Review of Dog Soldiers

Introduction

The British film industry isn`t exactly extensive or successful. The global cinematic world is dominated by Hollywood - yet again something American to rule our world - but each country tries to gain individuality with their own crop of films. The French industry, for example, revolves around Gerard Depardieu...

Aside from the odd gem (A Fish Called Wanda and Trainspotting for example), we haven`t produced any quality films for years. There were times when we made lighthearted comedies, at the legendary Ealing studios, and other films that didn`t try too hard at being perfect...instead they were tongue-in-cheek and downright enjoyable instead of aspriring to be something they weren`t, and in the process lose face.

So it is pleasing to see that Brit writer/director Neil Marshall has decided to give us a visceral yet amusing action flick that defines the popcorn genre, and doesn`t try to be some clever Hollywood arty picture that ends up on the `crap` pile for that exact reason.

His film is called Dog Soldiers, and it was well received by critics in 2002 when it showed at cinemas. The plot is typical `survival` - a squad of British soldiers on a routine training exercise in the wilds of Scotland. Their greatest worry is missing the football until they stumble upon Captain Ryan: the sole survivor of a Special Operations team literally torn to pieces. Ryan refuses to reveal the secret of his mission even though whoever ate his men is keen for second helpings. Luckily local girl Megan leads them to a deserted farmhouse deep in the forest, but when they realise that this is home to a pack of vicious werewolves it`s apparent their nightmare has only just begun. Sean Pertwee stars as the sardonic sergeant, with Kevin McKidd as the heroic private and Liam Cunningham as the utterly twisted Ryan. With only each other to rely on, the battle between men and monsters is also a battle amongst themselves - in which loyalty, bravery and ingenuity is truly put to the test.

Video

1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen. As one would expect from a modern film stock, the visuals are crisp and clear with deep and well defined colours: showcased by a wide-ranging palette. There are no artefacts visible, such as compression signs or dust and grain on the transfer, so all in all this is a perfectly adequate print of a recent film - something that should always happen with a modern release in this day and age.

Marshall`s past cinematic experience came from a short he made called Combat, so this is really his first proper venture into film-making. However, for an amateur, he directs in such a way that the frantic pace that he choses to use matches the tone of Dog Soldiers perfectly. By using varying shots and camerawork styles, the action is always fresh and engrossing, and also the mandatory shocks that define the horror genre are present, most of which will creep up on you convincingly.

Mention must also go to the editing, which again maintains a frantic pace, and is at its most convincing during the action set-pieces, cutting between the protagonists and the antagonists with style and panache.

Audio

Dolby Digital 5.1 (English). The surrounds spring into life frequently, as the film calls for such action due to its style and genre. For the fear factor, it is also fairly impressive, as the rear speakers echo now and again as the werewolves creep around, waiting to pounce...and when they do, the subwoofer kicks in and the soundstage becomes very active, with each speaker contributing to the soundtrack. And at other times, when the action isn`t as intense, the main audio stream is crisp and clear. Impressive.

Like the directing, it is clear from the writing that Marshall has a passion for the story, and tries to weave a narrative in which the characters` development is not comprised; and neither are the set-pieces. In this sort of film, the two areas should be balanced on a knife edge: and Dog Soldiers succeeds - from the ominous Captain Ryan to the gallant Sarge who leads his troops into this surreal battle for their young lives, they are rounded with rough edges...things that are deliberately left unanswered for the intrigue stakes.

Features

This was released through the Pathé rental window, so this debuted as a vanilla disc unfortunately. Can this DVD cardinal sin be redeemed?

There are two audio commentaries on the disc: the first from writer/director Neil Marshall, co-producer Keith Bell, cinematographer Sean McCurdy, Sean Pertwee, Liam Cunningham and Kevin McKidd; and the second from the producer.

The first is excellent: a real gathering of the type of Brits that we should be perceived as, instead of a bunch of upper-class, snobby w***ers who drink tea with their little fingers stuck out. Their buddy-buddy banter is a sign that the film was made in a jovial yet concentrated atmosphere; and it is also clear that alcohol is very much on tap during the commentary...something that makes it even the more accessible! One of the best commentaries - oh, and it`s informative too.

The second is a more low-key affair, with a producer being a typical producer and talking on more conservative issues than the first commentary does. This means that perhaps this track is full of more information than the former, and therefore makes essential listening as well.

A making-of featurette is a superficial look at the production, mainly due to its short running time - but the on-set interviews are fairly good, so this does offer something.

There are six deleted scenes on offer, all accompanied by commentary from Neil Marshall. They are really extended takes, although a couple are fresh; and he explains just why they were cut, although in my humble reviewer opinion, some should have stayed in. At the end of the scenes there is also a gag reel of the usual cock-ups that occur, and they are fairly amusing. A worthy addition overall.

A selection of storyboards and a photo gallery are the visually-themed extras - they do what they have done since DVD first came onto our shores, and aim to show, not tell, what happened during before and after filming. Good for those who like them.

Marshall`s short, Combat, is also included, and this is fairly original and provocative for a debut. A group of lads go out on the pull, and although there is no dialogue, the outcome of their encounters are clear: due to the noises, all themed around warfare (explosions for a fail et cetera). Good, and watchable at under ten minutes.

A group of trailers round off the package. Each one has a set theme, although they all use material from each trailer. Effective, mind.

The menus are animated well with music in the background and clips from the film playing alongside some nifty animations (token claw marks, for instance). They are fairly easy to navigate.

Conclusion

Visceral and definitely action-packed, Dog Soldiers is a revelation in British cinema! Considering the lack of more than a few good films coming out of our industry in recent years, it is a breath of fresh air for audiences who are sick of Yank cinema.

Marshall is the reason that the film works so well - his writing delivers everything that it needs to in the running time, and then his directing adds to the layers, creating something that is funny yet vibrant, intriguing yet action-packed.

The cast - a typical Brit ensemble - make the humour work and even evoke some empathy from the audience as they fight wave after wave of attack. The visual gags are also given a lease of life, with one of the highlights being Pertwee`s character yelling "Hit me, you pussy!" when he needs to be knocked out before an, er, surgical procedure takes places on him...and then his head rocketing back on the second attempt (complete with savage werewolves at the window wanting to get in and kick some human ass).

The disc itself is strong all round, with solid presentation - trademark DVD - and extras that are good, and nearly great. A more in-depth making-of and more interviews would have definitely improved them, but as they stand they are better than a lot of other discs` selection.

As a standalone film, this is great. As a British film, this is class. As a DVD, this is good. As a purchase, this is recommended. Get the picture?