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Black Hawk Down (2002) DVD Review
Black Hawk Down (2002) DVD Credits:
Black Hawk Down (2002) Directed by:
Ridley Scott, Alexander Witt
Black Hawk Down (2002) Written by:
Mark Bowden, Ken Nolan, Steven Zaillian, Jason Richman, Stephen Gaghan
Black Hawk Down (2002) Cast:
Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Tom Sizemore, Eric Bana, William Fichtner, Ewen Bremner, Sam Shepard, Gabriel Casseus, Kim Coates, Hugh Dancy
Black Hawk Down (2002) Released by:
Not available at this time
Region:
1
Black Hawk Down (2002) DVD Release Date:
5th June 2006
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Black Hawk Down (2002) Synopsis:

The true story of the United States' involvement in Somalia during an ill-fated humanitarian mission. On October 3, 1993, U.S. soldiers entered Somalia on an exercise that was supposed to take less than an hour. The mission turned into a nightlong battle against thousands of heavily armed Somalians. Eighteen U.S. soldiers and more than 500 Somalians were killed as a result of this conflict.

Black Hawk Down (2002) DVD Review:

Black Hawk Down: Extended Cut

Ridley Scott has a number of different versions for many of his films on DVD now. With the recent release of the director’s cut of Kingdom of Heaven as well as the same treatment which was given to Gladiator, it isn’t surprising that Black Hawk Down is being re-released with an extended cut of the film. The only problem with this new trend which seems most popular with war films is that the extended cut DVDs are usually more trouble than good. The Gladiator: Extended Version DVD had the right idea. All of the perks from the original DVD, including the original theatrical version of the film, were included. This makes that one DVD collection the ultimate package for the film. There is already a fantastic package out for Black Hawk Down. It has several discs for special features, and it had a great package as well. The cover art alone is far better than the extended cut, and it doesn’t stop there. If another package for the same film is going to be released, it should always be better than the last. This package has an extended cut of the film, but those eight minutes come at the expense of all the perks the other version had. Fans are forced to choose between an extended version of the film and the special features, which isn’t right.

As horrible as the idea to release a lesser DVD in order to add eight minutes was, the film is still incredibly well done. Watching the extended cut will only further enforces the fact that this is the kind of film which should be owned in any manner possible. Any version of this film is powerful and effective. Black Hawk Down is about the true account of a U.S. Army Rangers Mission in Somali. When things go wrong on a deadly mission, two Black Hawk helicopters are shot out of the sky, and many men are trapped in extremely hostile areas. The film is simply about them trying to survive and making certain that no man is left behind as they are attacked by hundreds of Somali gunmen.

At the time of theatrical release, this film had a few rising stars and a couple familiar faces, but a number of things have changed since 2001. Watching the film now, audiences will recognize many actors in roles that certainly went a long way in helping their career. Orlando Bloom enjoys a fleeting moment in the spotlight and Eric Bana demands attention each time he is onscreen. At the time of release there was much more focus on Josh Hartnett, who was the heartthrob of the moment, and Ewan McGregor was rising in celebrity status at the time as well. Personally, I have always loved Tom Sizemore in this film. He embodies a Ranger perfectly. In fact, if he wasn’t an actor, I would expect to see him in the military.

The sound and picture have been remastered digitally, which makes this version somewhat different aside from just the eight minutes added. The film was winner of two Academy Awards in 2001, including one for best sound. It is a great film to watch when you have a nice sound system to watch it on. The gunfire and sounds of battle are so intense at times that it can feel claustrophobic. It is very well done, and this version looks and sounds top notch. The special features fall on the other side of the spectrum. There is one special feature, unless you count a trailer for another extended cut DVD. The special feature doesn’t even really have to do with the film, but it is extremely fascinating. It is a PBS Frontline special about the ambush in Mogadishu. It is a great feature to go with the film, because it gives some context which will help audiences to appreciate the film better. Even more importantly, it may help educate people about what happened in Somali. The only problem is that this is the only special feature. There are no commentaries, interviews, or reflections about the film. To get those you need to buy the collector’s edition of the film.

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Black Hawk Down (2002) DVD review written by: Ryan Izay

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