After a sneak
attack by a French warship inflicts severe damage upon his vessel,
Captain Jack Aubrey (Crowe) is torn between duty and friendship as
he, and his crew, embark on a thrilling, high-stakes chase across
two oceans to capture or destroy the enemy at any cost.
CRITIQUE
Director Peter Weir
creates a level of excitement and danger in Master and
Commander: The Far Side of the World that is highly rewarding.
The film gets its story from a combination of two of author
Patrick O'Brian's set of sea-faring novels, with Weir and
screenwriter John Collee adapting the material. The script's
conflict lies with a captain and his ship against an enemy that is
more powerful and in close proximity, but also invisible when
natural forces play a trick.
Characterization is
very well done, and each character is recognizable by the job he
performs or by the respective actor's distinguished face. As Jack
Aubrey, Russell Crowe leads the way as a determined, stern, and
accredited captain of the sea. Paul Bettany delivers a strong
performance as both the ship's doctor, Stephen Maturin, and
Aubrey's best friend. Moments with the two actors discussing
politics, reminiscing about home, and playing violin relieve some
of the tension in between the action and exciting sea battles.
Master and
Commander is beautifully photographed by Russell Boyd, and the
special effects that are successfully hidden in the action are
terrific. The film's soundtrack is really good, containing
beautiful classical works and other scores. At 138 minutes, the
film may be slow, but never boring. Overall, this Peter
Weir-directed epic of sea-faring proportions is a terrific and
very well-made film.
THE VIDEO
Fox presents Master and
Commander in 2.40:1 anamorphic widescreen. This is a
gorgeous-looking transfer with vibrant, crisp, and
well-saturated colors. The blue hues look great. Sharpness makes
an impact during the action scenes, while detail is near
excellent. Grain appears in a few areas, but compression
artifacts are not spotted. Dark tones and black levels are deep.
The print looks clean and crisp, without any faults. A very good
video presentation by Fox.
Optional subtitles
include English and Spanish.
THE AUDIO
Fox presents Master and
Commander in English 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound. The
soundtrack for the film is great. The music is very fitting. The
sound effects are tremendous and powerful. Dialogue is clear and
easy to understand at all times. Surround usage is very evident
during the action scenes, but also effective along the quieter
moments. The front speakers get a lot of recognition also, and
in conjunction with the surrounds create a very nice soundfield.
Dynamic range is also present, making for a very good
presentation.
A very good 5.1
DTS track is also included, plus a 5.1 French dub track.
THE EXTRAS
There are only
several trailers on this disc. If you're serious about this
film, buy the 2-disc Collector's Edition instead. You'll get
a plethora of bonus material which I hear is very good and quite
informative.
The
138-minute feature is organized into thirty-six chapters.
This 1-disc widescreen DVD arrives in an Amaray keepcase.
SUMMARY
Master and
Commander tells
the exciting and involving story of a captain and his ship in a battle
for survival of the fittest and smartest. While slow, the film never
bores, but rather it builds to a terrific, highly climactic, and
action-filled ending. The video/audio on this 1-disc DVD is fantastic,
but for all the behind-the-scenes and featurettes you need to check
out the 2-disc set. In effect, this single edition DVD comes only
recommended.
