Review of Pearl Harbor

Introduction

"December 7, 1941: a day that shall live in infamy."

The Second World War was now in its third year when Uncle Sam was dragged into the conflict after the Japanese bombed a military base - Pearl Harbor - and due to treaties and the like, this meant that the USA entered on the Allies` side, just like they did in the First World War, and leant some much needed support to what could have become a non-existent Allied front.

The seventh day in December began just like any other: the sun was shining, the populace were going about their daily lives, and then, just out of the blue, fighter bombers appeared and began to annihilate lives and property. It was an unprovoked attack, an attack that would lead to severe repurcussions for Japan, and bring the USA closer to other countries who were fighting for the same cause - freedom.

In 2001 the `unprovoked attack` unfortunately got another lease of life when, as almost everyone knows, terrorists attacked the World Trade Centre in New York; the Pentagon in Washington D.C.; and crashed a plane in Pennsylvania (or, in the case of the latter, it was the heroic nature of the passengers who caused the plane to crash...averting a possible attack on Camp David: the Presidential retreat). No matter what date it is, attacks on innocents (or for that matter, unprovoked attacks on government officials) are just not acceptable they are savage and inhumane, and severe punishment is needed for the culprits.

The event that brought the USA into the war full of vengeance and anger has now, thanks to Hollywood, been brought to the silver screen. Before this 2001 production, there was a good stab at capturing the atrocity - called Tora! Tora! Tora!.

In those days, Hollywood didn`t change history as much as they do now, so seeing a post-milennium production of a pre-milennium event should surely be an action-packed, yet inaccurate rendition...

Video

It is presented in 2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen, and the visuals are excellent. Good definition, no dust nor grain evident throughout, thankful abscence of compression signs...this is a typical 21st century transfer - very watchable but not the best. But hey, it does the job very well, and this is an example of why DVD is the medium nowadays.

Michael Bay, of Bad Boys and Armageddon fame, directs, and he works with Jerry Bruckheimer. When you have the Bay/Bruckheimer partnership, one thing is certain - there will be some very large action set-pieces, and of course, Pearl Harbor is no exception. The film`s central event is of course the bombing sequence, and subsequent retaliation from the Americans (which is historically inaccurate in parts).

Audio

A DD 5.1 track is on offer, and the surrounds are used to very good effect, with the subwoofer getting a good workout during action sequences or any elevated audio moments, such as the use of music. The main audio stream is crisp and clear, with the ambience levels just right. This is the trademark audio track for DVD, and whilst better than others, isn`t the best that has ever been put together, but it still is a very accomplished track.

The script is what I would call `historical fiction` - the plot is based around real events, with fictional characters and events, and of course, some artistic licence has been taken with some of the non-fiction parts, no doubt to offer a more action-packed experience for the consumer. However, for what we get in the rather long running time (176 minutes) is an enjoyable screenplay written with some subtle touches that do add to the `everyone knows what is coming` attitude to offer a more diverse narrative.

Features

When Buena Vista announced this as a two-disc DVD, I, and no doubt most others, expected a hefty package of extras on the second disc. But, the real reason this is a two-disc package is that if viewers want the film with a good transfer and audio, due to the running time, fitting the feature plus any amount of extras on one disc is unreasonable.

So, although the second disc isn`t half as big quantity wise as other releases, what we get is very good. The main extra is a making-of, a 50 minute affair that covers almost every aspect of the production, and is very interesting.

Then, there is a "Japanese Perspective" extra that does show some compassion towards the Japs, but of course isn`t very substantial in running time! It does show that we are able to offer both sides of the story, even if we are slightly biased - but at least they went to the effort to try and show people both sides of the rather complex story.

There is also a music video, "I`ll Be There" by Faith Hill. This was nominated for an Oscar (rightly so), and is a ballad that compliments the romantic tone of the film and also serves as a summary of the events. It is sung well, and the video is good, containing clips from the film.

The final extra is a theatrical trailer: and it is quite a good one at that.

The menus are animated with music in the background and the odd bit of animation. They are easy to navigate.

Conclusion

The film focuses on three characters - Captain Rafe McCawley (Ben Affleck), Captain Daniel Walker (Josh Hartnett) and Evelyn Stewart (Kate Beckinsale). They are part of a love triangle which takes place during the backdrop of the events of December 7.

As you have no doubt guessed from the names, Affleck and Hartnett play Air Force pilots, and they play them well, with genuine conviction. Brit actress Beckinsale backs them up well as the nurse who works on the island, who is thrown into a crisis emergency-wise and also romance-wise.

Although Pearl Harbor is plagued with inaccuracies that will annoy some viewers, the story is strong and captivating, and the film is handled with care that makes you empathise with the characters - both American and Japansese, although of course, the USA is portrayed as a liberal nation who are completely in the right. Whether you believe this or not, the film contains patriotic notions that seem all the more relevant post 9-11.

This won`t be to everyone`s tastes - it is advertised as a war flick, yet is really a bit of a genre bender: romance, suspense, action, and drama. But, the majority will be pleasantly surprised that Hollywood can still deliver a good biopic of an infamous event and do it well. Granted, if the odd OTT bit had been excluded, this would have been excellent. As it stands, it is a very good paste of a fiction and non-fiction.

The DVD itself is strong - presentation is perfectly acceptable, and the extras are quality not quantity. The main thing missing is a commentary from cast and crew, but the extras problem has been rectified recently after Buena Vista released a three-disc Ultimate Edition. However, DVD owners who don`t necessarily want a massive selection of extras can do no wrong with this release.

Well worth a rent, and because the DVD is dropping in price now, a purchase is recommended.