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Mamet is wonderfully vague as he introduces his characters and the film's underlying turmoil. The audience must pay careful attention. Peoples' identities and their roles in this drama are defined by their actions, not in exposition. That is one of the pleasures of this film. We learn that Scott (Val Kilmer) is likely an ex-marine, perhaps a former member of the Maritime Special Purpose Force.  What is clear is that he's dedicated, respected, a trainer of MSPF candidates, and as someone at the top of his game, considered to be that go-to guy. The organization isn't explicitly named, but the Secret Service may be one of those government agencies that calls upon him for a special assignment during a crisis.

Scott is summoned to a temporary command center in Boston. The unthinkable has happened. The daughter of the President of the United States, Laura Newton (Kristen Bell), has been kidnapped. Her Secret Service protection, stationed in Harvard Yard, has been brought in for interrogation. For reasons that are unclear, she had just dramatically changed her look, from long red hair to short platinum blond. No currently accurate photos are available, further complicating locating her. After a bit of preliminary investigation, the overseeing agent in charge, Burch (Ed O'Neill), has a private chat with Scott. Scott is sent out on a deadly and deceptive task to penetrate the organization thought most likely to be responsible. This will be the first of several duplicitous schemes that will put Scott and Laura in great jeopardy as he tries to rescue her from her captors.  I'm reluctant to reveal more. This intricate film moves swiftly, surprising the viewer with unexpected revelations and leaving bloody bodies in the wake of amoral conspiracies.

This is easily Val Kilmer's best work in years. He projects intensity and single-mindedness; his character is supremely competent. Challenged by unexpected forces he is forced to become paranoid as well as resourceful. The fine supporting cast includes William H. Macy as Stoddard; it isn't clear if he reports to Burch or if he represents the White House, but his role also comes as a surprise. Derek Luke as Curtis, a new member of the special ops team and Scott's support choice, is quietly intelligent; tough but observant, he notices clues that would make Sir Arthur Conan Doyle proud. Tia Texada is excellent as Jackie Black; intensely loyal and dedicated, she admires Scott's professionalism and asks him to reach out to her if ever he may need her for an assignment.  

Mamet's twists and turns are unpredictable and deliciously contemptuous of the flaws that cause people to commit terrible acts. I found the film compelling and admired the way it avoided telegraphing the plot twists. Mamet does fall back on coincidence several times, which is the film's only weakness, a minor quibble. This is an involving thriller that may raise your paranoia quotient.

Video: How Does The Disc Look?

The film's theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 is presented in anamorphic video. This is another great transfer from Warner Home Video. Halo free, the images are sharp and highly detailed. Fine-grained textures and small object detail are outstanding. Shadow detail during the night sequences of the first act is excellent, both at the training site and during the initial investigation. Color rendition, based on flesh tones, is extremely natural. Blood is convincingly red. The chroma is noise-free and never smears. I did not notice any digital artifacts. This is a great film-like presentation that pulls as much detail as possible from DVD's limited resolution. I could go on, but suffice it to say that this transfer earns a rare score of five.

Audio: How Does The Disc Sound?

The Dolby Digital 5.1 track is also excellent. Surround effects highlight off-screen action, from a helicopter flying into the frame to firefights. Deep bass is present, requiring a fine subwoofer to fully appreciate. Mark Isham's moody score emphasizes the percussion section; it's presented across a broad soundstage with pleasing fidelity. Sound effects sport a superior dynamic range and brisk attack times that provoke entertaining emotional responses from the viewer. The dialog remained distortion free throughout with no audible compression raspiness.

There is no alternative language track. Optional subtitles are available in French, Spanish, and English for which Closed Captions are also included.

Supplements: What Goodies Are There?

The DVD is programmed to open with a DVD teaser trailer for The Big Bounce (0:32) in 1.85:1 non-anamorphic widescreen and a theatrical trailer for Shade (2:01) in 2.35:1 anamorphic video. These may be skipped with the next chapter button, but are not available elsewhere on the disc.

Val Kilmer's screen-specific audio commentary was interesting but not compelling. His approach is that of an actor, interpreting the storyline, understanding the nature of his character, and dealing with his character's arc. Perhaps it's an indication of my feelings of being a frustrated filmmaker rather than a frustrated actor, but I didn't find his concern over comprehending Scott and the circumstances he's placed in to be that fascinating. From my point of view, in that regard, the film and his performance speak for themselves. Fortunately, he also shares anecdotes from the shoot and discusses Mamet and his style; those sequences are far more interesting. Be prepared for some gaps as he falls silent from time to time.

The only other supplement to be found here is the film's theatrical trailer (1:59), presented in very respectable anamorphic video. The 107-minute feature film is organized into twenty-eight chapters.

DVD-ROM Exclusives: What do you get when you pop the disc in your PC?

There are no PC enhanced extras included.

Parting Thoughts