Based on a true story of a New
York policeman, Serpico begins with the unexpected news
that dedicated policeman Frank Serpico (Pacino) has been shot.
He receives medical treatment at the hospital, but his condition
and wounds are unknown. From this introduction, Serpico
shifts its gears in reverse and tells the story from the
beginning.
Sidney Lumet's poignant and
staggering portrayal of police corruption is even an issue in
today's world, except now it's more sophisticated. Frank Serpico
is an honest man who takes his job seriously and believes in
justice, but he's different from the other police officers. He
dresses in plainclothes, but looks more like a hippie to
everyone else, and doesn't take petty cash from other cops who
make money off the record. Serpico is easily singled out, which
begins his ongoing struggle, both internally and externally, to
rid the police department of corruption.
Serpico deals with a
serious issue and it handles the subject matter very well. This
film is well directed, written, produced, and acted. Al Pacino
has Frank Serpico down to all corners and angles. We don't see
Al, we see Frank, because of the tremendous dedication and range
we have come to know Pacino to possess.
Serpico deserves all the
praise it received and will receive in the future. Serpico
has been an influence to many films after its time. Come to
think of it, Training Day
was the most recent film to address similar issues and themes
expressed in this film.
10 out of 10
The
Video
Considering
the age of this film and its print quality at the time,
Paramount made sure to give this DVD the best picture quality
that can be achieved. While it wasn't perfect, with some minor
scratches and shades, the picture had a fresh and lively look.
Serpico is presented in an optimal 1.85.1 widescreen
transfer.
8 out of 10
The
Audio
Even though Serpico is not
the kind of film to make use of surround sound specifically, the
audio levels and intensity nevertheless impressed. Car tires
squealing, police sirens wailing, and guns blasting, the 5.1
Dolby Digital Surround sound delivered a great performance here.
The DVD also offers English Restored Mono and French Mono, but
don't bother them, because Dolby Digital is the best. Watch
Serpico at night with your speakers turned up to get into
the feel.
8 out of 10
The
Extras
Serpico is not labeled as a
special edition and doesn't necessarily have the caliber to
prove it, but Paramount has nevertheless
put together some really fine material in the extras department. Have a
look:
- Serpico: From Real to Reel
- Inside Serpico
- Serpico: Favorite Moments
- Photo Gallery with
commentary by Sidney Lumet
7 out of 10
Overall
There's
nothing more to say than "watch Serpico and be part of
well-executed filmmaking." This DVD comes highly recommended
because of the film itself, but of course, the extras make the
difference, too.
The DVD artwork, which you can see
above, works well for this type of film, other than the fact
that it's stars Al Pacino! Pacino is Serpico and the cover shows
exactly that. Therefore, the artwork deserves an 8 out of 10.
Overall DVD Rating: 9 out of
10 (worth your cash!)
