Scarface
It’s the Platinum Edition DVD – bigger sound and he still dies at the end
Tags: Scarface Categories: DVD/TV Reviews, Reviews
Posted by Daniel "monk" Pelfrey on Oct 13th, 2006
Back in the early 1980’s when Reagan was President, there was a major emphasis on curbing illegal drug activity and the “war on drugs” was born. This background helps to set up the tale of Tony Montana, Cuban refugee who arrives in Miami with nothing more than the shirt on his back to become a major drug kingpin, only to lose it all in the motion picture Scarface.
Al Pachino stars as Tony Montana, in a role that many have considered Oscar worthy, though he wasn’t even nominated that year for the role. He had been nominated several times before, but wouldn’t win until nearly 10 years later for his acting. He was up for a Golden Globe, but lost for this performance. As a mater of fact, Scarface wasn’t nominated for any Oscars that year, which, in retrospect, seems a shame.
There is plenty of violence, not a lot of gore, and lots of swearing. It was definitely an “R” rated film at the time and would earn it again today. Tony’s rise to power and the iron grip used to keep it isn’t done with ease. What makes this character different is his humanity, which Al Pachino brings.
Scarface showcases a number of great performances, as well as some odd casting choices (such as newcomer Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as Tony’s little sister. The script by Oliver Stone was early enough in his career to cement his place in Hollywood.
The film itself is a bit long, but as one of those epic tales, it’s hard to find what parts to cut out. As it is there are only sections of the downfall that are only briefly explained, if at all with some holes left. This doesn’t really detract from the story, but does leave the viewer wanting more. A good crime drama with powerful performances, it’s very hard not to recommend Scarface.
What makes this DVD release special, other than its timing to the videogame sequel (in which the ending of the movie is slightly changed) are some extras as well as a new audio mix. Actually, many of the extras are the same as they were in the previously released edition from 2003. There are new “The World of Tony Montana” and “Making of Scarface: The Videogame” extras, but they aren’t enough to make up for the fact that there still isn’t a commentary track, or the deleted scenes weren’t folded into the film (they are placed on the second disc).
Many will point to the new digitally enhanced audio with bigger and more realistic sound effects as one of the main reasons to pick this version up. While the explosions and gunfire really do “pop” and give the speakers a workout, it is done at the expense of the dialogue, which frankly, is more important. I had to keep adjusting the volume up or down to match what was going on in order to maintain a comfortable hearing level.
A good film worth owning, particularly for those looking for a good crime drama, Scarface is worth more than just a rental. Unfortunately, this may not be the version for you.
| What Works | Score |
|---|---|
|
+ Great story + Al Pachino + Better sound effects |
8.0 |
| What Doesn't | |
|
- Dialogue lower in the mix this time around - Couldn't the deleted scenes have been folded into the film? - Where are the commentaries? |
|
| Under the Shrink-wrap | |
| If you already own one of the earlier releases of this film, you're not missing much. | |
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Tags: Scarface
Posted by Daniel "monk" Pelfrey on Oct 13th, 2006 and is filed under DVD/TV Reviews, Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can post a comment, or trackback from your own site.
