BLACK HAWK DOWN
 

Considering the gritty reality achieved by Spielberg with “SAVING PRIVATE RYAN”, it’s been hard to contemplate the possibility of another war film making as much of a substantial impact on the viewer as what he did.  Ridly Scott, with “BLACK HAWK DOWN” has done just that. “BLACK HAWK DOWN” is much more than a war film, it’s a provocative, patriotic, inspiring drama, refusing to pull away from the horrors and unpredictability of war.  The script closely follows the non-fiction book, detailing the failed mission to capture some top commanders for a ruthless warlord in Somalia.  Most people have probably forgotten the images flashed on televisions of the bodies of a downed chopper being dragged in the streets.  Thankfully, Scott doesn’t exploit those horrid images here at all.  What he does do, is succeed in presenting a visceral experience for the viewer where as one character states, “after the first bullet whizzes by your head, all politics are out the window”.  The film is about survival, camaraderie, honor, and other values. 

Just as “Apollo 13” brilliantly displayed how there can be monumental accomplishments even with a failed mission, “BLACK HAWK DOWN” proves that valor and dignity can be earned under any circumstances.

Even though the film was produced by Jerry Bruckheimer ,  “BLACK HAWK DOWN” seldom succumbs to the cliché dialogue permeating all of his past films.  There are a few brief moments where this happens, particularly in a soldier’s death scene near the film’s ending.  But, for the most part, the film is simply riveting, nail-biting drama, as the viewer, much like the trapped soldiers, anxiously awaits what is going to happen next!

The film begins with brilliantly composed titles, explaining what has been going on I Somalia, leading up to the planned extraction about to take place.  Scott allows for the script to play out with a less “hands on” approach than is typical with him in the past, and it works to the film’s advantage this time.  Complex issues are made simple to understand, and characters are well defined, something atypical in a Scott film!
 

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has preserved the film’s 2.40:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement.  This is a demonstration quality transfer!  Colors are bold and the image is stellar throughout!  While there is grain, it’s intentional, and the image, while processed, still looks outstanding!  Contrast is excellent, with deep blacks and grays.
 

We’re a little disappointed COLUMBIA TRISTAR didn’t include a DTS track!  Still, it’s an aggressive soundmix, There are also multiple layers of effects, dialogue, music and other elements.  All of them keep their distinctiveness, and there’s great fidelity and range.  Dialogue is free from distortion.

While short on supplements, COLUMBIA TRISTAR did manage to included a featurette “ON THE SET”, offering decently insight into a film’s production.
Theatrical trailers are also included, but not one for this film.