Rebel forces have gained control of a Russian military base and are threatening to launch nuclear weapons against the U.S. and Japan. The missile submarine USS Alabama, under the command of Captain Frank Ramsey (Gene Hackman), is ordered to sail to the Russian coast and launch a preemptive strike against the rebels.

Shortly before the attack is to commence, Navy command sends a second order to the Alabama, but the message is cut short by damage to the sub’s radio system. Lieutenant Commander Ron Hunter (Denzel Washington), the sub’s new Executive Officer, believes they should delay their missile launch until the new message--which could very well contain orders to call off the attack--has been confirmed, but Ramsey says his orders are to fire. Hunter refuses to authorize the launch, causing Ramsey to accuse him of mutiny and initiating a power struggle for command of the ship.

CRITIQUE

Crimson Tide is the first movie I bring up when someone tries to tell me director Tony Scott is all sizzle and no steak. Although of late he’s become known for hyperactive camera calisthenics and a rapid cutting style that makes other directors’ rapid cutting styles look Bergman-esque by comparison, it’s easy to forget that when he wants to, Scott can take a solid story and use his talents to simply tell it (or as close as he can come to simply telling it). There’s no better example of this than Crimson Tide, a genuinely good, exciting thriller that--while still stylish--doesn’t sacrifice story or character in favor of cinematic excess (or what the director’s detractors see as excess).

There’s nothing earth-shatteringly original about the characters or story here, but the situation Crimson Tide exploits is fundamentally interesting and compelling, and the movie milks it for all it’s worth. There are no real surprises along the way, and everything wrapped up just a little too neatly at the end, but the movie never fails to engage. And it’s also a great deal smarter than most people give it credit for.

The script, credited to Michael Schiffer from a story he devised with Richard P. Henrick, but augmented with some uncredited work by Quentin Tarantino (whose contributions stick out like a sore thumb), doesn’t make Washington’s character a Boy Scout, nor does it make Hackman’s a warmonger. Both men make reasonable arguments (and both are essentially trying to do the same thing: save lives), and it’s not surprising to find yourself agreeing with each of them at different points.

In fact, a large part of this is due to the strengths of the performances; Hackman and Washington are both dynamite. And thankfully the race card is never played. That was one of my big fears going into my first viewing (my other being the movie would be nothing more than The Hunt for Red October crossed with The Caine Mutiny), and I was happily surprised to discover the issue of race doesn’t come into play.

The leads are given excellent support by the spot-the-future-big-name supporting cast. In addition to Viggo Mortensen and James Gandolfini, the ship’s crew features turns by a baby-faced Steve Zahn and a blink-and-you’ll-miss-him Ryan Phillippe. And keep an eye out for Ricky Schroder, trying to come across all grownup by dropping the ‘y’ (nobody was fooled).      

Crimson Tide was re-released on DVD a couple years back in an extended cut, but just as they did with Enemy of the State and Con Air, Buena Vista has opted to include only the theatrical version on this Blu-ray disc. But once again this is no reason to cry foul, as what you’ll find here is Scott’s preferred cut. (Those standard-def reissues were pretty much cash-grabs, with their only real plus being they finally presented the movies in anamorphic transfers.)

THE VIDEO

The 2.40:1/1080p transfer looks very good, although it suffers from a couple of flaws. Crimson Tide was made before Scott really went wild with the stylistics; the visuals here exhibit a far more natural look than those of the director’s last few outings. Colors are generally muted, with grays and blacks dominating the interior of the sub, but Scott often employs bolder colors as a means of providing contrast and highlighting characters; important objects or individuals are often bathed in bright primary hues in order to single them out.

Black levels are generally solid, and shadow detail is often exemplary. The image exhibits a nice three-dimensional, film-like appearance, with just enough grain visible to avoid an overly digital look. On the downside, some mild edge enhancement is noticeable, especially in the brief exterior scenes; these scenes also look a little soft and flat in comparison to the shots inside the sub.

THE AUDIO

Every previous home video incarnation of Crimson Tide has sounded great; even the old VHS tape boasted a good soundtrack. The uncompressed PCM 5.1 track found on this disc is another winner, even if it doesn’t quite match the standards set by more recent movies. The action scenes are appropriately active, with torpedoes zooming around the soundstage and the resulting explosions booming from all channels.

Surround action throughout the rest of the movie is more subtle, with the sounds of electronics and hull noises leaking from the rears. Bass is deep and thunderous throughout; skip to the encounter with the Acula and see what I mean (listen for the sound of the screws stopping). Dialogue is always clear and natural sounding, and Hans Zimmer’s excellent score sounds terrific. English and French Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks are also included. English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles are available.

THE EXTRAS

The paltry extras kick off with seven deleted scenes (7 minutes). Most are simply scene extensions or alternate takes on scenes, although there is some footage from a dropped subplot. They’re nothing special, but make sure you check out the clip of George Dzundza telling a very funny dirty joke. (Note: This is not the material that was used to create the extended cut. That footage is not included here.)

The Making of Crimson Tide (20 minutes) is an EPK-style making-of featurette, which I’m pretty sure was broadcast on cable at the time of the movie’s release (I seem to remember seeing it on Showtime). Interviews with the cast and crew are intercut with behind-the-scenes footage and clips from the movie.

All Access: On the Set of Crimson Tide (11 minutes) is a rather rough assemblage of behind-the-scenes material. It’s half footage of Scott (sporting his customary pink cap and stogie) working with his camera crew, half footage of the cast goofing off.

FINAL THOUGHT

Skimpy extras aside, this is a damn good movie given a damn good high-def treatment. Crimson Tide on Blu-ray is recommended to both fans and those looking for a solid thriller.