Making of 'Bubba Ho-tep'

Making of 'Bubba Ho-tep' (2004)

*** (out of 4)

This twenty-three minute documentary is an entertaining look at the production of BUBBA HO-TEP and features interviews with Don Coscarelli, Bruce Campbell, Ossie Davis and many others as they talk about the story, the production and the various decisions that were done. If you're a fan of the film then you'll certainly be entertained by this and especially since there's a lot of behind-the-scenes footage where we get to see the director and Campbell working. Campbell is as fun as always as he shares stories about the lack of an air conditioner, having to go number two in a bed pan and of course what it was like having to play Elvis. The special effects and the stunts are also discussed. At twenty-three minutes there's nothing too detailed here but it's certainly a fun look at the making of the picture.

This documentary - filmed exclusively for the 2004 DVD release of "Bubba Ho-tep" (which, incidentally, is still available to purchase a year after its initial release despite having been a "limited edition") is an insightful look into the making of the cult hit.

The documentary's best parts are when it exposes the truth behind decisions, such as when star Bruce Campbell contacted director Don Coscarelli because of his concern about the penis gags in the script - he wanted to make sure nothing would be shown in detail.

Director Coscarelli tells of how he originally stumbled upon the short story in a collection by one of his favorite authors, and how he immediately thought it would be a great movie.

The making-of included on the DVD isn't great, but - like the movie - is entertaining and different. If you rent or buy the disc, make sure to watch this along with the "King" commentary on the film itself, which is very funny.