A Zed & Two Noughts

Long out of print, one of my favorite Peter Greenaway films--concerning twin zoologists whose search for the meaning of life steers them toward the study of decay and death (original review, VL-4/89)--looks very sharp indeed in this letterboxed transfer. Unfortunately, the DVD extras are skimpy, little more than a handful of (incomplete) filmographies. Still, it's a joy to behold (for me; others find it insufferably cryptic). Recommended, if you don't already have the VHS version. (R. Pitman)[DVD Review— Feb. 19, 2008—Zeitgeist, 115 min., not rated, $29.99—Making its second appearance on DVD, 1985's A Zed and Two Noughts boasts a fine transfer. DVD extras include audio commentary by filmmaker Peter Greenway, an introduction by Greenway (7 min.), behind-the-scenes footage from Philip Hoffman's “?O, Zoo!” documentary (7 min.), six “Decay” sequences (5 min.), a gallery of snail sketches, a booklet featuring essays by Greenaway and film critic Jonathan Marlow, and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a bizarre yet compelling film.]