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Patriot, The
List Price: Unknown [Buy now and save at Amazon]
The Movie:
During the film's theatrical release, "The Patriot" came under a few complaints and jokes. Some called it a bit too much like "Braveheart", the other film starring Gibson; others joked that it should be called "Die Hard 4: Now It's Historical". When I first heard about the film going into production, it sounded fine with the exception of two things: Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin. Their films have so far been hit and miss; I found "Independence Day" to mindless fun, but "Godzilla" to be just plain mindless. After a few viewings, I've found myself not hating "Stargate"...as much. The two bring their usual sensibility here, making the movie a crowd-pleaser, plain and simple.
Gibson plays Benjamin Martin, a man with seven children whose wife has recently passed away. At the begining of the film in 1776, he is a farmer who is happy to be doing what he's doing - farming and at least attempting to make chairs (which plays for a gag once or twice). When his son is killed by the British (lead by Jason Isaac's Col. Tavington), Martin fights against them along with his son, played by Heath Ledger, of "10 Things I Hate About You".
Some of the battle scenes are maybe a little bit too accurate for their own good at times - the violence is at times more than I'd like to have seen. And, after the previous sequence I'd mentioned, we're off: the film turns into a revenge thriller with Martin seemingly trying to take on much of the British army on his own. He leads the local men and becomes famous for his reputation as the "Ghost", as the enemy wants him captured. With only so-so character development, the nearly three hour running time often becomes slow - some scenes could be shortened and others could stand to have been dropped completely.
Historical/war films are often a bit longer than most, and at their most successful, we don't mind this. "Saving Private Ryan" may have been nearly three hours, but it flew by and practically felt like one hour. Michael Mann's "Last Of The Mohicans" was also more enjoyable and doesn't feel as manipulative as this picture does. "The Patriot" ends up as one of those movies that isn't particularly good or bad - it just is. I suppose that, at least it looks good. Cinematographer Caleb Deschanel provides astoundingly beautiful cinematography throughout, continuing his line of good work in the recent "Anna and the King" and also, his work making the messy Kevin Costner romance "Message In A Bottle" look good. The John Williams score, on the other hand, I felt tried to manipulate emotions a few too many times, but was otherwise decent.
Gibson is solid in the role of Martin and he really almost does the job of carrying the film through parts both slow and awkward. Ledger is okay as Gibson's son, but he doesn't get much of a part to work with. "The Patriot" is a decent picture, but certainly one that could stand to be improved in quite a few aspects. Emmerich and Devlin haven't failed completely here, but they certainly aren't breaking any new ground, either.
The DVD
VIDEO: Video quality is superb, and some of Tristar's very best work. Again, the cinematography of the film is stunning, and it's presented here wonderfully, with excellent sharpness and detail. There is a depth to the picture at times that's really pleasing as well. Clarity is strong, even in some of the dark or dimly lit moments.
Colors are particularly striking, with the colors of the scenery around the battles and drama looking picture perfect, with beautifully rich and natural colors that look fantastic on this presentation, which offers the film in the original 2.35:1 aspect ratio, and like the great majority of Tristar's releases, it's anamorphic.
Flaws are few and far between. I caught one or two very minor print flaws and a couple of minor instances of shimmer; aside from that, this is a beauty of a presentaion. No pixelation turned up that I saw, even in a trace amount. I was really impressed by the quality here - this is great work from the studio. In terms of image quality, this is certainly demonstration quality.
SOUND: Emmerich and Devlin have been responsible for 3 previous movies that serve as demonstration material for their stunning use of audio. Although "Godzilla" or aliens are not around to provide an audio assault in "The Patriot", the duo (with supervising sound editor Per Hallberg, who also worked with the pair on "Godzilla") provide a pretty impressive sound experience throughout the movie.
The battle scenes are certainly the most impressive, as the sounds of war seamlessly circle the viewer, with gunfire booming around all sides. The John Williams score rises up and envelops pleasantly, as well. Bass is very strong during some of the more intense sequences of the film and surrounds are used effectively. Again, surrounds recieve the most work during the battles, but they also are used enjoyably during some of the quieter scenes for subtler sounds.
There was also certain natural, real feeling to the chaotic sounds during the battle sequences that made them feel even more realistic. These moments really transport you, using the audio as a bridge, to these sequences. Last but not least, dialogue is pretty easily heard and clear. A great soundtrack.
