Review of Road To Perdition (Widescreen)

Introduction

I now go to the cinema twice a week, and as a result see almost all the movies that are released that interest me. Combined with my DVD Reviewer duties, I watch a lot of films, and there are plenty that don`t live up to expectations, and plenty that I don`t expect a great deal from and come away pleasantly surprised.

Road to Perdition falls into the latter category, the trailer interested me, but I wasn`t sure what the movie would actually deliver - however after watching the film, I knew that I had seen something special. Sam Mendes` combination of a great script, superb cast and unparalleled production values resulted in one of the best films that I have seen in a long time.

Oscar winners Tom Hanks and Paul Newman lead a great cast that also includes the Oscar-nominated Jude Law. Set in 1931 Chicago, the story follows the complex and changing relationships between father and sons. Michael Sullivan (Hanks) is a devoted husband and father by day and professional killer by night. Father to two young boys, Sullivan is as committed to his family as he is his work. But when these two opposite worlds collide, taking the lives of both his wife and younger boy, Sullivan and his surviving son (Tyler Hoechlin) leave their tranquil home life behind and embark on an extraordinary journey of discovery and retribution. At the centre of this film is the bond between Michael and his son as they go on the run from a hired assassin (Law) through bleak depression era America. Held together by tragedy and facing overwhelming odds, this is a captivating story of an indestructible bond.

Video

The video is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen and ranges from above average to excellent quality. I was a bit disappointed to see some evidence of grain during some exterior shots, but conversely, much of the rest of the film features excellent visuals, with a crisp and clear image which is vibrant with plenty of contrast.

When I saw the movie at the cinema, I was immediately struck by just how good the film looked, and the fantastic locations are just as impressive the second time around. The film looks utterly authentic, with busy street scenes superbly filmed.

Of particular note is the opening sequence when Michael`s older son cycles through snowy Chicago, and a breathtaking circular pan later in the film as father and son return to the city. When I saw this shot at the cinema, I thought it was one of the most impressive shots I had ever seen during a film, and seeing it again on this DVD reaffirmed that view.

Audio

The original press release for Road to Perdition promised Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 sound, however, with it being a single disc release, the DTS 5.1 track was dropped to maximise bandwidth for the Dolby Digital 5.1 track and picture.

The soundtrack is excellent, filling room with a warm sound from all speakers, with the movie`s excellent score very well reproduced - and in truth, although the DTS 5.1 track would have had more depth and range, it wouldn`t sound much better than this.

The effects are equally impressive, with gunfire filling the room with a very powerful sound - you can feel the bullets coming out of the machine gun.

The dialogue is clear and understandable throughout the film.

Features

The extras include a director`s commentary track; eleven deleted scenes; the HBO Special "The Making of the Road to Perdition"; a CD soundtrack sampler; a photo gallery; cast biographies; filmmakers biographies and production notes.

The deleted scenes and commentary are both interesting, with the former offering some interesting additions to the movie and the latter providing the usual range of trivia, background and technical information.

The other extras are all pretty much as you would expect.

Conclusion

I thoroughly enjoyed Road to Perdition at the cinema, and it is every bit as good when watched on DVD - definitely one of the best films I have seen for some time.

Excellent performances from the cast, in particular Hanks, Newman and Law, combine with a good story and excellent cinematography to deliver a top quality movie that delivers on all fronts.

The video is generally excellent and the soundtrack is top-notch, plus the disc carries some good extras.

Overall, an excellent film and an excellent DVD. Recommended.