is the great presentation value. The picture quality of the 1080p output is clean and vibrant. The Phantom Camera that was used for some segments is shown in great detail; super slo-mo has to be seen in high definition! The DTS 5.1 sound was mixed very well and adds an interesting dynamic to the antics. There’s something about hearing painful failure pan from left to right that makes it all the more funny.
Yet another strong suit is the sweet Special Features section. The first selection is “Jackass: The Beginning,” a featurette that gives the history of how the phenomenon got started. It’s awesome to see the proverbial pieces fall into place in the helter-skelter fashion they did. Jeff and Johnny offer commentary about the skateboard video series big brother combining with the cky footage with the help of long time executive producer Spike Jonze to make a pitch at many television outlets, including MTV. Casting? Scripts? Who needs them! They explain that some of the best stuff is when the most carefully laid plans go awry, and it’s that spontaneity and energy that has kept the product the same for the last ten years.
Only Jackass could have Deleted Scenes in a movie about deleted scenes, but that’s what you get in 3.5. These are all hilarious, but some of the best are “Bad Dad,” “Party Boy (elevator),” and “Defibrillator Wake-up.” “Outtakes,” in this sense, is 20 minutes of funny comments made “behind-the-scenes” by onlooking cast members, with a few scrapes, dings, and dents thrown in for good measure. The last one is “Jackass European Tour” which follows the crew on their PR and premier campaign in Dublin, London, and Madrid.
