The Film
When this outing of Robert Redford and Brad Pitt first came out in the fall of 2001, it was already late to the party. Arriving mere months after the tragic real-world events of 9/11, this thriller about a few of the CIA's operations in the last decade of the Cold War was already dated. But looking back at it seven and a half years later, the story just doesn't really bring anything to the table.
Redford plays an old spook, who on his final day at the office, discovers that his protégé (Pitt) has been arrested in China and scheduled for execution - talk about a coincidence of timing. What transpires isn't so much a story about how Pitt landed in this situation, but rather is just Redford sharing stories on his last day at work! The flashback narrative is interesting, but with few twists and just a bit of redemption as the game ends, it was hardly one for the record books.
The Picture
The picture is on par with the HD DVD release; and that is to say that it looks quite comparable to that of HD cable or satellite. The 2.35:1 presentation is a notable step up from the DVD version that was released in 2002, but this is hardly a drastic step up. The picture is clear, but it really doesn't show off Blu-ray's capabilities.
The Sound
The sound is where the Blu-ray has gotten a nice boost from that of the DVD or even HD DVD versions. This one includes DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, and the sounds are stunning without being overpowering. The soundtrack, as well as the ambient audio sounds come through nicely. While the story, which is more talk than action, keeps this from being a high-octane action film, the audio is noteworthy.
The Extras
Apart from the Clandestine Ops feature, which allows for a pull-up of information during the viewing of the film, the extras are the usual rehash from previous relases. And much of it, including the commentary is hardly anything that seems previously classified. The bonus features are also over hyped, notably the "Requirements for CIA Acceptance," which is nothing that couldn't be found with a simple Google search.
Final Thoughts
In its day, Spy Game was more hype than substance. The deal that Brad Pitt, who does look like a younger Robert Redford, was part of the allure of this one, even when it was being filmed. But the actors, who appear in flashbacks most certainly don't look like younger versions of themselves! And that breaks the illusion, especially since neither Redford nor Pitt tried to look "older" in the film's "present day" sequences. And as much of what is in this package is from the 2002 DVD, it is basically a dated repackaging of a dated film with actors that appear dated as well. Rent it first.
Where to Buy
Product Details
- Actors: Robert Redford, Brad Pitt, Catherine McCormack, Stephen Dillane, Larry Bryggman
- Director: Tony Scott
- Audio Languages: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1; French and Spanish DTS 5.1, English Dolby Digital 2.0
- Subtitles: English SDH; Spanish, French
- Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
- Number of Discs: 1
- Rating: R
- Studio: Universal Studios
- Release Date: May 26, 2009
- Run Time: 127 minutes
- List Price: $29.98
- Extras:
- Deleted and alternative scenes
- Clandestine ops
- Requirements for CIA acceptance
- Script-to-storyboard process
- Feature commentaries with director Tony Scott, and with producers Marc Abraham and Douglas Wick
