U-571 [HD DVD]

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Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Bill Paxton, Harvey Keitel, Jon Bon Jovi, David Keith
Directed by: Jonathan Mostow
Binding: HD DVD
Published: 2006-05-23

Features:

Anamorphic
Color
Dolby
DTS Surround Sound

U-571 [HD DVD]

Editorial Review:

Taut and gripping, U-571 follows the exploits of a fictional team of World War II U.S. submariners who undertake a secret mission to capture a German Enigma machine to decode German documents. Writer-director Jonathan Mostow (Breakdown) tells an intense, economical tale, reminiscent of the best classic war films, while infusing it with modern sentiments.
Spring 1942: A crew of young submarine sailors are on a much-needed 48-hour liberty when they're suddenly called together and engaged in an expedition. At the helm are Lieutenant Commander Mike Dahlgren (Bill Paxton), Lieutenant Andrew Tyler (Matthew McConaughey), and Chief Klough (Harvey Keitel). Other pivotal crew members include Tyler's Annapolis pal Lieutenant Pete Emmett (Jon Bon Jovi, proving his acting mettle) and Lieutenant Hirsch (Jake Weber), who, along with Marine Major Coonan (David Keith), organizes the mission. As much of the movie takes place in a submarine during WWII, there are inevitable comparisons with the technical masterpiece Das Boot, but Mostow's masterfully shot tale can hold its own.
McConaughey's Tyler is believably earnest as he comes to grips with the reality, tragedy, and consequence of being in command. While this explosion-filled film consistently maintains its tense pace (as did the underrated Breakdown), it also presents with surprising restraint a genuine human story--and the remarkable journey of an unexpected hero. --N.F. Mendoza

Customer Reviews:

Avg. Customer Rating: 3.0 / 5.0

Good story, poor editing:

I liked the storyline for this DVD, but did not like the editing. I saw the original movie when it was released, and this is not the original. Some of the characters have been changed, and the editing is poor. For the original DVD I would give 5 stars, but for this (the non-region 2 DVD) edited version I would give 1 star but I like the story so I give it 2 stars.

A great movie experience:

I'm a big fan of submarine movies and this is one of my favorites. No matter how many times I watch it, the suspense always gets to me. The pace of the film is excellent, always keeping you involved.
Regarding some critics here that question the historical accuracy, it's a "fictional" story based loosely upon the exploits of many brave men during WWII, American and U.K., but focusing on an American submarine crew. At the end of the film, credit is given to many (if not all) crews that captured Enigma... more info

A great, fictional war story:

Another superb title for the short-lived run of HD DVD. The detailed sets look great (some scenes more than others) in Hi Def and the movie sounds tremendous as well. I recommend it for those building a HDDVD library. My system: Toshiba A35 player, Samsung 58A550 Plasma TV, Pioneer Elite SC-07 receiver)

The Worst War Film of All Time:

There is no doubt that America was/is a great ally to the UK and their contribution in WW2 was outstanding. However, this movie stretches to the extreme Hollywood's self given right to bend the truth as it depicts Bon Jovi and his US forces chums capturing the first Enigma machine, this despite the fact that it was actually the Royal Navy who captured the first Enigma on April 15th 1940. This was of course three years before the USA joined the European conflict. Shame on you Hollywood.

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