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Running Time:
169mins Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 Picture: Widescreen 1.85:1 (Anamorphic) Bonus Materials: Documentary: Into The Breach & Exclusive Message From Steven Spielberg, Production Notes, Two Theatrical Trailers, Cast and Filmmakers' Bios and Scene Selections. Rating: Film:5/5 Extras:4/5 |
Saving Private Ryan does not fall into the bracket of entertainment. The film is about conveying the realities of the 2nd World War.
The scene is set when the viewer is introduced to a detachment of American troops who are awaiting the, fast approaching, moment when they will leave their launch craft to play their part in the Normandy invasion. The beach invasion is unlike any film scene I have watched. Yet from this battle emerge the eight soldiers on which we focus for the remainder of the film. Assigned with a special mission, to locate one particular soldier from the tens of thousands who are currently occupying the Normandy coastline.
Despite the film focusing on a fictional mission every second of the film feels real to life. The film finishes with the small contingent of soldiers locating their man. But does it simply end with them fulfilling their mission and retreating to safety. I think not!
This film instilled in me a sense of the debt, which we owe to those who fought and died for their country.
Atmosphere
At times the action felt more like newsreel reality, what more can you
say about the atmosphere conveyed by any film.
Plot
The plot was extremely good and fluent throughout.
The fictional element was sewn seamlessly into the reality of the Normandy battle.
Unlike many films there was never a period when the action scene digressed into
the realms of the unbelievable.
Special Effects
The battle scenes, the general ambient sound etc, were all fantastic. The
reality conveyed in this film would have been lost without the multitude of
effects running in the background. Unlike most films however the effects were
seamlessly merged into the films plot.
Sound
The sound was brilliant, with the full Dolby Digital system being used to the
full; and again the quality of the sound did not in any way detract from the
plot of the film, instead it reinforced it.
Acting
First class performances were put in by all of the key actors. However it is
my opinion that the best parts were played by the soldiers on the beach. Despite
only getting a few seconds of footage, the feelings conveyed by the extras really
set the tone of the film.
Overall
The film tried, and in my opinion, succeeded in covering the realities of war.
Although sensational the subject was not sensationalised. A fantastic, and worthwhile
film to watch.
A very nice Dvd this. The menu screens are totally animated and the Scene Selections use live footage. The 25 minute documentary 'into the breach' is a very interesting section. Not only does it look at the film in great detail with interviews with the cast, it also has some footage of Steven Spielbergs' youth and some of his first films. This alone is a good reason to purchase this DVD as it shows what a talent Spielberg is, even as a young filmmaker it shines through. A quick point to note is if you purchase the DTS version of this DVD you will find the extras missing, so a decision needs to be made whether to go for sound or content! I chose content.
Captain Miller - Tom Hanks
Private Reiben - Edward Burns
Private Ryan - Matt Damon
Sergeant Horvath - Tom Sizemore
Director - Steven Spielberg
Buy this at Black Star!
