Taking Chance (2007/HBO DVD)
Picture: C+
Sound: C+ Extras: B- Cable
Telefilm: B-
Kevin
Bacon may have set a recent record for playing official/military types, but
Ross Katz’s Taking Chance (2007) is a surprise. It may be short, it may be some of what we
have seen before, it may be part of a cycle of recent military films that
reflect on the current military state of things, but it is a surprisingly
effective story that tells us of one man lost and another man who finds himself
again by following his beliefs and bringing back a solider who lost his life
too soon.
Made as
the second Bush White House leveled the highest restrictions in decades to stop
the press from reporting, filming, taping or otherwise presenting solid
journalism on those being lost, as well as how many, this was meant to give a
new voice to that situation. Now that
the Obama Administration has lifted these restrictions so those who enlist are
not being lied to in advance, it becomes a sad, ironic footnote to one of the
ugliest eras in U.S. history. Well
acted, written and directed all around, it is another winner for HBO.
The anamorphically
enhanced 1.78 x 1 image is decent throughout, though some footage is analog
video and the mix has a sometimes documentary effect. The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is not bad, but not
dynamic either; a good recording with sonic limits. Extras include deleted scenes, making of
featurette Bearing Witness, From Script To Screen featurette and a
look at The Real Chance Phelps.
- Nicholas Sheffo
