Disc Details
Special Features:	Audio Commentary by Director Paul Verhoeven. Teaser Trailer. Still Gallery. Talent Bios. Scene selection.
Video Format:	Anamorphic Widescreen
Languages:	Dutch (Dolby Digital 5.1)
Captions:	English.
Casing:	1-Disc Keep Case

Robbie and Edith

      Set primarily in Leiden, Holland, the film opens as Eric (Rutger Hauer), Alex (Derek de Lint), and Jack (Dolf de Vries) are undergoing freshman initiation at college. As numerous freshman are hazed in various ways Eric, Alex and Jack find a hiding place away from the prankster upperclassmen. Eric is caught temporarily by a drunken John (Huib Rooymans.) John, a Jewish athlete, asks Eric what he thinks of Hitler. When Eric replies that he is a "filthy bastard" John lets him go, and Eric seeks refuge under a table with Alex and Jack. Suddenly the grand doors open and the class officers march in led by Gus (Jeroen Krabbe), the president. After the officers are seated, the freshmen are allowed to eat. Gus notices Eric and the others trying to sneak in. Gus calls for the slackers to be brought before him. Gus orders Eric to sing as he pours soup over Eric's head. Eric continues to sing loudly as if to belittle the hazing, so Gus crashes the soup tureen down on Eric's head, cutting it open. The next day, the aristocratic Eric is sitting in the garden of his friend Robbie's (Eddy Habbema) estate telling Robbie and his dark, exotic fiance Edith (Belinda Meuldijk) about the previous night's events. Edith is attracted to the handsome Eric. Gus arrives on motorcycle to offer Eric an apology and the two become close friends.

Alex, John, Eric, Gus, Jack and Robbie

      So opens "Soldier of Orange." The viewer is introduced to the suave and sophisticated Eric and Gus; the burly, proud John, the half-German, arrogant Alex; the gentle and harmless Jack; the little man Robbie, and the beautiful, zesty Edith. The screenplay is based on the book "Soldier of Orange", the true story of Erik Roelfzema, "Soldier of Orange" is a deeply moving, exciting story of friendship, love, patriotism, betrayal and lust against the backdrop of the greatest conflict yet to face mankind. To say that "Soldier of Orange" is a war movie is to shortchange the film. Fans of war movies will not be disappointed as there is plenty of action, but there are no large scale battles. Only Alex actually becomes a uniformed soldier. With the exception of Jack, the others become important players in the resistance movement. The action, for the most part, chronicles the small, but important operations carried out by these friends. I tell you this so not to mislead. If all you want out of a film is nonstop battles then look elsewhere. Of course you would then miss one of the best movie experiences of your life! "Soldier of Orange" is a sprawling, epic character study. While the film focuses mainly on Eric and Gus, the viewer gets to know well all of the characters. The viewer gets to mourn some of them, and revile others.

      I've been recommending "Soldier of Orange" to my friend and fellow EInsider, Jonathan Hickman for years. "This is a movie Paul Verhoeven made back when he was making real movies," I said to Jonathan. That statement was only half in jest. Those who know Verhoeven from his slick, glossy Hollywood era will hardly recognize "Soldier of Orange" as being his work. I happen to like several of his American movies, but his Dutch work including "Spetters", "The Fourth Man" and "Soldier of Orange" have a human and personal touch that is missing in much of his more commercial work. That is not to say that the production values are inferior. On the contrary, "Soldier of Orange" is a lushly photographed and paced film. It's as is John Ford had made a foreign film without the restrictions placed on those directors of yesteryear. The movie has a rousing and memorable score by Rogier van Otterloo.

Aristocrat turned patriot, Eric (Rutger Hauer) in Soldier of Orange

      The acting is superb. This film was Rutger Hauer's international breakthrough film. He portrays the aristocratic Eric with just the right touch of charm and rascality (if there is such a word!). Eric comes across as the kind of guy you envied, but couldn't help liking. He is confident and brash without being cocky or aloof. He is willing to sacrifice for his friends, defend his nation and forgive when necessary. Eric grows from a youth without firm direction into a strong man. He is lusty, funny and brave. He is also a real, three dimensional character. We aren't talking Superman here. His faults are shown. Hauer is excellent. I can't fault anything he did on screen. Fans of his American movies should really give this a look. He was young and hungry. His style is honest and unforced. Great job.

