Plot: What’s it about?
Col. William McNamara (Bruce Willis) is a fourth generation war veteran, but right now, he isn’t out on the front lines of World War II. Instead, he is held prisoner inside a Nazi camp and while his freedom has been taken, his sense of honor and patriotism can never be stripped. As the highest ranked prisoner, he serves as a leader to his fellow inmates and even inside this camp, his mind churns out plans to overcome. The camp is run by German Col. Werner Visser (Marcel Iures), who has an iron hand and vigilant eye, so he makes sure the prisoners remain in line at all times. As time passes, McNamara bides his time and waits for the right moment, so he can strike out at his enemies and attempt to move his men out of the prisoner camp. When a black soldier is accused of murder and sentenced to be executed, McNamara steps up and demands a trial for his fellow soldier, which might give him the chance he needs. But in order to put his plan into motion, he needs the help of Lt. Tommy Hart (Colin Farrell), whom he doesn’t have too much faith in. The plan is a dangerous one and puts all the soldiers at risk, but McNamara and his men would rather die in an escape attempt, as opposed to resolving themselves to defeat. But can even these men with their intense resolve manage to pull off such a daring escape?
This is the kind of movie that keeps your attention as you watch, but once you’ve left the theater, you don’t have a burning desire to discuss what you’ve seen. I mean, I was entertained by Hart’s War and even enjoyed it the second time around, but it simply never pushes itself to be great, leaving it at good, but not that memorable. The film is a mix of a traditional suspense movie, courtroom drama, and escape picture, which works well enough and while we have to suspend disbelief at times, most of the plot is rock solid. The scenes framed around the escape highlight the movie, as the courtroom scenes don’t have the needed fire, so the dramatic impact just isn’t what it should be. As time passes, the movie seems to settle for cliches more and more, but before it runs out of steam, Hart’s War has some good moments. I was let down by the finale as well, but to be honest, I knew what would pass from the start and it fits into the storyline, though I wish a different end sequence was used instead. Even so, Hart’s War has been given a solid treatment with this disc and if you’re interested, it is well worth a rental.
If you went by the trailers and ad campaigns for Hart’s War, you’d have to think Bruce Willis was the main man, but as it turns out, that isn’t the case. Yes, Willis has an important role and gets ample screen time, but Colin Farrell has the true central focus. I didn’t think Farrell’s performance was bad by any means, but he seemed to have a little too much face time here, when Willis’ presence could have lifted up the picture. In truth, those courtroom scenes might have had that spark they need if Willis were better used, as Farrell simply either sleepwalks at times, or just couldn’t muster the needed dramatic presence. But Willis is able to make good use of what time he has, which should have been more substantial, if you ask me. Other films with Willis include Unbreakable, Bandits, Die Hard, Pulp Fiction, and The Fifth Element. The cast also includes Colin Farrell (American Outlaws, Tigerland), Cole Hauser (Pitch Black, Good Will Hunting), and Terrence Howard (Big Momma’s House, Angel Eyes).
Video: How does it look?
Hart’s War is presented in a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, with a full frame option included on the disc’s flip side. MGM has been doing some excellent work with their new releases and this one is no exception, proving to be one of their best transfers to date. The opening sequence with a train pushing through cold, snow covered land is simply beautiful, due in part to this top notch, often reference level visual presentation. The image is razor sharp and clean as could be, thanks to a pristine source print. In truth, some scenes are looking right through a window, such as the scene where Colin Farrell falls into an open grave, the opening train scene, and many others, simply amazing visuals here. The colors are bright and never fall into error, while black levels are refined and well balanced throughout. This is how I wish all films could look, as MGM’s work here is stellar and the film simply couldn’t look better on DVD.
Audio: How does it sound?
The included Dolby Digital 5.1 is an above average audio presentation, but just don’t expect a reference level experience here. Of course, the most memorable audio comes in the more action oriented scenes, but this track also handles the more subtle touches well. So in the courtroom sequences and just normal conversations, the speakers come to life to build atmosphere, which is vital in a film of this kind. The dialogue is smooth and crisp throughout also, so you won’t miss a single word. This disc also includes additional tracks in French, Spanish, and Portuguese, as well as subtitles in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.
Supplements: What are the extras?
The headline supplements on this disc are two audio commentary tracks, both of which more than warrant a listen, if you liked the picture. The first track is with Bruce Willis, director Gregory Hoblit, and writer Billy Ray, whose comments have been edited together to form a cohesive session. I’m more of a fan of live, multi person sessions, but this one is solid and offers a lot of behind the scenes information. The second track is with producer David Foster, who provides some insight at times, but usually just rambles on and pats his filmmakers on the back. This disc also includes a selection of deleted scenes (with optional director’s comments), some still photos, and the film’s theatrical trailer.