MENUS::
EXTRAS:
Commentary: This is a commentary from director Roland Emmerich and producer Dean Devlin. Their commentary tracks previously have been varied - their effort for "Stargate" was one of the worst (if not the worst) commentaries I've ever heard, but they improved slightly with their discussion of "Independence Day". Emmerich, to my dismay, begins to use "like" and "uh" again here far too often. To quote my review of "Stargate" - "...but annoyingly, he says the word "like" after every other word. I don't know if any other people mind when others do this, but it's something that I've always found extremely annoying, ever since when I was in high school(where the word "like" is inserted into sentences frequently). A sample comment: "This now was shot like here in like, Los Angeles, uh, it's like a hotel in like, downtown Los Angeles, which is like often used for uh, movies in different ways."" For "The Patriot", Devlin does a fine job at providing the details of the production - technical aspects, working with the actors and the history of the project. I said it in my review of "Stargate" and I'll say it again here, I almost wish that Devlin's comments could be separated somehow, because I actually found what he had to say quite interesting here. Emmerich, on the other hand, becomes irritating to listen to.
Devlin's comments do provide some subtle insight into the story, and what it was like to have to control such a massive picture, but often when Emmerich comes back in with his use of the word "like", it makes the commentary tedious to have to sit through. There are some very informative bits of information included on this track, but the track is hard to listen to, making for a long journey with the two filmmakers.
Trailers: The teaser and theatrical trailer in excellent Dolby Digital 5.1 audio.
Deleted Scenes: Here we get 7 deleted scenes from the film with (oh no!) optional commentary from Emmerich and Devlin. These scenes are fairly enjoyable, but were rightly taken out for time (although, if I had my choice, more scenes would have ended up in this section).
Visual Effects Comparison: This area provides the viewer with the chance to look at a couple of the film's visual effects sequences in different pieces (selecting a piece from part of the screen allows it to be brought up to a bigger part of the screen) with commentary by the visual effects supervisor.
The Art Of War: A 10 minute featurette that details thoughts from the cast and crew about the reality of the battles shown in the film and also, how these scenes were filmed. It makes for moderately interesting viewing, especially hearing about some of the details, such as the massive amount of extras and equipment needed.
True Patriots: Another very enjoyable featurette that shows how the filmmakers tried to accurately re-create the look of that time in history.
Also Included: Production notes, cast and crew bios, and a large photo gallery.
Final Thoughts: I think this is one of those reviews where I thought the movie was only fair, but the disc was technically great in terms of audio and video quality. Aside from the commentary, the other extra features are enjoyable. If you haven't seen it, you may want to check it out as a rental. If you're a fan of the movie, you'll be perfectly happy with the presentation that the studio has offered.
During the film's theatrical release, "The Patriot" came under a few complaints and jokes. Some called it a bit too much like "Braveheart", the other film starring Gibson; others joked that it should be called "Die Hard 4: Now It's Historical". When I first heard about the film going into production, it sounded fine with the exception of two things: Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin. Their films have so far been hit and miss; I found "Independence Day" to mindless fun, but "Godzilla" to be just plain mindless. After a few viewings, I've found myself not hating "Stargate"...as much. The two bring their usual sensibility here, making the movie a crowd-pleaser, plain and simple.
Gibson plays Benjamin Martin, a man with seven children whose wife has recently passed away. At the begining of the film in 1776, he is a farmer who is happy to be doing what he's doing - farming and at least attempting to make chairs (which plays for a gag once or twice). When his son is killed by the British (lead by Jason Isaac's Col. Tavington), Martin fights against them along with his son, played by Heath Ledger, of "10 Things I Hate About You".
Some of the battle scenes are maybe a little bit too accurate for their own good at times - the violence is at times more than I'd like to have seen. And, after the previous sequence I'd mentioned, we're off: the film turns into a revenge thriller with Martin seemingly trying to take on much of the British army on his own. He leads the local men and becomes famous for his reputation as the "Ghost", as the enemy wants him captured. With only so-so character development, the nearly three hour running time often becomes slow - some scenes could be shortened and others could stand to have been dropped completely.
Historical/war films are often a bit longer than most, and at their most successful, we don't mind this. "Saving Private Ryan" may have been nearly three hours, but it flew by and practically felt like one hour. Michael Mann's "Last Of The Mohicans" was also more enjoyable and doesn't feel as manipulative as this picture does. "The Patriot" ends up as one of those movies that isn't particularly good or bad - it just is. I suppose that, at least it looks good. Cinematographer Caleb Deschanel provides astoundingly beautiful cinematography throughout, continuing his line of good work in the recent "Anna and the King" and also, his work making the messy Kevin Costner romance "Message In A Bottle" look good. The John Williams score, on the other hand, I felt tried to manipulate emotions a few too many times, but was otherwise decent.
Gibson is solid in the role of Martin and he really almost does the job of carrying the film through parts both slow and awkward. Ledger is okay as Gibson's son, but he doesn't get much of a part to work with. "The Patriot" is a decent picture, but certainly one that could stand to be improved in quite a few aspects. Emmerich and Devlin haven't failed completely here, but they certainly aren't breaking any new ground, either.
