When a comet is
discovered on a collision course for Earth, and unless it can be
stopped, the majority of humanity will be wiped out.
CRITIQUE
The year 1998 was
the year of the planet smashers. On one end of the film spectrum was
the ultra silly Armageddon, a film centered on the idea that
throwing in pointless explosions will make up for the weakness of
script and characterization. On the other end was Deep Impact,
a character-driven drama about how the end of the world affects us
all. True, the film does have a few overly melodramatic moments (Tea
Leoni’s relationship with her father seems a little over the top, but
does end with a heartbreaking conclusion), but these moments are few
and far between, never conflicting with the story as a whole.
Deep Impact
is a film firmly planted in reality. No “unlikely candidates chosen to
save the world” scenario in this film. As the comet comes closer, we
see how the government (led by the perfectly cast Morgan Freeman as
the President) plans for every possible outcome, from the most
optimistic to the worst case scenario. The cast pulls together and
delivers sincere performances, which raises the tension levels in ways
that an action sequence could never do.
The film does show
its age in the final disaster sequence. While the destruction of New
York still has impact, many of the computer effects now look somewhat
unfinished by today’s standards. However, by the point of the film
that the effects are used full force, you are far too involved in the
story to worry about how “good” they are.
Overall, the film
is very enjoyable. It keeps as brisk pace and when there are lulls
they do not last long. It’s a film that raises the question, what
would really happen if a comet were on its way to destroy Earth? And
would we be able to stop it?
THE VIDEO
The transfer looks
wonderful. The colors are vibrant and the black levels consistent.
The effects transfer seems a little weak, especially when the tidal
wave sequence begins. Although this isn’t anything that really affects
the film.
THE AUDIO
The audio is
presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround as well as in Dolby Surround.
Both mixes are really good and have some great ambient work.
THE EXTRAS
Commentary by Mimi
Leder and Visual Effects Supervisor Scott Farrar: An okay track, although Leder spends quite a bit of time
talking about how much she would want to re-edit the film and make it
tighter.
Preparing for the
End: A
featurette about where the story came from and the research involved
in making the film. It’s an okay video.
Making an Impact:
The production featurette. Interesting stuff.
Creating the
Perfect Traffic Jam:
A featurette about the giant traffic jam scene at the end of the film
and how it was pulled off.
Parting Thoughts:
The post production featurette. This features a few deleted scenes,
but other than that, nothing too special.
FINAL THOUGHT
Deep Impact
is a wonderful drama that sucks you in quickly and keeps you entranced
with its realistic storyline. But if you’re looking for mindless
action, this isn’t your cup of tea.
