Dark Blue on DVD
The Rodney King trial and its aftermath serves as an always-oppressive background
to Dark Blue, a story of police corruption in Los Angeles.
The always great Kurt Russell gets one of his meatiest roles since he happily
chewed the scenery in John Carpenters
Big Trouble in Little China as LA police Sgt Eldon Perry. Hes
the latest in a line of cops from his family, learned how to be a cop at his
daddys knee - and continues to be that type of cop even though it means
a great many rules may be bent or broken in the pursuit of justice.
He isnt a bad guy, but hes a flawed part of a flawed system he
didn't create but in which he operates (if liberals really respected police,
theyd probably portray him as a victim of the system rather than as the
problem with it) - but its a system that does bring bad guys to justice.
Hes partnered with a promising, up and coming cop (Scott Speedman) who
still views the world and the LAPD through rose colored glasses. Their boss
(Brendan Gleeson) is a Bad Cop, manipulative and corrupt, and this brings him
to the attention of the Deputy Chief (Ving Rhames), who has vowed to clean things
up.
Its a pretty good tale, though with a very politically correct ending
where Russell has an epiphany and spills his guts most publicly. But the story
draws you in, the characterizations are excellent, and though the Rodney King
aspects pretty well beat you over the head, they and the politically correct
tone dont ruin the film.
One of the best things about Dark Blue is Russells character, the tough
as nails cop whose life is turned upside down and who learns from his experiences.
Russell is always good and in Dark Blue he turns in his typically competent
performance. The supporting cast is also very good.
The DVD features both anamorphic widescreen (16x9 TV compatible) and Pan&scan
versions on opposite sides of the disc, which is a good way of saving customers
from being saddled with a Pan&Scan version that isn't compatible with their
16x9 TV's when they upgrade to the new TV technology. PIcture quality is very
good. Audio is Dolby Digital 5.1 surround and it's also very good.
The special edition DVD also includes a commentary track with director Ron
Shelton, "Internal Affairs" - three feturettes on the film, and a photo gallery.
You also get the trailer.
Dark Blue, from MGM Home Video
118 min. anamorphic widescreen (2.35:1, 16x9 TV compatible)/ Pan&Scan, Dolby
Digital 5.1 surround
Starring Kurt Russell, Blendan Gleeson, Scott Speedman, Lolita Davidovich, Ving
Rhames
Produced by James Jacks, Sean Daniel,
Written by David Ayer, Directed by Ron Shelton.
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