The Bottom Line
Pros
- Intriguing, timely story
- Loaded with great performances
- Interesting and informative collection of bonus material
Cons
- You really have to pay attention or this one will be hard to follow
Description
- Starring Russell Crowe, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Mark Strong
- Directed by Ridley Scott
- Rated R for strong violence, including some torture and language throughout
- Blu-ray Release: February 17, 2009
Guide Review - 'Body of Lies' Blu-ray Review
The Story
Russell Crowe plays Ed Hoffman, a paunchy, desk-riding CIA veteran who calls the shots from the safety of his home in Washington, DC. Leonardo DiCaprio is CIA operative Roger Ferris, a guy who's actually out there in the middle of the action, facing off against terrorists and laying his life on the line on a daily basis. When a particularly hairy deal blows up in his face, Ferris must figure out who he can really trust while attempting to keep stay one step ahead of the leader of a brutal terrorist group.
The Bonus Features
The commentary track featuring Ridley Scott, screenwriter William Monahan, and author David Ignatius isn't the most exciting track ever recorded, but it is insightful. Listening to Scott discuss filmmaking is never boring so be sure to watch the five deleted scenes and alternate ending with Scott's commentary track on.In addition to a digital copy of the film, the Blu-ray release also includes Actionable Intelligence: Deconstructing Body of Lies. Turn this optional feature on and at nine points throughout the film behind-the-scenes featurettes on the making of Body of Lies will become accessible. Learn about the costume design, the shooting the film in unusual locations, and adapting Ignatius' book for the screen. And the Interactive Debriefing feature allows you to hear Crowe, DiCaprio, and Scott discuss the story, their collaboration on the film, and the film's subject matter.
Body of Lies fully utilizes the Blu-ray format, and Scott's lighting and choice of colors transfer quite well to the small screen. The quality of the Blu-ray edition makes it feel as though you're right there with DiCaprio as bombs go off and the action unfolds - it's such a clear, crisp picture. Overall, Body of Lies on Blu-ray is definitely worth checking out.
