Kiss My Snake (Documentary/Animal Fighting)

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C+     Extras: C-     Feature: B-

 

 

If you thought pitbull fighting was bad and never want to hear Michael Vick’s name again, how about deadly snake fighting?  Yes, a big industry exists around it and in Tom Tavee’s Kiss My Snake we see how the business thrives in Thailand.  It is not just an underground item nor is it illegal, but a celebrated tradition in villages and often features the deadly King Cobra.  They even have man vs. snake boxing matches with no venom nearby!

 

Though only 75 minutes long, this documentary packs in plenty of footage, information and facts about the sport, the people and Thailand itself.  The production is very matter-of-fact, which works to its advantage and many of the people are likable.  The title seems silly and will not help it commercially, but the subject matter makes it interesting enough to give it a look.  And of course, pitbulls would be killed instantly from the venom, like several of the humans who dared take on the most dangerous animal in the world.

 

The 1.33 X 1 image weak, as shot on digital video which may or may not be HD and has only some problems with detail, color and definitely depth with limited aliasing troubles, but color saves this transfer often.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo is not bad with location recording better than some DVDs we’ve encountered lately produced the same way.  Text bios and notes are the only extras and all too brief.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo