review: CRIMSON TIDE (Blu-ray)

Disney  //  Buy from Amazon.com Superstars Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman face off in the intense action-thriller Crimson Tide, now on Blu-ray Disc®. Viggo Mortensen and James Gandolfini also star as the full-throttle tension (Los Angeles Times) builds relentlessly in this pulse-pounding format! Amidst a global crisis, the USS Alabama is ordered to launch its nuclear missiles signaling the start of World War III! And when the sub s commander and his executive officer clash over the validity of their orders, an epic struggle for control erupts under the sea. Watch every explosive frame in spectacular 1080p, while 5.1 48 kHz, 16-bit uncompressed audio blows you away. See, hear and feel the Tide rage through the power of Blu-rayTM High Definition! I remember seeing this film in the theater when it first came out a dozen years ago (man I'm old) and finding myself very invested in the film - this was one of the few films that caused a physical, stomach-wrenching reaction in me as I found myself sucked into the story and all the high intensity it churns up at regular intervals. Plus, with such a stellar cast led by Denzel & Hackman, you know you're watching artistry at work with this one. What I was surprised to find out after the fact is that this film is directe by Tony Scott, who became one of my favorite directors after I saw this film (thanks to such fare as "Man on Fire," again with Denzel), and makes me appreciate this film even more now knowing that the immitable Tony Scott directed this phenomenally-strong film as well. It's never looked as good as it does on Blu-ray, and I watched this film for the first time all over again in high def (it looks that good!) Do yourself a favor and check this one out - you're sure to not be disappointed. Video The 1080p high def transfer is quite impressive, delivering a nearly flawless presentation for this intense film. Audio The uncompressed PCM 5.1 surround sound mix is equally solid, with crystal-clear dialogue and surround-rattling sound effects throughout. Extras making-of featurette "All Access" featurette deleted scenes Closing Thoughts Action-packed, intense dramatic fare + minimal extras = excellent film with an excellent Blu-ray presentation