The DVD
VIDEO: Video quality is superb, and some of Tristar's very best work. Again, the cinematography of the film is stunning, and it's presented here wonderfully, with excellent sharpness and detail. There is a depth to the picture at times that's really pleasing as well. Clarity is strong, even in some of the dark or dimly lit moments.
Colors are particularly striking, with the colors of the scenery around the battles and drama looking picture perfect, with beautifully rich and natural colors that look fantastic on this presentation, which offers the film in the original 2.35:1 aspect ratio, and like the great majority of Tristar's releases, it's anamorphic.
Flaws are few and far between. I caught one or two very minor print flaws and a couple of minor instances of shimmer; aside from that, this is a beauty of a presentaion. No pixelation turned up that I saw, even in a trace amount. I was really impressed by the quality here - this is great work from the studio. In terms of image quality, this is certainly demonstration quality.
SOUND: Emmerich and Devlin have been responsible for 3 previous movies that serve as demonstration material for their stunning use of audio. Although "Godzilla" or aliens are not around to provide an audio assault in "The Patriot", the duo (with supervising sound editor Per Hallberg, who also worked with the pair on "Godzilla") provide a pretty impressive sound experience throughout the movie.
The battle scenes are certainly the most impressive, as the sounds of war seamlessly circle the viewer, with gunfire booming around all sides. The John Williams score rises up and envelops pleasantly, as well. Bass is very strong during some of the more intense sequences of the film and surrounds are used effectively. Again, surrounds recieve the most work during the battles, but they also are used enjoyably during some of the quieter scenes for subtler sounds.
There was also certain natural, real feeling to the chaotic sounds during the battle sequences that made them feel even more realistic. These moments really transport you, using the audio as a bridge, to these sequences. Last but not least, dialogue is pretty easily heard and clear. A great soundtrack.
MENUS::
EXTRAS:
Commentary: This is a commentary from director Roland Emmerich and producer Dean Devlin. Their commentary tracks previously have been varied - their effort for "Stargate" was one of the worst (if not the worst) commentaries I've ever heard, but they improved slightly with their discussion of "Independence Day". Emmerich, to my dismay, begins to use "like" and "uh" again here far too often. To quote my review of "Stargate" - "...but annoyingly, he says the word "like" after every other word. I don't know if any other people mind when others do this, but it's something that I've always found extremely annoying, ever since when I was in high school(where the word "like" is inserted into sentences frequently). A sample comment: "This now was shot like here in like, Los Angeles, uh, it's like a hotel in like, downtown Los Angeles, which is like often used for uh, movies in different ways."" For "The Patriot", Devlin does a fine job at providing the details of the production - technical aspects, working with the actors and the history of the project. I said it in my review of "Stargate" and I'll say it again here, I almost wish that Devlin's comments could be separated somehow, because I actually found what he had to say quite interesting here. Emmerich, on the other hand, becomes irritating to listen to.
Devlin's comments do provide some subtle insight into the story, and what it was like to have to control such a massive picture, but often when Emmerich comes back in with his use of the word "like", it makes the commentary tedious to have to sit through. There are some very informative bits of information included on this track, but the track is hard to listen to, making for a long journey with the two filmmakers.
Trailers: The teaser and theatrical trailer in excellent Dolby Digital 5.1 audio.
Deleted Scenes: Here we get 7 deleted scenes from the film with (oh no!) optional commentary from Emmerich and Devlin. These scenes are fairly enjoyable, but were rightly taken out for time (although, if I had my choice, more scenes would have ended up in this section).
Visual Effects Comparison: This area provides the viewer with the chance to look at a couple of the film's visual effects sequences in different pieces (selecting a piece from part of the screen allows it to be brought up to a bigger part of the screen) with commentary by the visual effects supervisor.
The Art Of War: A 10 minute featurette that details thoughts from the cast and crew about the reality of the battles shown in the film and also, how these scenes were filmed. It makes for moderately interesting viewing, especially hearing about some of the details, such as the massive amount of extras and equipment needed.
True Patriots: Another very enjoyable featurette that shows how the filmmakers tried to accurately re-create the look of that time in history.
Also Included: Production notes, cast and crew bios, and a large photo gallery.
Final Thoughts: I think this is one of those reviews where I thought the movie was only fair, but the disc was technically great in terms of audio and video quality. Aside from the commentary, the other extra features are enjoyable. If you haven't seen it, you may want to check it out as a rental. If you're a fan of the movie, you'll be perfectly happy with the presentation that the studio has offered.
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