U-571 (HD DVD)

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The 2.35:1 transfer is as clear as anything yet shown on the new format. Given its dark nature, "U-571" exhibits superior black levels and shadow detail. Skin tones are warm and properly contrasted. Colors are a bit drab given the subject matter, but absolutely no complaints from this reviewer. There is a lot of water in this film. The submarine leaks throughout the entire film. The ´wet´ look that the sets and actors are constantly subjected too is noteworthy. The reflection and shine of these wet surfaces shows the detail and clarity that HD-DVD is capable of. Compared to the standard definition DVD, the water looks wet. It´s a wonderful effect.

Audio:
One of the reasons I love submarine films is for the experience. Submarine films sound great. "U-571" does not disappoint and you feel every depth charge that is exploded. Sonar pings echo through the entire film and the sound of water easily sends some helpless viewers on a run to the nearest bathroom facility. The sound is simply incredible. Visually, the film is stunning as well. The sets are very realistic and well done. This HD-DVD sounds phenomenal and rivals any current home theater soundtrack and "U-571" is a film with more than one scene that will proudly show off even the best home theater setups.

The disc contains English, Spanish and French Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 mixes. For those without six channel analog inputs, both a Dolby Digital 5.1 mix and a DTS 5.1 mix are provided. Of course, the Dolby Digital Plus track is the best sounding of the three. The tenseful moments when the sub seems like it is going to implode under the intense pressure is pure ear candy. When compared in an A-B test against the original DVD release, the HD-DVD sounds better with even more impact in its bass and sharper overall sound. The exploding bolts sound especially nice. The lesser 5.1 tracks sound superb as well and the DTS track slightly noses out the Dolby mix. The only complaint I had with the soundtrack was that some of the underwater scenes had their music and effects nearly drown out the dialogue. I had to adjust my volume to quite lofty levels to clearly hear all of the vocals. I like my sound effects loud, but there were times when the mix almost demanded to be played loud to hear and enjoy everything.

Extras:
The HD-DVD release of "U-571" features the exact features found on the older DVD release. Universal continues to simply copy their releases and only the "Bourne Supremacy" stands alone in having original content. Also, Universal is really starting to bore me with their identical menu overlays. Can we at least change the color or perhaps put a themed background on those suckers? I know the format is young, but this is a good time to experiment with the format. Us early adopters are much more forgiving than the general public.

The largest supplement is a "Feature Commentary with Jonathan Mostow." Mostow certainly loves his creation and he talks through the entire time with very little dead air. A lot of detail about the making of the film and decisions he made to bring the story to life are discussed. Mostow discusses how audiences (especially DVD) dissect films and pay attention to every detail and how he strived for as much authenticity and detail as he could afford to give. The commentary is a educational listen.

The fourteen-minute "Spotlight on Location: The Making of U-571" is the sole documentary on the making of the film. It is the standard electronic press kit that explains the reasoning for the film and does its best to highlight the picture. Dino De Laurentiis stops by to discuss his passion to do a World War II movie and the collaboration between Laurentiis and Mostow to make the film. "Inside the Enigma" is a relatively short featurette that gives historical background on the importance of the Enigma machine. "U.S. Naval Archives: Capturing the U-505" is a three minute press reel about the U-505 capture. Interesting, but it should have been much longer. "Creating and Constructing U-571" talks about constructing a full sized and sea-worthy replica of the submarine. Again, good but short. "A Submariner´s WWII Experience" and "Britain Captures the U-110" round out the historical shorts surrounding the events that the film focuses on.

Parting Thoughts:
I love submarine films. I really do. While "Das Boot" is the essence of the genre, "U-571" is an above average entry in the oft overlooked category of sub films. What makes these films so exciting is the tension and suspense provided by a vessel pushing its structural limits by diving far below the recommended depths. I think this is a mandatory plot line for sub films, but I can never get enough of it. With a good line-up of actors in Matthew McConaughey, Bill Paxton, Harvey Keitel and others and great looking set pieces, effects and reconstructed submarines, "U-571" stands above most submarine films made. The HD-DVD release does sound and look amazing, though it is saddled with the same supplements of the older DVD release. If you are looking for something to show off the sight and sound of your HD-DVD setup, this is the best example yet. Crank it up and sit back and enjoy every busting pipe, exploding bolt and creaking seam. This is not an award winning film, but it is an entertaining one.

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