ENEMY AT THE GATES

Paramount Home Entertainment

Widescreen Collection DVD, $29.99

Set in 1942 Russia, the citizens of Stalingrad are mounting a brave resistance to the invading Nazi army.  Fueling this resistance is the propaganda appeal of a local Russian sharpshooter whose combat skills have become legendary.  Soon the Germans send for their top sniper to hunt down this Russian hero.  The two men embark on a cunning and deadly cat and mouse game whilst soldiers are dying all around them.          

Enemy at the Gates stars Joseph Fiennes, Jude Law, Rachel Weisz, Bob Hoskins and Ed Harris.  It was written by Alain Godard and Jean-Jacques Annaud, directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, and features music composed by James Horner. Released theatrically in 2001, the film is rated R with a feature length running time of 131 minutes. 

The movie is presented in an anamorphic widescreen version (2.35:1).  The overall quality of the transfer is excellent.  Images are well defined and colors are accurate with fully saturated hues.  There is solid contrast with deep black levels.  Picture defect mastering is perfect with no major flaws or digital compression artifacts.

Video Rating: 9 out of 10

The following language tracks are available on this disc: English Dolby Digital 5.1, English and French Dolby 2.0 surround.  The following subtitle tracks are available on this disc: English subtitles and closed captions.  The English Dolby Digital 5.1 track is the basis of this review.  Dialogue is clear and natural sounding.  The surround channels are very active throughout the entire picture.  There are numerous instances of discrete channel activity that take place in both the forward and rear channels (including split rear effects).  The LFE channel is aggressively utilized to create powerful explosions and add depth to James Horner's musical score.

Audio Rating: 8 out of 10

The tactile sound effects for this film are fantastic and are present in a majority of the DVD's chapters.  The types of tactile effects that can be experienced on this disc include everything from light to moderate to heavy impacts.  The best tactile information occurs in chapters 3, 4, 12 and 16.  Here, the multiple explosions and abundant gunfire provide for extended, heavy impacts.

Tactile Sound Effects Rating: 9 out of 10

Bonus features include a 20-minute behind-the-scenes featurette entitled Through the Crosshairs; 9 additional scenes; 15-minute featurette entitled Inside Enemy at the Gates with exclusive cast & crew interviews; original theatrical trailer; interactive menus and scene selection.

Bonus Features Rating: 7 out of 10