Enemy at the Gates (US)
Some men are born to be heroes
Certificate: R
Running Time: 131 mins
Retail Price: $29.99
Release Date:
Content Type: Movie
Synopsis:
An all-star cast lights up the screen in this riveting epic hailed as "a vivid dramatization of one of history`s titanic turning points." (Gene Shalit, TODAY)
The year is 1942 and the Nazis are cutting a deadly swath through Russia. Under the leadership of Khrushchev (Bob Hoskins), the citizens of Stalingrad are mounting a brave resistance, spurred by the exploits of their local hero, Vassili Zaitsev (Jude Law). An expert sniper, Vassili`s deeds have become legendary - thanks to propaganda produced by Vassili`s best friend, a political officer named Danilov (Joseph Fiennes). To stop Vassili, the Germans dispatch their best sniper, Major Konig (Ed Harris), to Stalingrad. When Vassili and Danilov both fall in love with a beautiful soldier (Rachel Weisz), Danilov deserts his friend, leaving Vassili to face his German counterpart alone. As the city burns, Vassili and Konig begin a cunning game of cat and mouse, waging a private war for courage, honor and country.
Special Features:
Interactive Menus
Scene Access
Theatrical Trailer
Behind-The-Scenes Featurette
Exclusive Cast & Crew Interviews
Additional Scenes
Video Tracks:
Widescreen Anamorphic 2.35:1
Audio Tracks:
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Dolby Digital Surround 2.0 English
Dolby Digital Surround 2.0 French
Subtitle Tracks:
English
CC: English
Directed By:
Jean-Jacques Annaud
Written By:
Alain Godard
Jean-Jacques Annaud
Starring:
Eva Mattes
Ron Perlman
Ed Harris
Bob Hoskins
Rachel Weisz
Joseph Fiennes
Jude Law
Casting By:
Ros Hubbard
John Hubbard
Soundtrack By:
James Horner
Director of Photography:
Robert Fraisse
Editor:
Humphrey Dixon
Noëlle Boisson
Costume Designer:
Janty Yates
Production Designer:
Wolf Kroeger
Producer:
John D. Schofield
Jean-Jacques Annaud
Executive Producer:
Alisa Tager
Jörg Reichl
Roland Pellegrino
Alain Godard
Distributor:
Paramount Pictures
Your Opinions and Comments
For a change, it gives us a glimpse of life of WWII from the Soviet aspect (thus showing just how ridiculous Communism really is).
The video transfer is very good. There are no compression signs to be seen and the de-saturated palette is obviously intentional.
The DD 5.1 soundtrack is good, yet not amazing. While the movie is filled with blasts, gun shots and other war-time sound effects, the surrounds are not very active.
The menus are all animated with sound.
The extras include 2 featurettes and 9 deletes scenes. Nothing too exciting, though.
Bottom line - a good war drama that tells a very good story, though in a slow pace.
When Vassili (Jude Law) takes out some soldiers he is acclaimed a hero and becomes known as a legendary sniper as he continues to take out strong forces in Stalingrad. But Germany sends their best sniper (Ed Harris) to terminate Vassili. The snipers are now after each other and they both have a fair amount of tricks up their sleeves. But which Sniper will outsmart the other?
The Video for this dvd is very good and sharp.
The Audio for this dvd is pretty good with the options of:
English 5.1 Surround
English Dolby Surround
French Dolby Surround
The special features for this dvd aren`t too great. Some additional scenes, interviews, and behind the scenes features keep it from being terrible but they are still far from good.
This movie has a good cast and not a bad plot but is often slowly paced. If you haven`t seen it go ahead and rent because overall its not a bad movie but when compared to Saving Private Ryan its quite dull.