Plot: What’s it about?
One of the most long-awaited titles finally makes it way to DVD! Heat is the epic (3 hours) story of a classic “Cops and robbers” film. The film reunites Al Pacino and Robert De Niro since Godfather II, so that was a main selling point initially. Also included in this all star cast are Natalie Portman, Tom Seizemore, Val Kilmer, Ashley Judd and Dennis Haysbert (Cerrano from “Major League”, yes!) just to name a few.
Career robbers, Neil (Robert De Niro), Chris (Val Kilmer) and Michael (Tom Seizemore), who have obviously worked together for years, are out for one last bank job. Hot on their trail is Det. Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino), but can never get quite close enough to make the arrest.
Some may argue that “Heat” moves a little slow, and maybe it does, but any movie 3 hours long has to build up a substatial plot (in my opinion). Anyhow, in a story about friendship and relationships (all the bank robbers have significant others, as well), it eventually comes down to each man’s decision when it comes to money or safety (you guess which they choose).
Heat really delivers and has grown to become one of my favorite movies in recent memory. The casting is superb, the acting is just as great (no one really overacts, which is good) and the storyline is realistic and beliveable. Highly recommended.
Video: How does it look?
Warner has fixed their transfer from the old LD. I had seen a few and the letterboxing was kind of “off kilter” is the only way to describe it. It was properly letterboxed, but shifted “up” about two inches (this was the LD version). Anyhow, this looks fine and the new 16:9 transfer looks absolutely brilliant. The movie is fairly dark, even the daytime shots have lots of greys and blacks in them. No problem here, no shimmering or artifacting.
Audio: How does it sound?
Oh MAN! The shootout in downtown LA is my new reference test. It sounds awesome. Dialogue is clean, explosions are awesome and gunfire is prevelant everywhere. Quite possibly the best out there.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Warner production notes and cast bios and 3 trailers are also included. Could have been more, considering the amount of time it took to release this, but who’s complaining?
