Zone 1, NTSC - 2 DVD

Let's this straight; there isn't much to satisfy our appetite on this DVD edition, with practically no new score, this is pretty disappointing when you see all the other impressive array of additional material. What IS interesting: several unreleased score tracks heard in the DVD menus (albeit very short) and an alternative ending, much more sombre / dark, and with a different scoring approach as well. Beware; spoiler review follows in the next paragraph….

In the original ending, after the big shootout, Clarence miraculously comes back to life, flees with Alabama under the nose of the police, and lives happily ever after on the beach with his wife and his (sic) son Elvis.
In this alternate version, the end of the theme 'Amid the Chaos of the Day' (from 2'40) and the piano theme are used to highlight the complete waste but inevitability of this shootout with its many dead. They also serve to accompany the escape of Alabama and Clarence by liberating the viewer of all the accumulated tension during the last scene, showing him the way to a calmer and lighter ending, with help from the reprise of 'You're so cool'; just before the end titles, the theme becomes very vibrant to reaffirm this idea (not on the CD release).

The alternative ending is not a cliched Hollywood happy end, and remains faithful to the tone of the film; you can just feel that this was the original tragic Tarantino ending, and the movie is all the better for it. Yes, Clarence dies and is NOT touched by God for a delayed resurrection. Despite the tragedy, Alabama is conflicted: of course she's sad because she's lost the love of her life, but she's also bitter because abandoned and alone. The Zimmer suite during the shootout suits the mood perfectly, with a much sadder approach than 'Amid the Chaos of the Day', the heavier synth showing the confusion of the young bride. She gets in her car, then stops on the side of the road, comes very close to blowing her head off (shown in storyboard because never filmed), but either doesn't have the guts to do it or is just too mad with Clarence to give in on life just yet. Instead she gets out and stretches her left thumb out, carrying her one and only suitcase. The End. 'Amid the Chaos of the day' (from 3'40) plays on top of this poignant scene, giving us conflicting feelings (just like Alabama), a sadness for her loss, and pity for this beautiful and sweet girl who, after knowing bliss for such a short time, is heading towards an unknown and probably bleak future. The audience can only leave with one feeling : compassion.

french version