The Hunt for Red October

December 11, 2004

Rated: PG Runtime: 135 min Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

DVD Quick Take

This is by far one of the best submarine movies ever made. It may lack some of the realism of Das Boot, and it may not have the pure action appeal of something like U-571 or Crimson Tide, but for balance of action, intensity and a good story, this is tough to beat. It also marks the movie debut of the Jack Ryan character from Tom Clancy’s novels. He is played here by Alec Baldwin, but is perhaps better membered for later movies such as Patriot Games where he is played by Harrison Ford.

Just before the end of the Cold War, a rogue submarine commander named Ramius, played expertly by Sean Connery, takes control of the latest Typhoon class sub and heads for America. This sub is also special in that it has a new propulsion system that is untrackable as it makes no sound. Is Ramius defecting or is his intent to launch his missiles at the U.S. from just off our coast with no warning and start World War III? That is the basis of the storyline.

The DVD screams out to be anamorphically enhanced, and given that this DVD has remained one of the Top 100 sellers forever, it amazes me that the studio hasn’t done a special edition. However, despite being widescreen letterboxed, the video quality is great, especially considering the age. Some flaws can be detected, but nothing to detract from the movie, and overall the color is very sharp especially inside the subs. Audio is just as good. The Dolby Digital 5.1 track is solid and presents some nice surround and low frequency effects without being overly obnoxious. This one doesn’t go boom as well as some more the more pure action oriented submarine flicks, but the soundtrack is solid nonetheless.

You won’t be disappointed if you add this one to your collection.

Posted by Billy Bob | Filed Under 4 Stars, Action, Alec Baldwin, DVD, James Earl Jones, PG, Scott Glenn, Sean Connery