block rockin dvd treats ! (The Rock (DVD))

Member Name: utero

Product:	The Rock (DVD)
Date:	22/03/01 (45 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: DTS. soundtrack, Extras

Disadvantages: none

As a dvd owner you have to aks yourself-Am I being shortchanged by getting the Region 2 version of The Rock ?

Well the answer is now yes as in the USA the renowed Criterion people have brought out a new 2 dvd set for your pleasure !

THE FILM

Well it's the usual Bay/Bruckheimer action fare with a lot of tetosterone flying around as men use big guns, big cars and make big statements. However it's all very entertaining with Cage and Connery taking on a whole army and a ruthless Ed Harris with guns blazing on Alcatraz. It also has one of the biggest car chases comitted to film yet.

PICTURE/SOUND

The film is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen and is of a very high standard. There are a few scenes that have dirt but overall itis vibrant and has no trouble with the many dark scenes in the film.

Sound wise it's a treat. There is a Dolby 2.0 mix but the real draws are the Dolby 5.1 mix and the DTS mix. I was quite surprised that a lot of the mix happens in the front speakers but when action kicks in all speakers will sing with bullets flying. Naturally the DTS wins out by being having more subtle depth and better use of sound. it's the best way to enjoy the film.

EXTRAS

Well it's a 2 dvd set and it's Criterion so that means some good extras.

There is an audio commentary that accompanies the film. This track features Micheal Bay, Bruckheimer, Nic Cage, Ed Harris and technical advisor Harry humphries. The track is mainly made up of individual comments from the participants but all have very interesting things to say about the film and their working methods.

Next up is a 20 minute interview with bruckheimer where he talks about his career from the beginning. Very interesting.

Theres also a 20 minute documentary on Alcatraz that provides historical information on the landmark right from early settlements on the rock. Not much to do with the film but
very educational.

Next is a short segment on gun handling with the technical advisor on the film. Again has some good info on the film's technical aspects.

Another 2 segments deal with the special effects. Here we learn about CGI elements as well as practical effects used to create the visuals you see on screen. This stuff is always fascinating.

Next up is an extensive collection of production artwork, storyboards and stills that show concepts for the film as well as planned shots.

Theres also a 10 minute out-take reel which isn't as hysterical as Bays reel on the Armageddon dvd but has a very amsing and a bit of a scary look at Ed Harris trying to finfish a scene and really losing his temper-badly.

Finally there are the usual trailers, tv spots and a brief look at the film's premiere on Alcatraz.

It's also worth pointing ouit that Micheal Bay personally introduces the extras disk and it's quite amusing.

You'll pay more for this dvd that others but it's worth it if you like the film. The extras are educational and informative. The DTS soundtrack also makes this an essential purchase for dvd fans who just like balls to the wall action.

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