Plot: What’s it about?
I find it hard to believe that ten years ago John Travolta was simply trying to get work. When I look at his performances in the past five years starting with “Pulp Fiction”, I can not help but wonder how many bombs were made in the 1980’s that might have done immensely better had he been involved. “The General’s Daughter” is another in a line of outings for Travolta.
Produced by the same man that gave us “Clear and Present Danger” and “Patriot Games”, the story centers around Paul Brenner (Travolta), a Criminal Investigative Division (CID) agent working at Fort MacCallum deep in Georgia. The commanding officer of the base, General Campbell, is about to retire and is considered a prime candidate for the vice-presidency. Problems and scandal threaten however, when his daughter, played by the beautiful Leslie Stefanson, is found murdered on the base.
A particularly gruesome murder it seems, Brenner is tapped to head the investigation and is immediately put under more pressure when informed he has thirty six hours to do what he can until the F.B.I. moves in and takes control of the case. That is the least attractive option for Campell because of the attention and media focus that will result. To make matters worse, he finds that Sarah Sunhill, a former love interest played by the beautiful Madeleine Stowe is working with him on the case. As a rape counselor (“Our victim doesnÆt need counseling. SheÆs dead.”) she immediately begins to assist in the fast paced investigation.
The resulting couple of days opens grizzly doors that they never even saw coming. While there is a hint of predictability to the plot, not all of the people that I expected to be guilty were and vice versa. This is a thoroughly engaging movie with a solid cast including James Cromwell (L.A. Confidential), Timothy Hutton, James Woods, and Clarence Williams III, who all deliver engaging performances. Throughout the movie, the average citizen will realize tough the military can be since members of the armed forces are not afforded the same rights as a civilian, such as the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to a speedy trial. The military and civilian worlds are incredibly different in a lot of ways, and part of that is accurately conveyed in this movie.
With regards to DVD quality, the picture and sound are both great. Filmed in and around Savannah, GA., some of the scenery is absolutely gorgeous. The sound was also excellent, with helicopters, bullets, and explosions, giving all of the speakers a run for their money. I was very pleasantly surprised at the amount of extras included on this DVD. The behind the scenes featurette was insightful and entertaining. I especially enjoyed the deleted scenes, including an alternate ending that I actually preferred over the major release ending.
Overall, this is a DVD that is enormously worth the cost of a rental. I would even go so far as to say that Travolta fans may as well permanently add it to their collection. And anyone else that enjoys a fast past crime thriller probably should as well.
Video: How does it look?
Excellent. This movies shows off the state of Georgia beautifully. Overall, a very clear picture. Colors were bright and vivid, some scenes were a bit dark, but I think that had to do with the way the movie was shot. Overall, a very good picture and one that all DVD’s should have!
Audio: How does it sound?
Again, excellent. Gunfights, helicopters, mine explosions and other items keep you engulfed in sound. The surround effects were great. Not as many explosions as I expected, but this coming from the director of “Con Air” I was more than satisfied. He knows sound.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Lots. And they are all worth the time to sit down and watch them. Say “Hello” to Paramount’s first ever, full-fledged special edition. You get a full-length commentary track with the director, four deleted scenes that include an alternate ending (which I think they should have used), trailers, a behind the scenes featurette and a few more extras. Why hasn’t Paramount done this before?
