MovieFreak.com - Dark Blue - Special Edition DVD Review

Adrenaline is high, tempers are hot, and racial tensions are boiling over. Against this explosive backdrop, LAPD detective Eldon Perry (Kurt Russell) tutors his rookie partner (Scott Speedman) in the realities of police intimidation and corruption as they investigate a high-profile homicide case. But as the body count rises—and the evidence just doesn't add up—Assistant Chief Arthur Holland (Ving Rhames) threatens to end Perry's brand of "justice." That is, if Perry's own demons don't destroy him first.

Dark Blue feels quite similar to another police drama. Of course, I’m talking about Training Day. The relation between these two films is screenwriter David Ayer. Although Dark Blue is based on a treatment by James Elroy, Training Day is an original script and ultimately feels much more rewarding. Comparisons can be made between both films, but it wouldn’t be a fair judgment. Directed by Ron Shelton (Bull Durham) and despite an all-too familiar subject matter, Dark Blue is a very decent cop drama.

Dark Blue is set against the 1992 Rodney King beating and the subsequent riot. This backdrop certainly brings wanted tension to the film, but the story is only half satisfying. The progression of the story is fine and works well, but the familiarity of the subject matter holds back the importance or impact of the story. With the Rampart scandal a few years back and even Training Day, the subject matter of corrupt cops and the fabrication of evidence is nothing new anymore.

Moreover, some of the characters within the story are a little too thin, maybe somewhat unsympathetic as well. Kurt Russell’s talent saves the Eldon Perry character from coming off as completely unsympathetic, but he also brings a lot of energy in scenes that require notoriety and investigative wits. Perry is not the best example for a central character, but everyone is flawed in one way or another. However, as the climax approaches and Perry delivers his final speech, redemption is not something he completely deserves. Other characters who are essential to the story are nicely played by Scott Speedman, Ving Rhames, Michael Michelle and Brendan Gleeson.

To give credit to Dark Blue where it is due, Terence Blanchard’s score works quite well and Ayer’s script includes some well thought-out sequences and dialogue. Ron Shelton’s direction is pretty good overall and Kurt Russell brings a very nice performance to the mix. While Dark Blue is not original, it is an enjoyable drama that offers a pretty decent two hours of entertainment.

MGM presents Dark Blue in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen. This transfer is not as great for a recent release. I noticed quite a few spots of dirt and specks, but they are spread out so it’s not a major distraction. The color palette looks pretty good, with a lot of bright and vibrant colors here and there, usually a blue (interior) and yellow (exterior) look for most scenes. Color detail is pretty good. Dark tones and black levels are somewhat inconsistent. Overall, Dark Blue’s video presentation is pretty good and sports some very nice colors. Also, flip the disc and you can view Dark Blue in standard 1.33:1 pan & scan—but why would you want to do that?!

MGM presents Dark Blue in English 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound. This transfer is much more interested in quality. Dialog scenes are clear and easy to understand. Most of the noise comes from the front speakers, but sound effects are effective as the rear speakers pick up the goods in the film’s two or three shootouts. The overall surround usage is pretty nice, plus the film’s music soundtrack is all over the speakers. Just make sure to set your volume high enough. The two other audio options are French and Spanish Stereo Surround.

Commentary by Ron Shelton – He gives off a decent amount of information here and refers to many things about the production and the film’s story. While overall the information is interesting, it’s not all that entertaining. Shelton tends to run off in his thoughts, but keeps the comments coming. It’s a pretty decent track.

Internal Affairs: 3 Featurettes – "Code Blue" is an 18-minute segment on the making of the film, plus interviews and behind-the-scenes clips. Standard stuff, really. "By the Book" looks at the production design and the film’s sets. Lastly, the 6-minute "Necessary Force" reveals the research in correctly depicting the procedures, weapons and uniforms of the LAPD by way of the film’s technical advisor. These three featurettes can be played individually or all at once by selecting the "play all" option.

Rounding out the extras is a Photo Gallery and the film’s Theatrical Trailer, plus MGM recommendations (including trailers for Platoon, Rocky and Die Another Day). An easter egg is also available, but you have to be in the special features menu. Once there you have to select a shield, which will take you to a short featurette called "The Fire Next Time."

You can select to view the film with optional English, French and Spanish subtitles. The DVD’s menus are not animated. The 118-minute feature is organized into thirty-two chapters.

Dark Blue is a cop drama worth looking at, mainly because there are some interesting sequences and for Kurt Russell’s very good performance. MGM provides pretty good video and audio presentations, and the special features are decent; not necessarily equivalent of a special edition label. Alas, Dark Blue remains a recommended rental.

THE MOVIE	7
THE VIDEO	8
THE AUDIO	8
THE EXTRAS	5
OVERALL (not an average)	6