Synopsis

Presented as a drive-in-style double feature, Grindhouse combines two pulpy stories. In Planet Terror, a small group of survivors battles a contagious horde after a biological weapon is released. In Death Proof, a seemingly charming stuntman uses his reinforced muscle car to stalk and kill women. Fake trailers, damaged film effects, advertisements, and intermission-style interruptions complete the deliberately battered exploitation-cinema experience.

Factoids & Trivia

• Grindhouse was designed to recreate the experience of a 1970s grindhouse theater, where audiences might see low-budget exploitation features, trailers, advertisements, and damaged prints in one continuous program.

• The theatrical presentation included the fictional trailers Machete, Werewolf Women of the SS, Don't, and Thanksgiving. A fake trailer for Hobo with a Shotgun appeared in some regional releases, including Canada.

• The print deliberately contains scratches, missing frames, color changes, jump cuts, and a "missing reel" gag. These defects were carefully created to imitate worn film prints rather than being production mistakes.

• The version shown in theaters was shorter than the extended standalone release of Death Proof. Several scenes, including the lap dance sequence, were restored when that film was released separately.

• International distributors generally released Planet Terror and Death Proof as separate films, partly because the traditional double-feature format was less familiar outside the United States and Canada.

• The fake trailer for Machete eventually became the 2010 feature film Machete. Hobo with a Shotgun and Thanksgiving also later developed into full-length movies.

• While filming Grindhouse, Josh Brolin used the production's camera to record an audition for No Country for Old Men. The audition helped him secure his role in that film.

• The double feature was well received by many critics but performed poorly at the U.S. box office. Its reputation improved through home video, where viewers could revisit the unusual theatrical format.