Jeoren Krabbe as Gus

      Another actor broke through to American audiences with this film. Jeroen Krabbe (The evil doctor in The Fugitive) is excellent as Gus (pronounced Goose). Gus is Eric's mentor at college. The two are alike in many ways. If anything, Gus is more worldly and wise. The two become close friends and fight together in the resistance. Those of you who know Jeroen Krabbe from his numerous villainous roles will be pleasantly surprised to see him as a young, good-looking hero. I was moved by his performance when I saw this movie nearly 20 years ago. I never recognized Mr. Krabbe as Gus from this film in subsequent American movies. Upon seeing "Soldier of Orange" again I was amazed to find that he was the same actor.

Alex and Eric cut a rug

      Derek de Lint is also quite good as the misguided Alex. Alex decides to join a Dutch division of the German army. This pits friend against friend. In the looks department, Derek de Lint reminds me of "Kelso" from "That 70s Show." As I searched the web for photos to illustrate this review, I found a number of websites devoted to Mr. de Lint. Apparently he has quite a following in Europe. Huib Rooymans brings a noble air to the role of the earthy and proud John. Eddy Habbema also delivers a standout performance as the conflicted Robbie. Edward Fox appears toward the end as a British Colonel who recruits Eric and Gus into an elite resistance force.

      There are strong women in this movie. Three strong characters and three standout performances. Belinda Meuldijk starts out as a lusty young college lass. She is engaged to Robbie, but has a sweet tooth for Eric. She sows some wild oats before the wedding. Her feelings for Eric border on love. She grows throughout the movie into a woman who does what she has to survive. She makes no apologies for her actions, but one gets the impression that she is scarred internally. Like many during wartime, she has an attitude of "eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die." This shallow attitude gives way to a darker reality as the war comes home to roost. Susan Penhaligon also turns in a sexy performance as Suzy, the British Colonel's secretary who reminds both Gus and Eric one of the reasons they are fighting. She is a blond little minx who comes across with a cool British attitude until the boys from Holland prove their mettle to her. The theme of the consequences of our choices is explored through her character. There is a wonderfully comedic scene in which Eric is being briefed by exiled Dutch Queen Wilhelmina (Andrea Domburg) in the garden of her London headquarters. Gus and Suzy are making love in front of an open window over looking the garden. Eric tries his best to block the Queen's view but doesn't succeed. The Queen's reaction is priceless. Ms. Domburg portrays the Queen as a flesh and blood, down to earth character. This is no cardboard two-dimensional character. It is nice to see such a historic figure as a real person. The real-life Erik became the Queen's adjutant and got to know her well. This intimacy is translated onto the screen.

Rutger Hauer and the man he protrayed, author Erik Roelfzema

      The film is in Dutch with English subtitles. Please don't let that keep you from getting this film. It is a keeper. There is a dubbed version which is about 20 minutes shorter and goes by the name "Survival Run." Please avoid it. It is not the film that Verhoeven intended.

Sound Quality: 10/10
The picture is excellent. This film has such rich colors. There are many vivid night scenes. The film has a lush, yet realistic look to it. Nothing was lost in the transfer.

Menu: 10/10
Simple, easy to navigate. Love that music!

Extra Features: 10/10
Not much there, but everything is quality. Great commentary by director Verhoeven. This movie stands on its own, but the commentary was much appreciated. There is a nice still gallery from director Verhoeven's personal collection. The bois are very extensive. There are 30 screens of information on director Verhoeven's bio alone. Other bios include Rutger Hauer and Jeoren Krabbe.

The Final Word:
"Soldier of Orange" is one of my personal favorites. It was worth the wait to get this DVD from Anchor Bay. I highly recommend that you get it too!

      All hail Anchor Bay! Check out their web site. I said before, it's as if someone invaded my brain and built an inventory based on my personal tastes. I want to buy everything they offer (almost!) This is not paid for puffing on my part. These guys rock.

Rusty White