The DVD

Video:
Undertow is presented in an anamorphic 1.85:1 widescreen format that makes the muddy, southern landscapes of the film look incredibly authentic. David Gordon Green works in a very brown, earthy color palette and these understated colors come across beautifully on this transfer. You'd think these actors actually emerged from the day's work caked in mud. The image is so vivid that you can almost smell the muck and mud creeping up from the ground. Fleshtones are accurate, and when bright flashes of vibrant color do make an appearance, their hues are well balanced and rich. Blacks are deep, if a bit soft during just a few lower light scenes. Shadows and lighting are well delineated, and the inherent grain in some scenes never becomes distracting. The only real issues with this transfer are the occasional appearance of dirt, spots, and scratches on the print. For an independent film like Undertow, however, some print damage is to be expected and, at times, even makes the film look more authentically southern. There is also some slight edge enhancement throughout the film, but it does not distract from the fact that this is a superb transfer that really brings to life the film's earthy, southern environment.

Sound:
The audio on this disc is presented in a Dolby Digital 5.1 format that manages to do everything it needs to while also allowing the hauntingly beautiful score by Philip Glass to flourish. Dialogue is always clear, crisp, and distinct, although there are times when the level drops slightly and becomes a bit overwhelmed by the sound effects and score. It is, however, still discernable at all times. The surround channels don't get too much of a workout effects-wise, but they do come alive at a few key moments in the film to provide some nice surround action and ambience. Nevertheless, the best aspect of this track is the way the Philip Glass score completely envelopes you as Chris and Tim embark on their journey through the countryside. Reminiscent of his score for Candyman, Glass manages to make the score both elegant and haunting. It provides an ominous foreboding feeling that is exemplified by this track's use of the score. Spatial separation across the front channels is just fine, but this audio presentation knows exactly when to allow the surround channels to bring another layer to the excellent soundtrack. While it may not be incredibly dynamic, this track is more than adequate in every aspect and exemplary in others.

Extras:
For an independent film that did not exactly manage to rake in big bucks at the box office, MGM has really stepped up to make this a nicely rounded DVD release with some excellent extra features.

The first, and most engaging, extra feature is a commentary track with Director David Gordon Green and Actor Jamie Bell. The duo clearly became fast friends while filming Undertow, and they work really well together on this track. The young director is very open about the film as he shares anecdotes from the shoot, discusses the casting process, and talks about the unique appeal of his films. Green pinpoints some of the films that influenced Undertow and even touches on the obvious influence of novels like Treasure Island and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn on his story. He may be young, but it's clear that Green is well versed in many aspects of film and literature, and he talks pretty eloquently about them in this track. Jamie Bell's participation on this commentary, on the other hand, is an interesting one. This is actually the first time he's seen the finished film. At time, this makes the track surprising and fresh as Bell watches the action unfold before him. There are times, however, when Bell's lack of familiarity with the finished product leaves him sitting awestruck. Bell even mentions a few times that he wishes Green would just keep quiet for a while so he can watch the film. Nevertheless, this commentary track is one of the most fun and loose that I've heard in quite some time. Not only does this breeziness make the track a whole lot of fun, but it also makes it incredibly informative.

Also included on this disc is an approximately 30-minute long behind-the-scenes documentary called "Under the Undertow," which also includes an optional introduction by Actor Josh Lucas. The feature, shot by Lucas and his brother (along with several other cast and crew members), provides a great insider's look at the making of the film. Not only do we get a bunch of very informal interviews with most of the major players, but we also get to see a lot of behind-the-scenes clips from the actual shoot. The best thing about this documentary is that it does not feel studio-produced at all. It feels much more like a series of home movies shot by the cast and crew, which gives the feature a very independent, friendly feel. This is definitely not your usual EPK-style documentary with slick music and flashy titles. It's much more down-home style feeling makes it one of the most intimate and entertaining extra features I've ever seen. I only wish it could be even longer.

There are also two deleted scenes included on this disc. As David Gordon Green writes, in a quick text introduction, the scenes are not in the best of shape. They are, however, some very interesting moments, and it's nice to see them included on this disc.

We also have a 5-minute long animated photo gallery that includes mostly candid shots from the shooting of the film that play as a slideshow with a very catchy tune in the background. The theatrical trailer for Undertow is also included.

Finally, there are five trailers for MGM Means Great Movies, Walking Tall, Code 46, Die Another Day, and Assassination Tango, as well as six recommendations for other MGM releases.

Final Thoughts:
You know a director has really done something right when, after watching his third film, you immediately go back for repeat viewings of his first two. David Gordon Green is slowly becoming the master of the Southern Gothic, and Undertow merely cements his play as a major player in the cinematic landscape. So much more than a simple suspense film, the film weaves elements of familial drama, coming-of-age, and adventure into its tall tale of two young brothers on the run. It's a deeply moving, highly entertaining, and fantastically heartfelt film that offers up just as much mood and atmosphere as it does character development and plot. David Gordon Green's work has been compared, on many occasions, to the work of Terrence Malick. Let's hope, for the sake of American cinema, that Green doesn't follow Malick's example and, instead, continues to make more wonderful films like Undertow, the quality of which is more than enough for me to give this disc a very high recommendation. The inclusion of some excellent bonus material is merely icing on the cake. Or maybe mud in the case of a film as down and dirty as this.