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| Special Features: |
Widescreen anamorphic format
Chapter selection
Theatrical trailer
Commentary by writer/director Joe Carnahan and editor John Gilroy
Narc: Making the Deal
Narc: Shooting Up
Narc: The Visual Trip
The Friedkin Connection
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| Video Format: |
Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1)
[SS-SL]
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| Languages: |
English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround)
French (Dolby Digital 5.1)
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| Subtitles: |
English
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| Captions: |
Yes
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| Casing: |
1-Disc Keep Case
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Jason Patric stars as Nick Tellis, a suspended narcotics officer recruited to investigate the murder of Michael Calvess, a rookie cop killed under mysterious circumstances. Tellis is teamed with Calvess's partner, Henry Oak... brilliantly portrayed by Ray Liotta. Oak is a hot tempered renegade who'll stop at nothing to avenge his friend's death. As Tellis and Oak follow a shadowy trail through the seamy drug underworld, the lines start to blur between right and wrong, good and evil, and justice and revenge.
I tell you people, this film blew me away on all levels: Craft, story, acting, direction, etc. It really pains me when films like this are not seen by the public. Sure, many people did compared to other independant films (Thanks to Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner), but this movie is a true experience. It reminded me of The French Connection mixed with the edge of Serpico. It has that 70s style of filmmaking... something surely missed during these days of big budget spectacle.
Jason Patric is one of the most underused actors working today, and remains to be in the top five underappreciated of them all (along with Ed Harris). He's got the good looks, the acting chops, and a great eye for a good script (minus Speed 2). Ray Liotta is just as good, if not more seasoned (he would also be in my top five most underappreciated). Both of these actors portray characters with such depth, yet never do we see them trying to overshadow the other.
First time director Joe Carnahan has proven to be one of the most innovative directors on the market right now. He has a true feel for the raw nature of filmmaking. This movie was shot on a shoe string budget, and he used each and every aspect of that to his advantage. WOW! A brilliant, brilliant film debut. The direction is so intense. The opening scene is full of emotion and adreneline... to the point where you feel like you're in that foot chase.
See this film and know that Liotta, Patric, and Carnahan should have all been nominated for Oscars.
The disc is great... with a cool belly of extras as well. I would have liked to see a commentary with the actors as well, but we can't have everything I guess. It looks great, sounds great, and is a must have for any film enthusiast.
Picture Quality: 9/10
Now, this is where some may disagree. I feel that the transfer is near flawless with excellent use of color, darks, and sharpness. The film was shot independantly, which is why many of you may say that there are many times when the film seems too raw. But that is what is so great about it. It feels real. Each and every moment. The opening shot will effect your mind by the director's use of real motion. A really great transfer.
Sound Quality: 9/10
The sound isn't as good as an action blockbuster, but you won't be disappointed. The seperation is good, as are the many urban city sounds that you'll hear from both all sides.
Easter Eggs:
No Easter Eggs found during review.
Extra Features: 9/10
A great insightful commentary with the director and editor. We hear the many stories of the film's obstacles, which adds to the wonder of the movie itself. The featurettes add to that even more, with some interesting interviews with director William Friedkin (who loved the film), as well as major Hollywood players Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner... who were amazed by the film and its director.
The Final Word:
WOW! Gritty, raw, and real. Probably the second best movie of the year in my eyes... as far as original style. A true throw back to the 70s. Tom Cruise was SO impressed by Carnahan's debut that he got Paramount to release the film nation wide, and then hired him to direct MI:3.
Ken Miyamoto
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